Valencia 📖 🌐 - 2-Day Detailed Itinerary
Trip Overview
- Dates: August 12-14, 2025 (2 nights, 1.5 days)
- Hotel: Meliá Valencia • 🌐
- Family: Craig, Emily, and Mia Lebowitz
- Focus: Beaches, science/aquarium, markets, paella, people watching
Day 1 - August 12 (Arrival from Barcelona)
Morning: 8 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. - Barcelona Departure
- 8 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.: Final Barcelona activities and packing
- 10 a.m.: Early checkout from Hilton Diagonal Mar
- 10:15 a.m.: EUROMED train departure to Valencia
Afternoon: 1:13 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Arrival & Beach Time
1:13 p.m. - 2 p.m.: Arrival & Hotel Transfer
- 1:13 p.m.: Arrive Valencia Estación Nord 🌐
- 1:30 p.m.: Taxi to Meliá Valencia • 🌐 (15 minutes) 🗺️
- 2 p.m.: Hotel check-in (digital check-in speeds process)
- 2:30 p.m.: Quick room settling and beach prep
3 p.m. - 5 p.m.: Valencia Beach Introduction
- Location: Malvarrosa Beach 📖 🎥 🌐 (15-minute taxi) 🗺️
- Why Malvarrosa: Wide, family-friendly, great facilities
- Activities:
- Mediterranean swimming (perfect August temperature)
- Beach volleyball courts to watch
- Beachfront promenade (Paseo Marítimo 🌐)
- Playground areas for Mia
- People Watching: Local families, beach sports, sunset joggers
- Refreshments: Chiringuito for drinks and ice cream
- Family Fun: Sandcastles, shell collecting
Evening: 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Old Town & Dinner
5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Return & Freshen Up
- Transport: Taxi back to hotel 🗺️
- Rest: Quick showers and change
- Prep: Light clothing for evening (still warm)
6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.: Carmen District 🎥 🌐 Walk
- Location: Valencia’s historic center (15-minute walk from hotel) 🗺️
- Highlights:
- Torres de Serranos • 🌐 (medieval gates) 🗺️
- Plaza de la Virgen 🌐 (lively square)
- Street art and narrow medieval streets
- Local shops and cafés
- People Watching: Evening paseo tradition
- Photo Ops: Golden hour lighting on historic buildings
8 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Authentic Paella Dinner
- Location: Las Arenas beach 🎥 🌐 area or city center 🗺️
- Reservation: La Pepica • 🌐 (Hemingway’s favorite, beachfront) 🗺️
- No reservation alternative: Casa Roberto • 🌐 (traditional, family-run) 🗺️
- Must Try: Paella Valenciana (rabbit, beans) or Seafood Paella
- Kid-Friendly: Arroz a banda (rice with fish stock)
- Experience: Watch paella preparation in huge pans
- Dining: Authentic paella experience
- Timing: Spanish dinner time, locals eat late
Day 2 - August 13 (Full Valencia Day)
Morning: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. - City of Arts and Sciences 📖 🎥 • 🌐
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.: Hotel Breakfast & Departure
- Breakfast: Hotel buffet or nearby café
- Transport: Walk (20 minutes) or taxi to City of Arts and Sciences 🗺️
- Arrival: 10 a.m. to beat crowds and heat
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.: L’Oceanogràfic 📖 🎥 • 🌐 (Europe’s Largest Aquarium) 🗺️
- Why Visit: Absolutely perfect for families
- Highlights:
- Underwater Tunnels: Walk through shark/ray tunnels
- Dolphin Show: Check schedule (usually 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m.)
- Arctic Zone: Beluga whales and walruses
- Mediterranean Area: Local marine life
- Tropical Seas: Colorful reef fish
- Wetlands Aviary: Walk-through bird habitat
- Duration: 3.5-4 hours minimum
- Tips:
- Buy combo ticket with Science Museum
- Bring sun protection for outdoor areas
- Restaurant inside if needed
- Admission: Family tickets required
- Family Activity: Scavenger hunt for different species
Afternoon: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. - Science Museum & Lunch
2 p.m. - 3 p.m.: Lunch Break
- Reservation: Submarino Restaurant • 🌐 (underwater dining at Oceanogràfic) 🗺️
- No reservation alternative: Kiosco La Pérgola 🌐 (garden café) 🗺️
- Alternative: Picnic in Turia Gardens 🌐
- Rest: Air-conditioned break from heat
3 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.: Príncipe Felipe Science Museum 🎥 • 🌐
- Location: Same complex (5-minute walk) 🗺️
- Perfect for Mia: “Forbidden to NOT touch” motto
- Highlights:
- Interactive science experiments
- Space and astronomy section
- Electricity demonstrations
- Giant DNA model to climb
- Foucault Pendulum
- Duration: 2.5 hours ideal
- Admission: Entry tickets required
- Pro Tip: 3rd floor has best kid activities
5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m.: Hemisfèric • 🌐 (Optional) 🗺️
- What: IMAX cinema and planetarium
- Shows: Nature documentaries, space films
- Duration: 45-minute shows
- Admission: Entry tickets required
- Skip if: Kids are tired, prefer beach time
Evening: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. - Central Market & Farewell
6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Mercado Central 📖 🎥 • 🌐
- Location: Plaza del Mercado 🌐 (taxi from Sciences) 🗺️
- Why Visit: One of Europe’s largest fresh markets
- Architecture: Stunning Art Nouveau building
- Activities:
- Browse 1,200+ stalls
- Fresh fruit juice at Central Bar • 🌐 🗺️
- Buy jamón, cheese, olives for picnic
- Watch vendors calling out deals
- Beautiful ceramic tile details
- People Watching: Locals doing daily shopping
- Family Fun: Count different types of fish
- Closes: 8:30 p.m. (Spanish markets close late)
7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.: Ruzafa Neighborhood 🌐
- Location: Valencia’s hipster district (10-minute walk) 🗺️
- Why Visit: Trendy area, great people watching
- Activities:
- Street art tour (self-guided)
- Boutique shops and galleries
- Horchatería for horchata and fartons
- Plaza de Ruzafa 🌐 for people watching 🗺️
- Vibe: Young, creative, multicultural
9 p.m. - 10 p.m.: Farewell Valencia Dinner
- Location: Ruzafa restaurant or return to beach
- Reservation: Canalla Bistro • 🌐 (by Michelin chef Ricard Camarena) 🗺️
- No reservation alternative: La Más Bonita 🌐 (Italian, family-friendly) 🗺️
- Light Meal: Tomorrow is travel day
- Toast: To Valencia memories
Day 3 - August 14 (Departure to Alicante)
Morning: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Final Valencia Activities
9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Turia Gardens • 🌐
- Location: Former riverbed turned park 🗺️
- Why Visit: Unique urban park, morning joggers
- Activities:
- Gulliver Playground 🌐 (giant climbing structure) 🗺️
- Bike rental for family ride 🗺️
- Morning exercise groups to watch
- Bridges with city views
- Family Perfect: Safe, car-free cycling
10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.: Final Beach Visit or Shopping
- Option A: Quick beach dip at Las Arenas 🎥 🌐 🗺️
- Option B: Colón Market • 🌐 for souvenirs 🗺️
- Option C: Pack and relax at hotel
11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Return to Hotel
- Pack: Final packing
- Checkout: By 12 p.m.
- Luggage: Store at hotel if needed
Afternoon: 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. - Departure
12 p.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Quick Lunch & Final Activities
- Quick Lunch Options:
- Near Station: Saona Estación del Norte 🌐 (fast service, Mediterranean) 🗺️
- Takeaway: Mercat de Colón 🌐 (gourmet food court) 🗺️
- Note: Earlier departure requires faster morning schedule
12:30 p.m. - 1:23 p.m.: Hotel to Station
- Transport: Taxi to Valencia Estación Nord 🌐 🗺️
- Timing: Arrive by 12:50 p.m. for 1:23 p.m. departure
- Check-in: Present tickets and IDs at platform
1:23 p.m. - 3:40 p.m.: EUROMED Train to Alicante 📄
- Train: EUROMED 01101 CONFORT Class
- Departure: Valencia Estación Nord 🌐 at 1:23 p.m. CEST
- Arrival: Alicante Terminal 🌐 at 3:40 p.m. CEST
- Duration: 2 hours 17 minutes
- Seats: Car 12, Seats 6A, 6B, 6C
- Locator: 4WZ8ZJ
- Tickets: Family booking confirmed
- Includes: Lunch service onboard
Transportation Guide
Getting Around Valencia
- Metro: Single tickets and day passes available
- Valenbisi: City bikes, family-friendly
- Bus: EMT buses, same tickets as metro
- Taxi: Abundant, convenient for most trips
- Walking: City center very walkable
Key Routes from Meliá Valencia
- To Beach: 15 minutes by taxi
- To Old Town: 15-minute walk or short taxi
- To Sciences: 20-minute walk or taxi
- To Central Market: Taxi available
- To Train Station: Taxi available
People Watching Hotspots
Best Locations for Local Life
- Malvarrosa Beach 🌐: Families, volleyball players, joggers
- Plaza de la Virgen 🌐: Evening social gathering spot
- Central Market 🌐: Morning shopping rituals
- Ruzafa Streets 🌐: Hipsters, artists, café culture
- Turia Gardens 🌐: Runners, cyclists, exercise groups
- Beach Promenade 🌐: Sunset strollers, restaurants
- Las Arenas 🌐: Local beach culture, chiringuitos
- Carmen District 🌐: Night life, street performers
Valencia Social Customs
- Siesta: More observed than Madrid/Barcelona
- Beach Time: Locals go early morning or evening
- Paella: Traditionally lunch only, never dinner
- Horchata: Afternoon refreshment tradition
- Falleras: Women in traditional dress (if lucky)
Family-Friendly Tips
For Mia (Child-Specific)
- Oceanogràfic: Dolphin shows, touch pools
- Science Museum: Hands-on everything
- Gulliver Park: Giant playground adventure
- Beaches: Shallow, calm, perfect for kids
- Markets: Colorful, sensory experience
Practical Considerations
- August Heat: 85-95°F, seek shade 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Beach: Mediterranean calmer than Atlantic
- Language: Spanish/Valencian, less English than Madrid
- Pace: Slower, more relaxed than big cities
- Safety: Very family-friendly, safe city
Must-Try Valencia Treats
- Horchata: Sweet tiger nut drink
- Fartons: Pastries to dip in horchata
- Agua de Valencia: Adults only (champagne cocktail)
- Fideuà: Like paella but with noodles
- Buñuelos: Pumpkin fritters (fall/winter)
Beach Guide
Malvarrosa Beach 🌐
- Best for: Families, space, facilities
- Features: Wide beach, restaurants, playgrounds
- People Watching: Volleyball, local families
Las Arenas Beach 🌐
- Best for: Restaurants, promenade
- Features: More upscale, better dining
- People Watching: Sunset diners, couples
Patacona Beach 🌐
- Best for: Less crowded, locals
- Features: Quieter, residential area
- People Watching: Authentic local beach life
Emergency Contacts & Useful Info
- Hotel: Meliá Valencia - +34 963 03 00 00
- Tourist Info: Plaza de la Reina 🌐 - +34 963 153 931
- Beach Emergency: 112 (lifeguards on duty)
- Taxi: +34 963 571 313
- Hospital: Hospital Clínico 🌐 - +34 961 973 500
- Police: 091 (National) or 092 (Local)
Departure Day Tips
To Alicante (August 14) - CONFIRMED BOOKING
- Train: EUROMED 01101 - 1:23 p.m. departure CEST
- Duration: 2h 17m (arrives 3:40 p.m. CEST)
- Station: Valencia Estación Nord 🌐
- Tickets: BOOKED - Locator 4WZ8ZJ 📄
Luggage Strategy
- Hotel Storage: Usually free until afternoon
- Station Lockers: Available if needed
- Beach Items: Pack separately for easy access
Enjoy Valencia’s perfect blend of beach life, cutting-edge science attractions, historic markets, and that special Mediterranean pace of life that makes this city so memorable!