The summer heat is inevitable – that much is clear. The good news? Here in Valencia, the Mediterranean is just a stone’s throw away.
But the sea isn’t the only thing the city has going for it; there are loads more things to do and see that will make you feel absolutely refreshed in Valencia.
We’ve put together thirteen options for you, but that doesn’t mean these are the only ones out there – far from it!
Read on and you’ll see what we mean, because each idea comes with a packed programme of concerts, sessions and activities that you can mix and match as you please.
All nice and fresh!
#1 Visit the Modernist garden at Bombas Gens
With a ticket to “The Legend of the Titanic”, you have exclusive access to the museum’s garden, which covers more than 1,100 m², and which is normally only open to visitors on a guided tour.
An area home to more than 120 species — including olive trees, palm trees and centuries-old pomegranate trees, amongst many others — and a sculptural installation by Cristina Iglesias.
This summer, to make the most of the cooler hours, Bombas Gens is open from 18:00 to 23:00 as part of “Les Nits de Bombas Gens”.
Titanic + A visit to the garden
#2 Attend a concert at Roig Arena
No need to get all worked up before the show starts.
Roig Arena, the city’s newest venue, comes with air conditioning as standard and has become a stop on the national and international tours of major artists, so the line-up is constantly growing.
Check it out, choose a concert and enjoy the show without getting too hot.
#3 Spend your afternoons at BIOPARC at the best price
This summer, BIOPARC is extending its afternoon opening hours — with entry at 4.00 pm or 6.30 pm — and, as if that weren’t enough, they’ve organised a special offer so you can get tickets with a 20 per cent discount.
You can explore the African savannah, the equatorial rainforest or the island of Madagascar, enjoy the coolness provided by the park’s vegetation — which brings the temperature down by several degrees — and, as an added bonus, enjoy a snack in the food court.
I’m booking my afternoon at BIOPARC
#4 Dinner on a terrace
Dining al fresco is one of the great pleasures of summer in Valencia.
You can do so in courtyards, squares, rooftops — complete with sunsets — and terraces whilst enjoying the evening breeze.
Here is a list of all the restaurants we have selected for you.
I’m looking for a terrace for tonight
#5 Top up your bottle at the filtered water fountains
Valencia has around 80 cold-water fountains dotted around the city, ready for you to top up your reusable bottle whenever you like!
You cut down on plastic, stay hydrated for free and, whilst you’re at it, take the opportunity to stroll around the city and discover some of its highlights, such as the Turia Gardens or the Valencia Cathedral —which have a fountain nearby—.
#6 Enjoy a nice, cold horchata
Few things are as refreshing as a freshly made horchata made from tiger nuts, served with some fartons on the side, of course.
In Valencia, there are some renowned horchata bars where you can try it in the traditional way, such as Horchatería Daniel, Mon Orxata or Bertal. Which one do you fancy?
#7 Choose your favourite summer cocktail
Of course! When it’s hot, you fancy something with ice that has whatever your taste buds fancy most: sweet, bitter or sour notes.
And in Valencia we have an open bar of ideas: rooftops with cocktail service, signature creations and, of course, the all-time classics such as the mojito, gin and tonic or the delicious Agua de València.
The perfect refreshing drink for summer evenings!
#8 Enjoy an open-air cinema
Terraces, courtyards, cloisters and even the beach will be transformed into cinemas this summer.
There are free and paid film series, classics and new releases, screenings by the sea and screenings under the stars in such special venues as the cloister of La Nau, the courtyard of the College of Architects, the Rambleta and also fascinating indoor screenings at L’Hemisfèric.
Just choose a film and you’re all set: A brilliant, refreshing plan packed with content for this summer!
#9 Come along to the “Nits a la Fresca” at Villa Indiano
Ten minutes from the city lies Villa Indiano, a Modernist estate surrounded by the much sought-after Valencian orchards.
It opens its garden from Wednesday to Sunday and regularly hosts concerts and workshops, all in the open air.
And the best thing isn’t the coolness of being surrounded by orange trees, but the menu. All the dishes pay homage to the traditional evening meals of Valencian villages, using produce straight from the vegetable gardens.
#10 Don’t miss the “Noches de verano” series at CaixaForum
Every Thursday in July, CaixaForum València is hosting a series of events ranging from rock and roll to jazz, featuring a variety of activities, shows, concerts and workshops —many of which are free— for all ages.
#11 Theatre in abundance
If the heat gets too much, the city’s theatres are a brilliant option, with a very pleasant temperature inside.
The programme at the Olympia Theatre features the classical ballet “Swan Lake” or the musical “Tarzan” , whilst the Teatre Talia programme features a whole host of other shows.
Both theatres offer top-class theatre, musical and dance productions, incredibly comfortable seats and… a lovely cool atmosphere!
#12 More places to escape the heat: museums
Another sure-fire way to escape the heat without missing out on culture is to visit the museums in Valencia: La Almoina, the Ceramics Museum, the IVAM, the History Museum and the CAHH will provide you with hours of refreshing enjoyment and a variety of cultural experiences.
History? Art? Archaeology? There’s plenty to go round.
#13 Cooling down in the Mediterranean
And if you’re after a traditional way to cool off, you’ve got to visit the best beaches in Valencia: Malvarrosa, Patacona, Cabanyal and those at l’Albufera.
At many of them, you can take part in water sports such as sailing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or go on a catamaran trip.
Without a doubt, one of the most fun ways to beat the heat.
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