If you haven’t had the chance to fall in love with Valencia during the wintertime, you’re about to very soon…

Here are 5 things that we love and appreciate about Valencia during the winter:

 

1. Oranges

That’s right! You didn’t read that wrong.. maybe it’s not the first thing you were thinking we’d mention but Valencian oranges and mandarins are actually renowned worldwide! They are absolutely delicious and in winter they are in abundance in all local grocery stores and supermarkets. Not to mention that zumo de naranja is a must-try if you are visiting Valencia at this time of year.

You’ll see the streets lined with orange trees during the fall and winter seasons but you mustn’t try to eat the ones in the street! These are not like the oranges sold in the stores and are seen more as ornamental oranges which have a very bitter taste to them. The sweeter oranges you’ll want to try are actually grown in the fields outside of Valencia city.  

 

2.Sunshine

It’s no surprise that Spanish winters are much more pleasant than wintertime in other countries. The east coast of Spain has a very comfortable climate at the end of the year and is a great location if you want to escape the harsh winters of northern Europe! To get a better idea of the temperatures, the months of December, January and February in Valencia offer an 15°C in the daytime and lows of between 5-7ºC.

Although we don’t get snow here in the city you can definitely find it in other places! For example, you travel to mountainous areas like Teruel and Morella and have fun in the snow. Here in Valencia we usually get blue, sunny skies and rarely get rain. This makes it a great place to sit outside and enjoy the sun during the daytime without the need for excessive layers. A word of warning though, the temperatures can drop at night and in the morning so make sure to bring a coat with you wherever you go!  

 

3.Ruzafa

Ruzafa is without a doubt one of the best areas to go out during the winter months. It is vibrant, easily accessible and a really fun part of town! It’s just a 5 mins walk from the city center and is home to many cafés, bars, book shops, restaurants and markets. In the winter it is definitely the center of Valencia’s nightlife and really has something for everyone!

You can find art exhibitions, street markets and cafés that are bouncing with life during the day and at night. There are so many restaurants with varied types of cuisine to choose from as well as many local bars too. Whilst wandering through this part of town you’ll see the local and friendly atmosphere it beholds and the laid back environment of all the bars and restaurants on every street corner. Plus there are lots of Christmas lights in the Ruzafa area and that’s why it is  one of our top recommendations during the winter season!

 

4. The festive season

One of the best things about winter in Valencia is how the city celebrates Christmas with a plethora of festive lights, including various Christmas markets and activities to get everyone into the Christmas spirit. Not only are there a number of Christmas trees and nativity scenes dotted around the city, but you can also enjoy the ice rink and the carousel. Both adults and children can enjoy the festive season and Valencia’s Christmas events and activities will definitely keep you entertained during the winter!  

 

5. The sunset in Albufera

Valencia’s winter sunsets are absolutely stunning and the sky is mostly always clear and blue during winter, making the sunsets even more magical. We recommend capturing them from the City of Arts and Sciences, rooftop bars across the city and most of all, the Albufera freshwater lake.

The Albufera lake is about 15km south of the city, only 10mins by car. It offers stunning lookout points where you can see the vast lake amongst nature and enjoy the exquisite sunsets Valencia offers. What’s more, you can even take a boat ride out onto the lake in a typical traditional boat from this region. It’s a unique and wonderful way to behold the beauty of Valencia and in the wintertime there’s even a chance you’ll spot some flamingos out on the lake! The Albufera is also very accessible by bike and by bus making it an easy trip for tourists.