Car Hire Valencia

You can really discover the full charm of this province by car and you’ll enjoy the experience of journeying along Spain’s coastal network that connects many major resorts and cities. While driving here, you’ll use the right hand side of the road and overtake on the left. As in Ireland, all passengers must wear seatbelts and children under the age of 12 aren’t allowed to sit in the front passenger seat.

Well-maintained roads snake through Valencia, linking its best sights and distinct neighbourhoods. From the historic centre, take the Carrer de L’Alcalde Reig down to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. A great place to park is near the Oceanographic Museum. Its long stay parking gives you plenty of time to explore - and Valencia is not a city to be rushed. To reach the Playa del Cabanyal, the city’s main beach, turn onto the Carrer de Menorca which will lead you the Avinguda del Port and round the marina.

Make use of Valencia’s fantastic location near to Spain’s motorways and head out on a memorable road trip. Toll motorways are called autopistas, using the abbreviation ‘AP’, and motorways are known as autovias, marked with the letter ‘A’. The maximum speed limit on motorways and dual carriageways is 120km/h. On ordinary roads it dips down to 90km/h and in built-up areas it’s 50km/h.

The 350km journey north to Barcelona along the AP-7 is more than worth it to experience the striking city’s Gothic architecture and Catalan cuisine. If you want a change of scenery, head inland along the A-3, following the winding roads which take you straight to the country’s sensational capital, Madrid.

Feel the temperature begin to rise as you head south from Valencia along the A-7 to Alicante, the historic city perched on the Costa Blanca. If you’re searching for a dose of memorable architecture, drive south along the A-33 to see the pastel-hued buildings lining the streets of Murcia.

Uncover a bounty of history in Valencia, with a mesmerising blend of Gothic, neoclassical and baroque architecture to discover. But this city’s beauty is more than skin deep. From bustling backstreet tapas bars where it’s elbow room only to miles of golden sand, this coastal metropolis has a dynamic culture just waiting to be explored.

Classical and contemporary

Admire the 13^th century façade of Valencia Cathedral, the Gothic masterpiece presiding over the city. Head inside the Roman temple-cum-mosque-cum-cathedral, through its colossal cast iron doors, to appreciate the interior swathed in a blend of baroque, Gothic and Romanesque detailing. Let your gaze wander to the lavish frescoes decorating the ceiling, stroll past paintings from world-famous artists, such as Goya, and see what’s said by some to be the Holy Grail inside Capilla del Santo Cáliz. Once you’ve explored the treasures to be found at ground level, scale more than 200 steps to the top of El Micalet, the cathedral’s bell tower. From the viewing platform, you can enjoy beautiful vistas of Valencia.

Next stop, Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas. Make your way inside this rococo-style palace to seek out the Museo Nacional de Cerámica which exhibits an impressive collection from the Iberian, Roman and Greek eras. Gaze up at the decadent ornamental 18^th century palace exterior before passing the gold-decorated doorway into a world of traditional ceramics.

Juxtapose this with a trip to Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Stand in front of this contemporary arts complex and you wouldn’t be alone in thinking a spaceship had landed in the heart of Valencia. Take a step into the future as you manoeuvre through the interactive exhibits that bring the science museum to life. You can take in a movie at the1 IMAX Cinema and spend hours wandering around Europe’s largest aquarium. If you have children in tow, book ahead and you can spend the night in the shark tunnel.

Valencian victuals

Take your taste buds on an adventure through Valencia’s myriad restaurants and bars showcasing outstanding authentic dishes of the region.

Sniff out Bodega Casa Montaña among the maze of backstreets near the waterfront to sample Valencian-style tapas. Take a seat inside the popular bar, serving up dishes since 1836, and sample fried anchovies, stewed beans and succulent beef tenderloin.

A bowl of paella is a must try while in the city, a dish invented right here in Valencia. Sample the local version – crunchy yellow rice laced with chicken, rabbit and white beans – at La Pepica, thought to be the best place to sample paella here, although the competition is fierce. Plump for a table on the terrace and enjoy breath-taking views of the beach and  the Mediterranean as you eat.  

Sunny side up

Venture beyond the city and enjoy a blast of fresh sea air as you explore Valencia’s best beach spots peppered along the sun-kissed coastline.

Pack your snorkel into the hire car and travel south from the city along the CV-500 to nearby El Saler. Lay down a towel on this pristine Blue Flag beach and enjoy the tranquillity of the peaceful spot. When the heat peaks, dive into the refreshing waters and see if you can spot local marine life.

Dedicate a day to visiting Barcelona, a 350km journey up the coast along the AP-7. You’ll fall for the artful charms of this seaside city as you wander from one quarter to the other, all with their own unique feel. Stroll along the bustling Las Ramblas then make a beeline for La Sagrada Família. Stand in awe as you admire the magnificent exterior of Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished cathedral, before heading inside to discover the tree-like columns of the central nave. To see some of his finest finished work, both Casa Batllo and Casa Mila (La Pedrera) are truly refreshing explorations of what a building can be.

Car hire in Valencia lets you unearth and explore the captivating city at your own pace, and offers you ample opportunity to cruise the coastline too.