Valencia Airport (VLC)

About Valencia Airport

The east coast of Spain has been popular with holidaymakers for decades. It's also a much-prized area by retirees from colder climates, especially the UK. With over 300 days of sunshine per year, this part of Spain is attractive both for holidays and long-term living. And along with the nearby airport of Alicante, Valencia is how people come to explore this region of Spain from all over Europe.

Officially opened as a landing field in 1933, Valencia built a new runway in 1946 and added two more shortly after. As air travel grew in popularity in the postwar years, Valencia saw demand steadily increase. After the fall of Francisco Franco's dictatorship, Spain became the popular tourist destination it is today, and Valencia saw a surge in passenger numbers.

Valencia flies direct to around 20 different European countries. It flies to multiple cities in the UK, France, Germany, and other northern countries. As a result, the airport receives more than eight million passengers each year. With excellent transit connections to the city, Valencia airport is a great base to begin exploring this popular part of Spain.

Things to do near Valencia Airport

Because it's so close to the city, Valencia airport is close to many worthwhile attractions. Whether you are here on a short layover or are looking to spend more time in the region, you can start finding things to do almost the moment you step out of the airport itself.

• Get some shopping done at Centre Comercial Bonaire. This out-of-town shopping mall carries all the brands you'd expect to find, and is located just to the south of Valencia airport. As well as stores, it has plenty of restaurants and cafés where you can refresh yourself while you shop.

• Spend some time on the links at Real Club de Golf Manises. Just outside the airport, this small course makes a great place to get some exercise without straying far from the terminal. Play nine or eighteen holes and enjoy the sunshine on this well-designed course.

• Take a walk on the wild side at Valencia Biopark. This state-of-the-art zoo uses innovative multi-species enclosures that mimic as closely as possible the natural habitats of the animals. See chimps, elephants, giraffes, and other impressive species. It's as close to the wild as you're likely to get this side of an African safari.

• Explore Valencia's cultural side at the City of Arts and Sciences. This stunning modern building is home to a planetarium, an IMAX Cinema, and a botanical garden. You could easily spend days just exploring the city within the city.

• Step back in time at La Lonja de la Seda. This UNESCO World Heritage site is regarded as a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 15th century, it was once a major center for trade. Its name means the Silk Exchange, and it's fascinating to imagine the traders from across the world who once came here to buy and sell in medieval Valencia.

Transit options at Valencia Airport

• Metro lines 3 and 5 serve the airport and connect it to Valencia city center. The journey takes around 15 minutes to reach the city center and 20 minutes to reach the main railway station.

• A shuttle bus runs between Valencia airport and the center of town. The journey takes around 20 minutes and is a useful alternative when the Metro isn't running.

• MetroBus also offers a bus from the airport to Valencia. Serving the small towns around the airport, it takes 45 minutes to reach the city.

Luggage storage at Valencia Airport

However you choose to reach Valencia from the airport, it’s easy to make the quick journey into town. Within 20 minutes, you can be seeing the sights of this vibrant city. Once you reach Valencia, walking is usually the best way to enjoy what it has to offer.

You can make things easier on yourself by leaving heavy bags behind at a luggage storage locker at Valencia airport. Bounce makes sure you can drop off any size bags for as long as you need. Traveling light is always a good idea, so let Bounce worry about your luggage while you worry about making the most of your trip.

Activities and attractions near Valencia Airport

• Valencia Cathedral: Valencia Cathedral is a unique building. Dating back to the 13th century, its stunning open arches recall a Roman amphitheater as much as they do a church. Inside, the Cathedral is equally impressive, with its collection of Renaissance art. Don't miss the Chapel of the Holy Chalice, which contains an ancient cup claimed to have been used by Jesus at the Last Supper. Whether you're a believer or not, it's a fascinating artifact to see. Make sure you drop off any heavy bags at a luggage storage shop near Valencia airport before heading to the city's spiritual heart.

• Old Town: The Casco Historico, the Old Town of Valencia, is simply made to be explored on foot. Full of historical landmarks, the labyrinth of quaint streets also buzzes with bars, cafés, and restaurants. Enjoy the local delicacies and watch the world go by from a sidewalk table, and you'll be enjoying Valencia the same way the locals do. Before exploring the Old Town, make sure you leave unneeded possessions behind at a luggage storage service in Valencia to make things easier.

• Malvarrosa Beach: Take advantage of Valencia's great weather at Malvarrosa Beach. This huge stretch of sand lies right along the eastern edge of the city and is just a short distance from the Old Town. This blue flag beach is where the city comes to relax and swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. As well as sand and sun, you'll find plenty of stores and restaurants along the seafront promenade, so you can easily spend a day or more on this beautiful urban beach.