As travelers look to 2022 for their much-needed post-pandemic adventures, those seeking to indulge in the top echelon of design and beauty with a Spanish twist have to look no further than Valencia. This Mediterranean port city on the eastern coast of Spain is the country's third most populous and now, the 2022 World Design Capital. As border restrictions ease and vaccines continue to roll out, Valencia invites travelers to add the city to their bucket list for next year.
With its more than 2000-year-old history, the city's streets are soaked with influences from its Roman and Moorish past. Valencia is where the beauty of history meets modern design and architecture. The Spanish city is now ready to share its museums, galleries, gastronomy, picturesque neighborhoods, outdoor experiences and culture of arts and sciences with visitors seeking vibrant new adventures within its ancient gates.
"Valencia's legacy of design reaches new heights in 2022 as the World Design Capital and we want to extend a piece of this magic to all," said Maximo Caletrio, promotions manager for the U.S. and Canada, Visit Valencia Foundation. "Visitors will fall in love with the culinary temptations, miles of coastline, and the cultural offerings and festivities they will enjoy here. 2022 will also bring a vast array of events commemorating this important status on the world stage."
Some of the city’s design highlights are:
Valencia’s appeal also attracts travelers seeking a workcation. The city’s location near the water, year-round comfortable weather and relaxed lifestyle makes Valencia a great place to work from. With remote working on the rise, Valencia is ready to welcome travelers who wish to mesh their professional goals with their wanderlust.
Digital nomads can book a stay at the SingularStays apartments, a home rental agency that offers short-term furnished apartments with incredible amenities like access to a coworking space. Additionally, the coworking concept of Wayco has office spaces in the Ruzafa and Abastos neighborhoods. For those who prefer a hotel stay, Hotel Valencia Oceanic presents a package where guests can book rooms only for the workday while enjoying the hotel’s services and amenities.
Valencia is a pioneer in verifying and certifying the carbon footprint of its tourist activity thanks to a study conducted by Global Omnium in collaboration with Visit Valencia, and it aims to be an emission-neutral destination by 2025. Visitors who want to reduce their environmental impact can, for example, opt to explore the city on two wheels, taking advantage of its flat terrain and network of more than 90 miles of bike lanes.
Sustainable gastronomy is also well-established in Valencia, and the abundance of local products can be enjoyed in bars and restaurants throughout the city. Some go even further in their sustainable initiatives as is the case with Ricard Camarena Restaurant, the first restaurant in the city to receive a Green Michelin Star. The restaurant’s crops are grown less than 6 miles away where only traditional and eco-friendly agricultural methods are used. Camarena calls the restaurant’s experience “agriculture a-la-carte” because only what can be cultivated is what takes the spotlight on the menu. When crops exceed what is needed for cooking, the restaurant prepares vegetable semi-preserves to be used at a later date.
To avoid the crowds found in major European hubs, travelers can handpick Valencia and explore its urban modernity, historic central district, beaches and so much more without having to leave the city. The pandemic and daily stress have made travelers dream of a relaxing, yet fun vacation and Valencia offers experiences and activities for travelers of all backgrounds. Some might want to take advantage of Valencia’s cultural events calendar or renowned museums, like the National Ceramics Museums, while others may simply enjoy the slower pace of Spanish culture and prefer to take a calming stroll by the Mediterranean.
Valencia captivates travelers who like to enjoy the outdoors, take a breath of fresh air, exercise and improve their health. Visitors must explore the Turia Gardens, the largest urban park in all Spain and the green lungs of the city. The park’s route expands over six miles and connects breathtaking Parque de la Cabecera and the City of Arts and Sciences. It provides opportunities to enjoy cycling, mini golf, outdoor cafeterias, and a variety of flora. Sport enthusiasts can also enjoy nautical activities such as paddle boarding, wind sailing, and jet skiing.
Other developments for 2022 will include the Caixaforum, a cultural center designed to offer two exhibition halls, an auditorium, and a family education center within Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences and the Casal España Arena of Valencia - a 220-million-euro investment to create a multi-purpose indoor arena for sporting events, cultural and entertainment activities.
For more information on Valencia, please go to www.visitvalencia.com/en.
