Can You Travel to Valencia, Spain Now? – Explained

Are you looking forward to your summer holiday this year and have the great Spanish city of Valencia in your mind? You are one of many travelers, who look forward to visiting the gorgeous city in Southern Spain and enjoy all its wonderful sights. But due to the situation with the Corona virus, you are unsure whether you could travel there now.

The answer is that it depends on the country where you are located. International travelers who are not from one of the European Union countries as well as the UK can’t currently travel to Valencia, while EU and UK citizens can enter the country, but they need to present a PCR test with negative result, taken less than 72 hours before their arrival.

Entry Restrictions for EU And UK Citizens – Requirements and Precautions

If you come from an EU or UK country, there are several requirements which you should meet in order to enter Valencia. All travelers need to present a PCR or antigen test with negative result and which was conducted less than 72 hours before their arrival. In addition, travelers from the UK need to present proof of being COVID-19 free for at least 10 days before entering Valencia.

In addition to that all travelers from the EU and UK need to fill a health control form, which is usually sent to every traveler through a link for online completion (or sometimes by mail). This health control form needs to be completed at least 48 hours before their arrival. After submitting the form they will receive a secondary confirmation that they are able to travel.

Furthermore, travelers have to wear face masks always when they are outside and also follow social distancing rules.

Entry Restrictions For Non EU And UK Citizens

Currently, international travelers out of European countries as well as UK aren’t allowed to enter Valencia. Although this is quite a setback for those tourists who look forward visiting this great city, the Spanish government hopes that by taking such precautions they could stop the spread of COVID-19 cases within their country borders.

Of course, this measure isn’t set in stone and it depends very much on how the situation with the virus progresses in the coming weeks and months. So if you are interested in visiting Valencia and are not from an EU country, you should monitor closely if there will be any changes in the near future.

Final Words – Travel Industry Reopening After Pandemic

The travel industry has been one of the sectors hardest hit by the pandemic. Even though it seems now that things are slowly getting back to normal, this process is going at a slower pace than expected. In order to ensure tourist safety, governments need to take very precise measures like proof of being COVID-19 free for international travelers.

Valencia is a beautiful city and despite the current difficulties due to travel restrictions, I am sure that soon enough tourists can explore it again!

Insider’s Guide to Valencia: Uncover Hidden Gems and Local Delights

Valencia, the coastal city on Spain’s southeastern coast, is famous for its charming old town, futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, and its incredible food scene. But beyond these popular attractions, Valencia is bursting with hidden gems, cultural experiences, and local traditions that every tourist must explore.

Here’s a local’s guide to the best Valencia has to offer:

Local Attractions: Discover Hidden Gems

While the City of Arts and Sciences is undoubtedly worth a visit, don’t miss these hidden gems that only locals know about:

1. Mercado Central: The bustling central market of Valencia is a foodie’s paradise. It offers a variety of fresh produce, seafood, meats, cheeses, and other local specialties. Even if you’re not there to shop, take a walk around and absorb the market’s bustling atmosphere.

2. Albufera Natural Park: Just a short drive away from Valencia lies the Albufera Natural Park, a stunning lagoon and nature reserve rich in birdlife and charming villages. Take a boat ride and admire the sunset from the lake while enjoying a traditional Paella Valenciana.

3. Ruzafa Neighborhood: Not as popular as the El Carmen neighborhood, Ruzafa offers a bohemian atmosphere, with street art, creative food spots, and vintage shops. A perfect spot for a leisurely weekend stroll, people-watching, and café-hopping.

Dining Spots: Savor Local Cuisine and Discover Its History

When it comes to food, Valencia is known for its famous dish – paella. But the city has so much more to offer in terms of cuisine. Here are some local favorites that you must try:

1. Horchata and Fartón: A refreshing drink made of tiger nuts, together with a crunchy pastry, is the perfect snack to beat the summer heat. Horchata and fartón are served in Horchaterías, a type of café unique to Valencia.

2. Arroz del Señoret: A seafood paella that comes without shells, making it easy to enjoy. It is a more refined version of the classic dish as the paella is broken into smaller, easy-to-eat pieces.

3. Bocadillo de Calamares: A simple sandwich made with fried squid rings and a squeeze of lemon juice, this is a quick, cheap snack popular among Valencians. It is best enjoyed while standing at a street stall in the El Carmen neighborhood.

Cultural Experiences: Embrace Local Traditions

Valencia has a rich cultural heritage, and its locals love to celebrate their traditions. Here are some unique cultural experiences you can have in Valencia:

1. Fallas: A festival held every March, the Fallas celebrates the coming of spring and the St. Joseph’s Day. During the week-long festival, the city is filled with colorful sculptures, loud firecrackers competition and fireworks.

2. La Tomatina: A tomato fight held annually in the nearby town of Buñol. It’s a great way to experience a classic Spanish fiesta with people coming from all around the globe to join in on the food fight.

3. Visit To The Silk Museum: Valencia was known for silk production until it fell out of fashion during the 20th century. The Silk Museum, located in UNESCO’S heritage site, The Lonja de la Seda (The Silk Exchange), offers a fascinating insight into the history of silk production in Valencia.

Local History: Discover Captivating Stories

Valencia has a rich history, with stories rooted in religion, war, and culture. Here are some tales that every tourist should know:

1. The Holy Chalice at the Valencia Cathedral: Legend has it that the Holy Grail used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper is kept in the Valencia Cathedral. The chalice is considered to be one of the most important relics in Christianity.

2. The Fall of Valencia: In 1939, the city of Valencia fell to General Franco’s forces, signaling the end of the Spanish Civil War. The city has a monument to commemorate this moment in history.

3. La Lonja de la Seda: A UNESCO World Heritage site, La Lonja de la Seda is a Gothic-style silk exchange built-in 1482. It has an ornately decorated hall that represents Valencia’s economic and architectural history.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable Experiences

Valencia offers some unique experiences that go beyond the conventional attractions. Here are some ideas to make your Valencia trip memorable:

1. Hot-air Balloon Ride: An experience that provides an entirely different perspective of Valencia. From the air, you can enjoy a bird-eye’s-view of the city’s striking architecture and tranquil countryside.

2. Bike Riding Along the Turia Gardens: The Turia Gardens, which used to be a riverbed before diverted outside of the city, host a winding park, and a greenway. Rent a bike and enjoy a leisurely ride.

3. Visit The Central Cemetery Valencia: An unconventional attraction, the cemetery is like an “outdoor museum,” with artistic statues and mausoleums in a peaceful garden setting.

In conclusion, Valencia is a city filled with so much to see, learn, experience, and enjoy. With this insider’s guide that takes you beyond the conventional tourist stops, we hope it inspires you to create unforgettable memories and fall in love with this charming city on Spain’s southeastern coast.