Cheap flights from Madrid to Valencia

Having touched down at Valencia 'Turia' Airport, just 8 km south-west of the city centre, you'll find several convenient ways to reach central Valencia from Madrid. The airport bus (línea 3 or línea 5) is the most economical option, departing every 15–20 minutes and reaching the city centre in about 20–25 minutes for just €1.40. This is ideal if you're travelling light and comfortable with a slightly longer journey.

For speed and value, the metro (lines 3 and 5) connects the airport directly to the city centre in approximately 15 minutes, costing €1.50 per journey. Taxis are plentiful at the rank outside the terminal building, with typical fares to central Valencia ranging from €15–22 depending on traffic and your exact destination. If you're planning to explore the wider Costa de Valencia region, car hire desks operate at the terminal; however, the city centre itself is remarkably walkable and well-served by buses, metro, and bicycles.

Coming from Madrid's architectural heritage, Valencia's most striking landmark is the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias), a jaw-dropping ensemble of white futuristic buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava. This gleaming cultural quarter contrasts beautifully with the leafy Turia Gardens, a 9 km linear park following the path of a defunct river—perfect for cycling, strolling, or simply escaping the urban bustle. The historic Old Town (Barrio del Carmen) rewards wanderers with Gothic churches, intimate plazas, and street art, whilst the long Malvarrosa beachfront offers a quintessentially Mediterranean atmosphere.

Key landmarks and neighbourhoods include:

• La Lonja de la Seda—a 15th-century silk exchange and UNESCO World Heritage site

• Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados—baroque splendour in the heart of the city

• Barrio del Carmen—narrow medieval streets, galleries, and vibrant nightlife

• Playa de Malvarrosa—the main urban beach with restaurants and chiringuitos

• Mercado Central—one of Europe's grandest produce markets, a Belle Époque marvel still in daily use

• Museu de Belles Arts—an outstanding collection of Spanish and Valencian painting

Valencia is the birthplace of paella, the legendary rice dish that draws food lovers from across the continent. The authentic paella valenciana is prepared with short-grain bomba rice, rabbit, green beans, and butter beans—simmered slowly in a wide pan—quite distinct from the seafood versions served in tourist zones. Beyond the rice dish, Valencian cuisine reflects centuries of Mediterranean and Moorish heritage, combining fresh local produce with time-honoured techniques. Dinner culture is leisurely, with most restaurants opening around 20:00, and the waterfront districts and Turia-side terraces are excellent for spotting where locals eat.

Specialities worth trying include:

• Paella Valenciana—rabbit, beans, and short-grain rice cooked in a wide pan

• Fideuà—short noodles substituted for rice, often with shellfish

• All i pebre—traditional eel stew with paprika and garlic

• Esgarraet—refreshing salad of beetroot, salt cod, and orange

• Buñuelos—light pumpkin or squash fritters, popular as street food

• Agua de Valencia—a sweetish, fizzy aperitif made with sparkling wine and cava, ideal before or after meals