Valencia in the winter

Posted by wendy.dj on 03/09/25 06:31 PM

I would like to celebrate a special birthday ( on December 26) in Spain and I'm thinking of going to Valencia. In the past, I've visited much of Southern Spain, Madrid and Barcelona. Of course, if I'm in Valencia I'd also probably want to return to wonderful Barcelona for a few days, too.
Has anyone been to Valencia around this time of year? How many days would be ideal? Any suggestions for must-see places? Are there other places in the vicinity also worth visiting in late December/early January?
My husband and I are no longer young but still in good shape and can hike, bike, etc.

Many thanks for your ideas.
Wendy

Posted by acraven

Washington DC

03/09/25 07:41 PM

28899 posts

I'm sure the temperature will be milder along the coast, so this might not be the time to venture inland. However, Cuenca is served by the AVEs on the Valencia-Madrid route, and Teruel is served by slower trains heading to Zaragoza. Cuenca, Teruel and Zaragoza are all interesting places. Teruel is especially lightly visited by foreign tourists. You could make a Barcelona-Valencia-Teruel-Zaragoza-Barcelona loop. Alternatively, you could travel Barcelona-Valencia-Cuenca-Madrid-Zaragoza-Barcelona.

Cuenca: hilltop historic center with hanging houses along a ravine. Small modern-art museum. AVE station well outside town, so research city-bus service and/or budget for a taxi. This ticket would be much cheaper bought well in advance. I'd consider it too costly for a day trip at full price (but I'm cheap).

Teruel: Some quirky architecture, including Mudejar towers.

Zaragoza: Very attractive historic center and a fortified 11th-century palace converted into government offices. Don't stay at the EuroStars hotel out at the train/bus station. That's a food desert.

Posted by Going234

03/09/25 08:49 PM

931 posts

some general info - 36 Hours Valencia, Spain (free for 30 days)

Posted by ekscrunchy

new york

03/09/25 10:43 PM

288 posts

We spent nine nights in Valencia last November/December. That's a lot but we had the time and it was good for us. From Valencia we rented a car and drove to Denia for five nights...also a great time of year and weather was lovely in both cities...cotton shirts during daytime with light jacket at night.

We concentrated on food and on sights in Valencia. I will offer a list of what we saw once you decide to go there.