Whether you like Valentine's Day or not, if you have a partner, it's the perfect excuse to do something special, whether it's a spectacular dinner, a different kind of adventure or a walk that leaves a lasting impression.
If you live in Valencia, you are lucky enough to be able to enjoy the city's most romantic places at any time, but that doesn't mean that 14th February is not the perfect day to rediscover the city in a different light.
And if you're thinking of a getaway to celebrate Valentine's Day, Valencia has everything you need for Valentine's Day: good food, breathtaking landscapes, culture and all kinds of experiences to make this date unforgettable.
If you still don't have a plan, here are a few ideas to surprise your valentine, or for surprising yourself.
A romantic dinner
If you want to impress your valentine with an unforgettable romantic dinner, Valencia has something for everyone.
If you are a lover of haute cuisine, you can choose one of the Michelin-starred restaurants such as Lienzo, Fierro or El Poblet where each dish is a work of art in itself.
If you prefer a good, traditional rice dish, Casa Quiquet or La Alegría de la Huerta will serve you an amazing paella.
And if you fancy something more informal, Colmado LaLola and Tapería Hispania are safe bets for tapas, accompanied by a good wine.
After dinner, it's time to decide: a cocktail on a rooftop overlooking the city or enjoy the Valencian nightlife?
Experiences for two
If you fancy doing something different, there are plans that take romanticism to another level.
A boat trip on L'Albufera with a paella by the lake and a picture-postcard sunset is a classic that never fails.
If you want to make it even more special, book a catamaran excursion at sunset and surprise your partner with a glass of cava while the sun goes down.
And for the more adventurous, Valencia also has a few cards up its sleeve, from a jet-ski tour or a kayak route along the coast,to an afternoon of paddle surfing at the Malvarrosa beach, there are plenty of nautical activities!
And if you prefer to stay on dry land, a bike ride to L'Albufera with a boat trip or a stroll through the Jardín del Turia public parkwith a stop at the City of Arts and Sciences, could be the perfect plan for a more adventurous Valentine's Day.
Culture, music and little details
It doesn't all have to be dinners and getaways.
For lovers of classical music, Palau de la Música offers a special concert on 14th February with music by Beethoven, which promises to give you goose bumps.
If you prefer to watch a film, there are more than ten cinemas in the city. And if you're more into theatre, the Vivirei Teatro company is presenting "Stellae" in the Russafa auditorium on that very weekend — a play that combines comedy and drama. If not, there is always the option of improvising an evening picnic on the Malvarrosa Beach with blankets, candles and a good wine.
And if you're still undecided, Valencia has the perfect shops to find something special, from a handcrafted piece of jewellery in Vicente Gracia, Siete Jewels or Torres , to a box of personalised chocolates at Utopick because it's always good to make the occasion that bit sweeter.
Plans for discovering Valencia
If you fancy more than just a dinner or a romantic stroll this Valentine's Day, Valencia has an endless number of activities to enjoy as a couple.
A perfect option is to spend the day discovering the most emblematic places in the city. A stroll through the old town, with stops at the Cathedral, Miguelete and Plaza de la Virgen, is always a good idea, especially along with a good coffee on one of the charming terraces in the district of El Carmen.
If you're looking for something more interactive, tickets to L'Oceanogràfic may be the perfect gift. Walking through the shark-filled underwater tunnels, watching the dolphins and admiring the spectacular aquarium setting is as relaxing as it is amazing.
And if animals are your thing, at Bioparc, you will find an area with a setting inspired by the African savannah that you will simply adore.
Art lovers? You also have plenty of options, from the Museum of Fine Arts with works by Sorolla and Goya, to the futuristic Centre del Carme. And if you fancy something a little more immersive, the Museo de las Ciencias Príncipe Felipe science museum awaits you with an interactive tour where you can learn and have fun at the same time.
A relaxing Valentine's Day in Valencia
If you want a plan for pure relaxation this year, there are options that will make you disconnect from everything and enjoy a relaxing time with your partner. And to do so, a spa or health spa is always a good idea!
In Valencia, there are places like Las Arenas Balneario Resort or Parador El Saler Spa where you can enjoy a water circuit, massages for couples and a whole host of treatments.
And if you're looking for something less intimate, there are also several open-air thermal places in the city.
Another different option is a session in an Arabian hammam, as offered at the Centro de Bienestar Al Amira (Al Amira Wellness Centre) where the warm water, steam and the relaxing aromas create an ideal atmosphere to unwind.
And to end the day in total peace and quiet, there is nothing better than an evening stroll along the beach. La Malvarrosa and La Patacona are the perfect setting for a pleasant walk, with the sea breeze and the sound of the waves as the theme to a perfect Valentine's Day in Valencia.
And that wraps up our things to do in Valencia on Valentine's Day
See? Valencia has something for everyone — from the most adventurous to the most relaxing. Whatever you choose to do, the important thing is to enjoy a special day in the best company.
And if you don't have a partner this year, that's okay! Any of these great plans such as a good rice dish, a glass of wine and a sunset are also a great idea whether you are alone or with friends in Valencia on Valentine's Day.
