Valencia, Spain's third largest city, is on the Mediterranean coast. Delicious Mediterranean cuisine, clean sandy beaches, daily siesta, local sights of different eras and unique Spanish flavour in general — this is what awaits a tourist who chooses this popular destination.
Kidpassage will tell you what is remarkable about the city in July and whether a trip with children is worth planning.
Holidays in Valencia in July: pros and cons
Summer Valencia creates ideal conditions for a beach holiday, so if the purpose of your trip is to lie on the soft sand, get a bronze tan, and swim in the sea, there is no better month than July for this purpose. Reviews about holidays in Valencia in July are overwhelmingly positive. Those lucky enough to visit this Spanish resort in the middle of summer were one hundred per cent satisfied with their holiday.
Among the main advantages, holidaymakers highlight the following factors:
- Weather conditions and water temperature. This time in Spain is a typical summer — it's hot outside, the sea is warm, and the sky is mainly cloudless.
- The availability and low cost of seasonal fruit. Shop counters at this time of year are bursting with apples and pears, melons and watermelons, cherries and plums, raspberries and strawberries, and other natural delicacies. The price policy is pleasant — fruit, berries and vegetables are sold here at an affordable price.
- Rich excursion programme. A week or even 10 days will not be enough to see all the local sights. Besides, Valencia is actively developing, and new museums, parks, monuments and additional tourist routes are opened in the city every year.
- A unique chance to take part in the Battle of Flowers (read more below).
It is pretty challenging to highlight any specific disadvantages. Of course, there are negative reviews.
Someone in Valencia in July met with rain and cloudy weather, someone was unlucky with the hotel, and someone was just not in the mood when writing a comment about a holiday in this city. But such reviews can not be called objective, so we can safely say that there are practically no disadvantages of holidays in Valencia in the middle of summer.
The weather in Valencia in July
Spain is sweltering in the summer. The weather in Valencia in July and August is much hotter than in any other month of the year. Perhaps it is the hot Spanish sun that attracts holidaymakers from all over the world.
The weather in early July is clear and sunny. The sea winds start to increase, but this is a plus, as they bring only pleasant coolness when the heat is high. The temperature in Valencia in mid-July is already relatively high, and the second decade of the month creates favourable conditions for a long swim in the sea.
It indeed gets hot in the city, but not so much that the heat prevents tourists from enjoying their holidays.
The weather in Valencia at the end of July will delight fans of extreme heat. The air temperature at the end of the month usually remains relatively stable, but with each passing day, the heat becomes more and more difficult to bear.
Air and water temperature
Valencia has a subtropical Mediterranean climate, so it is much hotter here than in other Spanish cities. The sun is quite hot during the day, but at night tourists and locals enjoy a pleasant refreshing coolness.
Air temperature in Valencia in July
The average daily temperature in Valencia in July is +30.9 °C. At night the thermometer drops to +23,1 °С. Evening walks in Valencia will please with its refreshing coolness.
Sea temperature in Valencia in July
The sea has already warmed up enough by this time. The average water temperature is +25.7°C, so those who come here for beach holidays are guaranteed to be satisfied.
Precipitation
July is considered the driest month of the year. There is approximately 6.0 mm of rainfall during the whole month. The number of rainy days in the month is one.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Sometimes the sky of Valencia is covered with clouds, but still, most days in July are sunny — nice weather pleases holidaymakers about 27 days a month.
Beach holidays in Valencia
July and August are the ideal months for a beach holiday. The tourist season in Spain lasts from March to October, but summer is the peak period — it is at this time the most significant number of holidaymakers come here. Beaches are divided into municipal and private. Municipal beach areas are less comfortable.
The rent of sunbeds, sun umbrellas and other equipment here is cheaper than in hotels and on private territories, so there are many more people on the city beach.
Almost all of Valencia's beaches are suitable for swimming. The Spanish authorities are careful to keep tourists happy with the infrastructure, so almost everywhere you will find sports grounds where you can play volleyball or football, in exceptional cases — even golf. Tourists can also rent a bicycle or a surfboard.
It is worth noting that the Valencian coast of Spain has the largest number of beaches in the country, which were awarded the "Blue Flag".
For lovers of active and noisy holidays, the Las Arenas Beach is perfect, where people enjoy all the natural charms of the Spanish coast and attend fairs and concerts held right by the water.
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Not far from Las Arenas is Malvarrosa, a top-rated beach with locals. This area is best suited for those who appreciate comfort above all on a beach holiday.
There is another unique beach in Valencia, Patagona. Its distinctive feature is a small river that separates Patagona from the nearby Malvarrosa. Thus, the area has both seawater and fresh water.
Playa de Pinedo is also considered an excellent municipal beach, a haven not only for ordinary tourists but also for sailing and water-skiing enthusiasts, as well as El Saler, where the sandbar neighbours a pine grove.
Tour Holidays
Despite the fabulous coastline and azure sea that beckons every tourist to dive into its warm waves, many foreigners come here not for a beach holiday but for the impression of sightseeing. Valencia, in this respect, can satisfy any request.
In early July, while it's still not too hot, walking around the city is best.
The first thing to visit in Valencia is the bullfighting arena (Plaza de Toros). Many Spanish cities have banned this traditional Spanish pastime, but not Valencia. The bullfight is still held here and can be visited by all thrill-seekers.
Not far from the arena is the Cathedral of St Mary. In addition to the incredible Gothic architecture, the cathedral's distinctive feature is that its walls store the cup of the Holy Grail, from which Jesus once drank. The Vatican itself has confirmed the authenticity of this relic.
What to visit and where to go if you come to the city with children?
The City of Arts and Science is a must-see during any visit to Valencia. In 1998, a futuristic complex was built, which is still considered a standard of future architecture. There are several locations of different themes in the City. Here you can see fanciful architectural constructions, unique exotic plants, and rare representatives of marine fauna.
The City of Arts and Science is very popular with families with children, as many attractions are explicitly aimed at young travellers.
When the city gets hot at the end of July, a visit to the Monforte Garden is a must, where tourists can hide from the heat in the shade of plant diversity. The green area covers 12 thousand square metres, where, in addition to exotic plants, you can see neoclassical statues, elegant pavilions and fountains.
Take a day to visit the local Biopark of Valencia. However, the territory of the zoo complex is so huge that one day may not be enough for a complete tour of all the zones.
Holidays, events and festivals
Spain knows how to have fun. Sometimes it seems like noisy and colourful Spaniards were born to take all the most cheerful things from this life. That is why holidays in Valencia in July are not uncommon. The whole month is filled with frantic fun and excitement.
The most important date of the Valencian summer calendar is the July Fair, which was first held in the city in 1871. The Spaniards loved it so much that they made it an annual event. The fair lasts for a whole month.
Throughout July, there are various performances of creative groups, organised exhibitions, tastings of national dishes, fireworks show and much more.
The July Fair also marks the opening of the second bullfighting cycle (the first begins in March). The best bullfighters in the country come to Valencia to compete in the art of bullfighting. The most colourful event is undoubtedly the annual Battle of Flowers, which takes place on the evening of the last Sunday in July.
Approximately 2,000 tonnes of freshly cut flowers are specially purchased for the battle, which creates a path for the travelling platforms. Each travelling platform is, of course, decorated with flowers.
When the procession ends, the battle begins — people pelt each other with flowers, which the festival organisers distribute in huge baskets. During the Battle of Flowers, the street is a riot of colours and an unforgettable scent.
Cost of vacation in July
Spain's rich culture, mild climate, numerous attractions, and active tourism development make Valencia increasingly popular with foreigners. Prices in Valencia in July are not low because the middle of summer is the high tourist season in Spain.
Package Tours
With summer's onset, tour prices are expected to rise. The cost increases every month. If we compare, for example, the beginning of summer and the beginning of autumn, the prices increase by about 50% from June to September.
Airfares
A flight to this Spanish resort in July is no more expensive than in the first summer month. However, airfares will increase by 4% in August compared to July.
Accommodation
At the beginning of summer, you must pay 6% less for accommodation than the following month. Prices for hotel rooms in July and August will be almost the same, with an increase of about 5-7%. The average cost for a room/night in July is 142 euros.
Food and Transport
There are several ways to get from Valencia Airport to the city: by bus 150 (€1.45), by metro — red line 3 towards Rafelbunyol and green line 5 towards Maritim Serreria, by taxi (€25 to the city centre) or by private transfer (from €35 per person). You can also get around the city by public transport and taxis.
If we talk about the latter type of transport, on average, they charge 3-4 euros for boarding, and each subsequent kilometre will cost 1.5 euros.
Lunch for one person in an inexpensive cafe will cost €10-15, a sandwich in a fast food restaurant — €3-4 euros, and a cup of cappuccino — € 1.5-2.
What clothes to pack for Valencia in July?
There is no need to overload your suitcase with bulky warm clothes, as you will not need them in Spain in the middle of summer. In case of cooler weather in the evening, take a long-sleeved jumper and trousers. Comfortable and sturdy shoes for walking around the city will definitely come in handy. Don't forget to take the most necessary attributes for a safe beach holiday — a cap and sunscreen.
Tips for travelling with children
July is one of the sunniest months of the year, and it is probably the best time to get your child healthy. Besides, children usually love splashing in the water. The temperature of the sea will allow kids to swim to their hearts' content.
Another plus of holidays with small children in Valencia experienced tourists call comfortable conditions in public transport and restaurants. Everywhere there are ramps for prams and in cafes — high chairs, and children's menus. If the kids get bored with the beach, there are plenty of activities for the whole family. Valencia's excursion programme is perfect for children.
Valencia is the best remedy for depression. This resort city's bright, juicy, colourful and cheerful life will not leave tourists a second for boredom and gloom.
