The best ways to spend your Easter in Valencia

Easter is just around the corner, and you might have a few days off to enjoy the long weekend… What a great opportunity to visit Valencia!

Here you’ll find exciting art, great food, stunning architecture and endless green spaces to explore, all wrapped up in a mild spring climate.

Spending Easter in Valencia is a smart move. Just check out these suggestions we’ve put together for you.

Discover two of Valencia’s landmarks during the Easter holidays  

If you want to find out what makes the city so special at this time of year, head to the coastal neighbourhoods of El Cabanyal-Canyamelar and El Grao.

These barrios host Maritime Easter Week, which has been declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest and an Asset of Cultural Interest.

The event embodies one of the most unique folk traditions in the Mediterranean, reflecting the intimate relationship between the sea and the identity of its people.

Its processions and events are a visual and cultural spectacle worth seeing, whether you are a believer or not.

And if curiosity gets the better of you, the Cathedral of Valencia is home to the Holy Chalice.

According to tradition, this chalice was the one used by Jesus at the Last Supper, making it the perfect excuse to take the Holy Chalice Guided Tour. This walk through the historic centre, from the Church of San Juan del Hospital to the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, is a great way to learn about the story behind it and admire some of the city’s true architectural gems.

Culture in abundance 

This time of year is also the perfect time to enjoy the city’s endless cultural activities.

If you’re looking for refuge in the performing arts, get your tickets for the city’s main theatres, where you’ll find everything from major productions to independent shows that keep the programme packed throughout the festive season.

Yes to full volume culture.

In the Mediterranean capital there is no shortage of venues for live music.

Enjoy the concert programme of iconic venues such as the Sala Moon or the Sala Jerusalem, or visit the new colossus for big concerts: the Roig Arena.

During this week, you can attend performances by artists like María Arnal or Laura Pausini, or even better, treat yourself to a dinner-and-flamenco show combo and get a two-for-one experience.

Make the most of the good weather in parks and beaches 

Easter and spring go hand in hand. That’s why, with the arrival of warmer weather, people are keen to make the most of the open spaces around the city.

Visit Bioparc to be transported to paradises such as the African savanna, Madagascar, or the forests of equatorial Africa, or let yourself be captivated by the rice fields, biodiversity, and sunsets of the Albufera Natural Park.

If you’d rather not stray too far from the city centre, head to the Turia Gardens, where the old riverbed has been transformed into miles and miles of green spaces.

And if the temperature - which at Easter in Valencia is usually around 18 or 20°C - makes you want to go to the sea, you can visit the Malvarrosa, Cabanyal or Pinedo beaches, where you can also practise different nautical activities such as paddle surfing or kayaking.

Valencia’s Easter highlight?

Watch a traditional kite (called a cachirulo) being flown in one of its parks, gardens or beaches.

Get searching!

Discover Valencia in style from a tourist bus 

Another great plan to do this Easter in Valencia is to visit the key points of the city from a seat.

Comfortable? Well, let us tell you that, in addition to the views, you can hop on and off whenever you want at 17 different stops around the city.

It is the ideal way to get your bearings and get to know the icons before deciding what you want to visit in depth on your trip.

I’M TAKING THE BUS

Explore the temples of Valencian art 

Valencia has a network of cultural centres that are true international benchmarks.

The IVAM, the Hortensia Herrero Art Centre, the Bancaja Foundation, the CCCC, and the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia —Spain’s second most important art gallery— are some of the members on the list of Valencia’s best museums.

Take advantage of your visit this Easter to the Mediterranean capital to see 60 masterpieces by Sorolla, the great Valencian painter, or to step into the creative world of the illustrator and Fallas artist Paco Camallonga.

And if you prefer architecture, you can delve into the legacy of Francisco Mora, the creator of major landmarks in the city such as the Palace of the Exhibition.

How many will you visit this Easter?

And finally... Time to eat! 

Easter gastronomy in Valencia is extremely varied.

Whether you’d like to join in the vigil traditions or not, the Larder of the Mediterranean serves up spectacular dishes made with fresh produce from the fields and the sea.

The city’s restaurants work with these foods to offer you typical Easter recipes, but also to continue to surprise you with the best of our cuisine without leaving meat dishes out.

Want the perfect accompaniment? Pair these recipes with D.O. Valencia wines and, of course, give yourself the pleasure of tasting other delicacies from our land such as Agua de València or a horchata.

Restaurants, wineries and Valencian haute cuisine 

Come to Gran Mercat and try their gildas, clóchinas and boquerones, or head to Casa Montaña, the perfect place to enjoy an excellent wine selection, as well as its famous tapas and preserves.

International cuisine? Choose Alegal, a place that will surprise you with delicious dishes such as tempura prawns and its extensive cocktail menu.

And watch out, Easter in Valencia can also serve to get to know the mastery of our Michelin-starred chefs:. Simposio, Fierro, Riff, Fraula, Arrels, Lienzo, Flores Raras or La Salita.

Gastronomic experiences 

If you prefer to delve deeper into the origin of our flavours, sign up for an authentic Valencian paella workshop or take a excursion to the Utiel-Requena area for a wine tasting and wine pairing in a winery.

And no, you can’t leave without making time to try a panquemao or mona, a traditional sweet cake from the Valencian Community that sometimes takes the shape of animals and is served with hard-boiled eggs and Easter sausage.

Nor can you leave without fulfilling the city’s sacred ritual: the esmorzar.

Stop by Bar Mistela and order their famous Andalusian-style baby squid sandwich or horse meat sandwich with cheese and sesame meringue.

And if you want a two-for-one, try the Easter star tapa at Pelayo Gastro Trinquet, their take on the popular Valencian mandonguilles d’abaetxo, and take the opportunity while you’re there to see the only trinquete de pelota valenciana that still exists in the city.

Are you looking forward to Easter in Valencia?