If you're looking for a great city for your next getaway, Valencia, European Green Capital 2024, is your next destination. Here you will find lots of sun, low pollution and a pioneer city in sustainability: Valencia has been the first city to measure and certify the carbon footprint of its tourist activity, in view of reducing it. Do you want to go on a sustainable holiday to Valencia? Read on.
Discover the city by reducing emissions
Thanks to its mild climate and relief, you will be able to discover all of its corners on foot. But if you need to make a longer journey, Valencia has sustainable transport like the metro and the public bus, as well as a bike rental or the option of sharing an electric vehicle.
With the València Tourist Card, you can travel around the city and its surroundings by bus, metro and tram, for an accessible and sustainable trip. Did you know that Valencia has more than 200 km of bike lanes? Pedal around the city and discover its greenest side or, alternatively, rent a 100% electric car. Exploring Valencia without polluting!
Sustainable activities
In Valencia, you will find different routes and guided tours on foot and on bike to unveil the city's treasures. Take the Street Art Route will take you to the large murals that decorate the city, but you can also book a tour of Muslim Valencia, and also follow the route to discover how Holy Grail of Valencia Cathedral. The city also has a large number of green spaces, the most important of which is the Turia Garden. It's divided into sections and crosses the city from west to east, a must-see for any nature lover. The Central Park or Botanical Garden will allow you to lose yourself in a natural environment without having to leave the city. Through the app Valencia Green Routes, you will find the location of the oldest trees in the city, as well as routes and games to discover the most natural side of Valencia.
Markets with local products, such as Central Market or Mossen Sorell will allow you to discover local products from small traders and local shops in the area. And if you are looking for craftwork, fashion or jewellery, Valencia offers you a wide range of opportunities to meet the local craftspeople: From markets Made in Valencia to guided tours. Calle de las Cestas or the Colón area are just some of the places to spend an afternoon of sustainable shopping.
Culture and beaches
You can't leave Valencia without visiting La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, two kilometres where science, nature and art coexist in what has become a symbol of the city.
And let's not forget its beaches! 25 kilometres of coastline from which to observe the Mediterranean Sea and practice sports such as sailing and windsurfing. Did you know that seven of its beaches hold the Blue Flag certification? You cannot come to Valencia and not walk along its white sand while gazing at the crystal-clear sea.
Discover the area around Valencia
Near the city, you can also do other sustainable activities, such as hiking, canyoning, astronomy... But we recommend you start with a short visit to l’Albufera, just 10 kilometres away from the city. There you can enjoy boat rides, hiking routes and Valencia's typical gastronomy. You can get there by public transport or you can set off pedalling from Valencia, thanks to the bike lane parallel to the road. You can even take the Vuelta a la l’Albufera, a 78-kilometre circular route that crosses the rice fields, the forest and the villages around the lake.
Take the Valle del Cabriel Biosphere Reserve and Alto Turia Biosphere Reserve are located just over an hour from the city and are incredible places where you can lose yourself in nature and practice sports such as climbing or horse riding, as well as take a guided tour to discover the incredible fauna of the area.Gaze at the clear sky and get lost among the stars, a privilege that you can experience in the Alto Turia and Tierra Bobal district, two starlight destinationsfor an astronomical getaway. As you can see, Valencia has a lot to offer if you are looking for a sustainable tourist destination, where you can enjoy a sustainable holiday.
