This Spanish City Is the Birthplace of Paella-and It Gets 300 Days of Sunshine a Year

"That translates to having front-row seats to the city's myriad charms and attractions-whether you're looking to travel back in time through its Roman history, eat paella in the seaside spot beloved by Ernest Hemingway, or visit one of the continent's biggest aquariums. And with 300 days of sunshine per year, on average, it's almost always prime sightseeing season. It's undeniable Valencia is trending upward."

"In the near future, the city will debut two major cultural spaces dedicated to its best-known artists: the Espai Manolo Valdés, showcasing the sculptor's celebrated works, and a new museum exploring the life and legacy of painter Joaquín Sorolla. And while the city is already rich in green spaces like the Jardín del Turia-Spain's largest urban park-new biodiversity corridors in the Turia Garden and community spaces such as Jardín Trini Simó are vital green refuges during the summer heat."

Valencia is Spain's third-largest city on the Mediterranean with more than 2,000 years of history, long sandy beaches, and world-class cuisine. The city offers Roman sites, the seaside paella spot favored by Ernest Hemingway, and one of Europe's largest aquariums. Valencia balances cultural depth with a relaxed local pace and fewer crowds than Barcelona or Madrid, with only a couple of tourist-heavy streets and many quiet neighborhoods. The climate averages about 300 days of sunshine per year, making it a near-year-round destination. New cultural venues will honor Manolo Valdés and Joaquín Sorolla. Extensive green spaces include the Jardín del Turia, new biodiversity corridors, and community gardens like Jardín Trini Simó.

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