The Spanish port of València is a popular cruise stop on West Mediterranean cruise holidays. The city is stunning, easily accessible from the dock and has plenty to do in and around the area. Below, we share our guide to help you make the best of your time here.
What to expect when you arrive at València cruise port
València is located on the southern coast of Spain, with Barcelona to the east and Alicante to its west. Looking out over the Mediterranean, the terminal is situated on the Poniente Quay, with two berths (395m and 379m long, respectively).
Access to the terminal is straightforward via an elevated walkway. However, if your ship docks further away, free shuttles are provided to the cruise terminal. Once inside, you will find a variety of services, including a tourist information office, duty-free and gift shops, restaurants and toilets, internet access, taxis and public transport links.
The city centre is just 4km away. Although it is walkable, cruise lines often provide shuttles from the port to the centre of València. The València Tourist Card is a good option if your ship does not offer a shuttle. Prices vary depending on the duration required, with the card offering not only transport to and from the port but also free entry to museums and monuments and discounts on many other tourist services.
Plenty of taxis are also available, costing around 20 Euros each way. If your time in València is short, it may be worth booking an excursion or one of the private tours available to make the most of it.
Things to do in València
The city centre of València has lots to offer guests visiting for the day. Simply wandering around the narrow streets of the El Carmen neighbourhood, taking in the mix of Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance, and baroque architecture, interspersed with its vibrant green parks, is a lovely way to spend a few hours. The Cathedral Miguelete and Holy Grail is a highlight. Take the 207 steps up the tower, and you won’t regret it; the panoramic views of the city are amazing. There are also 34 museums in València. From modern art and science to the Valèncian History Museum, you can delve deep into the fascinating culture of this region.
The City of Arts and Sciences complex, where you’ll find an aquarium, science and art museum, is definitely worth visiting. We’d also recommend exploring the Central Market. As the largest market with fresh produce in Europe, it is celebrated for its rich and varied cuisine, incredible aromas and captivating Valèncian culture.
If you’re seeking something a little less urban, the beaches around València are spectacular. Discover trendy ones with promenades and restaurants just minutes away from the city centre, or for something more on the wild side, head to the outskirts of the city. Swim, snorkel, surf, or simply relax under your parasol with a refreshing drink or two.
Hiring a bike is a great way to see more of the city and get to some of the beaches further away. There’s also the València Tourist Bus Tour, or if you’re feeling adventurous, you could book a Segway tour for an hour or two.
Nearby places to visit
The Albufera Natural Park is a great place to discover more about the region’s biodiversity. Just 10 kilometres from the city centre, you can reach it by bike or take the number 25 bus, which heads straight there. The park is a beautiful combination of pine forests, rice fields, dune beaches and an expansive lake, all of which you can explore via its marked trails.
Port Saplaya is about 10 minutes drive by car from València. Known as ‘Little Venice’, it is a purpose-built holiday village with an air of romance. Picturesque and quiet, it has two beaches, colourful houses and a promenade with bars and cafes.
The Caves of Saint Jose are one of the most famous attractions in the area, about an hour’s drive from València. Take the boat tour on the longest navigable underground river in Europe to see dramatic stalagmites and stalactites filling these awe-inspiring caves.
