10 reasons to travel to Valencia in 2022

Valencia is a unique combination of the traditional, avant-garde and sustainable. A vibrant city with a host of new attractions and accolades next year, combined with its long sandy beaches, natural spaces, great cultural offerings and exquisite gastronomy make it the destination of 2022.

1. Celebrate Valencian design

Throughout 2022, València will be crowned the World Capital of Design, and an ideal time to discover the work of local designers, architects, interior designers and professionals who have left their mark on the city and promoted it on an international stage. From traditional ceramics, silk and goldsmithing, to the futuristic designs of the City of Arts and Sciences, the design aims to improve people's lives connecting Valencians and visitors with their Mediterranean way of life. Exhibitions, conferences and professional meetings will take place in 2022. 

2. 10 new hotels for all tastes

Nine hotels have recently opened their doors to welcome guests in search of a little r&r and new experiences. For those who prioritise design, Hotel Only You, Helen Berger, AC Palacio Santa Clara and Yours have unique spaces designed by renowned interior designers. For adventurous travellers, Casual Socarrat, L&H Gran Vía and SH Suite Palace all offer themed rooms. And for the more sporty, Sercotel València Alameda offers scooter and bicycle rental services to explore the old Turia riverbed located just a few meters from the hotel. Puerta Serranos and Axel Hotel will soon join this list of new establishments in the Barrio del Carmen neighbourhood. 

3. CaixaForum València, a new cultural space

Lose yourself in this grand, avant-garde building and enjoy spectacular art under the light of the Mediterranean sun. The new Caixa Forum València will open its doors in the summer of 2022, after previously showcasing in Spain’s other cultural capitals, Madrid and Barcelona. Next year, Turia will take the centre stage and the exhibition will open in the spectacular Agora building, in the City of Arts and Sciences. The futuristic work of Santiago Calatrava has been completely remodeled covering an area of approximately 6,500 sq meters and welcoming up to 300 people. The cafeteria, bookstore and shop are free to enter and tickets will be required to access the exhibition area and any activities held in the auditorium. The perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. 

4. Valencia advances in sustainable mobility with street art

Spanning 5km and passing through 8 stations, line 10 of the Valencia metro will link the city center with the area of ​​the City of Arts and Sciences and the Nazaret neighbourhood. This new connection will not only provide additional transport through the city for both residents and visitors but will also offer visual art and colour at every station. The Ferrocarriles de la Generalitat Valenciana (FGV) body commissioned eight young Valencian illustrators to create an image of each of the stations encapsulating Valencia as the World Headquarters of Design in 2022. The aim of the art is to strengthen the bond between the residents of the areas where this line passes, and show visitors the traditions and life of these popular neighbourhoods. Following the pedestrianisation of the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the remodeling of the surroundings of the Central Market and the Plaza de la Reina will also soon become traffic-free. The latter includes several varieties of trees, awnings, fountains and water diffusers. 

5. International festival Las Fallas returns in March 

After almost two years celebrating the festival virtually, the Fallas returns with force to the streets of Valencia. The Fallas monuments of 2022 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento will bear the stamp of the Fallas artist Alejandro Santaeulalia, who achieved great success in the sector after planting the municipal falla eight times, in addition to the Valencian urban creator Dulk, whose work has been exhibited in Miami, London, Antwerp or Barcelona. Under the title ‘Protegeix allò que estimes’, the artists will merge their creations on a monument made with sustainable materials and that seeks to raise awareness of conservation. Furthermore, local artists Ceballos and Sanabria will plant a monument entitled: ‘També?’ ensuring that the celebration lasts year round.

6. Valencia, a model of food sustainability

Few cities have the privilege of access to natural pantries providing a wealth of sustainable seasonal products. València is surrounded by thousands of acres of fields of vegetables, vegetables and fruits, extending from Albufera Natural Park where various local varieties of rice are grown and the main ingredient of Valencia’s most notable dish - paella. The Mediterranean Sea also provides the city with fresh fish that is auctioned daily in the Fish Market of the Marina de València, and on the menus of many local restaurants. These two natural pantries, such as L’Horta and the Mediterranean, have recently joined the city’s urban beekeeping programme. Approximately twenty beehives are housed on the roofs of public buildings to pollinate and contribute to the biodiversity of the city's parks. València's commitment to food sustainability goes much further than this however and since 2019 it has been the headquarters of the FAO World Center for Sustainable Urban Food and a benchmark in the face of the challenges that large cities face in food and nutritional issues. In addition, it has been the epicenter of the best gastronomy, hosting the Gala for the presentation of the Michelin Guide Spain & Portugal 2022. 

7. Valencia, European Capital of Smart Tourism

In 2022, Valencia will be known as the world capital of Design due to its innovative tourism development in Europe. València has been chosen together with Bordeaux as the Capital of Smart Tourism for its advances and achievements in sustainability, accessibility, digitization and cultural heritage and creativity. Promoted by the European Union, 30 candidates from 16 different countries, including Copenhagen, Dublin, Florence, Ljubljana and Palma submitted entries. Valencia’s projects for certification and reduction of carbon and water footprints, the development of a complete Tourist Intelligence System, efforts to increase the space dedicated to pedestrians and the elimination of barriers, and the promotion of its cultural heritage ensured that Valencia took the crown.

8. #ListenValencia - live music returns to the city

Music is part of the soul of the city, not to mention the design, gastronomy and laid back Mediterranean lifestyle. Valencia's diverse musical styles can be enjoyed in a variety of unique environments including futuristic outdoor spaces at the City of Arts and Sciences, on the seafront and in majestic auditoriums with privileged acoustics such as Les Arts or the Palau de la Música. The long-awaited return of concerts and festivals sees the city’s events calendar already fit to burst with Festival de les Arts, 4ever Fest, the Concerts de Vivers and Diversity Valencia already confirmed. Find your perfect music event, festival or concert here:

9. Responsible tourism 

Valencia already has various initiatives in place to practice sustainable tourism and the goal has been set for its visitors to leave the least possible footprint and impact on the destination as well. WIth an efficient public transport network and extensive bike lanes on offer throughout the city, moving around Valencia emitting low emissions has been a reality for many years. Furthermore, there are also many existing projects for locals and visitors to get involved with including the conservation programme for endangered species that Bioparc and Oceanogràfic have in place and Valencia is ready to welcome sustainable travellers and encourage visitors to pack responsibility in their suitcase first.

10. A city of cinema

Over the years Valencia has become the backdrop for many blockbuster movies and 2022 is no different. Next year the city will become the setting for a series of both international and national television series and films. Avant-garde settings such as the City of Arts and Sciences, the winding alleys of the center or the light of the city all inspire film directors for their works. And in the summer, the city will celebrate the centenary of Luis García Berlanga, the great Valencian director and in celebration of this, on 12 February, the 36th Goya Gala will take place at the Palau de les Arts. One of the most important events on the Spanish film scene.