In recent years, Valencia has become one of Spain’s most attractive destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions. Spain’s third largest city combines Mediterranean appeal with strong business infrastructure.
The city offers a practical balance for organisers. Large enough to host international congresses, at the Valencia Conference Centre (designed by Norman Foster) and Feria Valencia. Compact and accessible enough for delegates to move easily between hotels, venues, restaurants and cultural attractions.
Geography and history
Valencia is located on the north east coast, between Benidorm to the south and Barcelona to the north.
This is a city and region rich in history, dating back to 2nd century BC. Over time Valencia has been populated by the Romans, the Visigoths, the Moors, and conquered by El Cid in the 12th century. The 13th century saw the start of its Christian era and the foundation stones of her cathedral laid in 1262. Today sees Valencia reinvented again with the old Turia riverbed transformed into a park weaving through the city providing parks and leisure areas for all to enjoy.
The city is home to the festival of Las Fallas! Originating from the carpenters of the city burning their wood at the end of winter. The Fallas are giant papier-mâché monuments, filled with satire and art, set up in the city’s streets and squares. Firecrackers are set off every day at midday in the Town Square from 1st March. The festival culminates in a huge fireworks display and burning of the Fallas on 19th March.
UNESCO have declared Las Fallas an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Access
Flight access is great during summer but is more restricted in the winter months. The airport is well served by the budget airlines – easyJet and Ryanair – from various UK airports and Vueling from London.
Flight time from London is 2 hours.
Conference options
Valencia regularly appears on conference listings for technology, sustainability, education, healthcare and trade sectors. The city already has events scheduled across 2026, 2027 and through to 2028.
Hotels are a central part of Valencia’s meetings and conference market.
Larger 5 star properties with good meeting space include
- Las Arenas Balneario, located right on the beach. It has 253 bedrooms of nine standards with views of the city or sea. It has two conference buildings with large conference spaces and an auditorium
- Only You, located in the heart of the city. It has 191 bedrooms and four meeting rooms
- The Westin
- Valencia Palace
In the 4 star bracket, we would recommend
- Meliá Valencia, the tallest building in the city with 25 meeting rooms
- The Barcelo
- Eurostars Acteon
- Two NH properties
- the locally owned Primus
- Azz Valencia Congress properties
Incentive ideas
With a superb beach right on the Mediterranean Sea water sport activities abound – sailing, beach games and BBQs are some of the many options available.
As the city is relatively flat, a cycling tour is a great alternative to explore modern Valencia with the old city and history. Cycle tracks criss cross the city making it a safe option.
There are lots of options to incorporate stops along the way:
- a refreshing glass of Horchata by the Arts Centre
- try your hand at making (and drinking!) an Agua de Valencia
- marvel at the stunning, intricate street art
- visit the largest food market Europe, Mercat Centrale
The surrounding natural environment also supports sustainable visitor experiences. Just south of the city, L’Albufera Natural Park offers wetlands, rice fields, birdlife and traditional food culture, making it a strong option for responsible excursions or post-event programmes. A great day out is to hire traditional boats to take you to a local farmhouse situated right in the middle of the rice fields. Here the group can take part making the paella – or bring in an element of competition! – then relax in the gardens overlooking the flooded plains.
Food and drink
Local gastronomy, including seasonal produce and Valencian rice dishes, allows visitors to connect with the region’s landscape and food heritage in an authentic way.
Valencia is the home of paella!
Traditionally made with rabbit, it is also served with chicken, seafood and shellfish.
Horchata is the regional drink. Made from the tiger nut, this is a milk refreshment typical of the region. The drink is usually accompanied by a small sweet pastry. Delicious!
The city has plenty of high quality restaurants from family-owned up to Michelin starred. So many to choose from!
Sustainability
Valencia’s sustainable tourism credentials have been strengthened by its recognition as European Green Capital 2024. This award reflects the city’s long-term commitment to improving the environment, quality of life and visitor experience. For tourists and conference delegates, this means sustainability is not treated as an add-on, but as part of the way the city is planned and experienced.
Low-impact mobility is another important part of Valencia’s appeal. The city is relatively flat, walkable and well served by public transport, with metro, bus, tram and cycling options. All these support greener movement between hotels, venues and attractions.
For meetings and conferences, this can help reduce transfer emissions while giving delegates more freedom to explore independently.
A key strength is Valencia’s network of green spaces. The Turia Gardens, created in the former riverbed, provide a long green route through the city and connect many neighbourhoods, cultural sites and event areas. Parks such as Parque Central and Monforte Gardens add further opportunities for walking, informal networking and outdoor leisure. These spaces make it easier for visitors to enjoy the city without relying heavily on cars.
Considering Valencia?
Its year-round mild climate, modern transport links and reputation for food, design and sustainability make Valencia especially appealing for corporate events that aim to blend productivity with an enjoyable visitor experience.
If Valencia is on your event hit list, drop us a line to help you design your programme.
