HE December Bridge is drawing near, and Valencia emerges as a memorable getaway for travelers seeking a vibrant city break. Just a short distance from Alicante, Valencia offers a wide range of artistic exhibitions, adventures in nature, inviting beaches, and charming towns that are easy to reach and explore.
Today’s focus centers on nature-filled plans and leisurely time with family, friends, or partners. After all, few experiences beat quality moments shared in the outdoors.
Plans in nature with children
Visitors can feel a strong connection with the natural world, pausing to observe, enjoy, and savor every moment. A December trip to Valencia can provide a refreshing break from routine and a much-needed dose of outdoor time.
Among the top options are adventures through Turia Garden or Albufera Natural Park, two green havens that showcase the region’s rich biodiversity while remaining easily accessible from the city center.
Discover the Turia Garden in Valencia, a green oasis in the heart of the city. INFORMATION
This area, part of Valencia’s identity as the European Green Capital in 2024, stretches along the former Turia riverbed. It spans nine kilometers and offers opportunities for walking, cycling, relaxation, and entertainment, placing nature right in the city’s core.
It is an ideal setting to introduce children to hiking and to nurture an appreciation for natural beauty.
Walks and cycling
The Turia Garden features broad roads and dedicated cycle paths, making it a perfect spot for family strolls or bike rides. Rental options are available for those traveling with little ones.
Areas to play
Throughout the garden, children’s parks and grassy picnic areas invite families to unwind and enjoy the mild winter climate.
Discover the nature of the park
Turia Garden hosts a variety of flora and fauna, providing opportunities to teach children about nature. Birdwatching, butterfly spotting, and quiet corners offer moments of discovery and learning.
If traveling from Alicante, take the AP-7 north for about 170 kilometers, then exit 60 toward Valencia and follow signs to the city center. Parking is available near the park.
Albufera Natural Park
Albufera’s tranquil lagoon and surrounding rice fields form a natural corner just south of Valencia, inviting families to explore and learn together about conservation and ecosystems.
Take a family walk along marked trails while observing diverse fauna and flora and learning about the park’s unique environment.
family walks
Paths wind through rice fields and around the lagoon, offering opportunities for children to discover wildlife and habitats.
boat trip
A boat ride on the lagoon is a quintessential Albufera experience, providing chances to spot waterbirds and appreciate the vast, serene waterscape.
bird watching
The park is a haven for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. Binoculars or cameras help capture the feathered residents, with informative signs guiding learners through the landscape.
It can also be a playful Gymkhana for the younger set, turning exploration into a lively learning parade.
Enjoy a paella
Valencia is famed for paella, and the region around the park hosts welcoming eateries where visitors can savor this iconic dish. Nearby recommendations can be found to suit different tastes.
From Alicante, head north on AP-7 for roughly 160 kilometers until Valencia is reached. Upon arrival, follow signs to Albufera Natural Park and park near the park’s entrances to begin the excursion.
Bridge of December exhibitions that might interest you
“Sorolla through light” exhibition in Valencia. INFORMATION
Valencia marks the centenary since the passing of painter Joaquín Sorolla with a tribute to his life and works. Sorolla, a Valencian master famed for depicting light and color, captures the essence of Mediterranean life and the Spanish coast.
Visitors can explore the Bancaja Foundation’s collection featuring forty works in the theme “Sorolla through the light.” These exhibits offer a rich glimpse into Sorolla’s artistic journey, from early canvases to his most iconic pieces.
Sharing this experience with children can spark curiosity and support creative development, inviting young minds to see the world through Sorolla’s lens and to appreciate how daily life and nature are rendered in paint.
The exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for a family to engage with art and inspiration, shaping a lasting memory.
“Pixar Science” Exhibition. INFORMATION
If young fans of animated cinema are part of the trip, the Pixar Science exhibit at the Science Museum of Valencia is a must-see. It blends imagination with scientific concepts in a way that appeals to every age.
Inside “The Science of Pixar” visitors can explore how Pixar integrates science across the creative pipeline, from concept to screen. The exhibit highlights eight core stages: modeling, rigging, surfaces, scripts and cameras, animation, simulation, lighting, and rendering.
Through interactive displays and hands-on activities, guests discover how these ideas influence beloved films like Ratatouille, underscoring that life’s unpredictability is part of the art of storytelling.
The collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios makes this a memorable educational event for the whole family, with more than a thousand square feet of fun and learning. The exhibit runs through March 10, 2024, and promises an unforgettable blend of entertainment and knowledge for animation and science enthusiasts alike.
As Buzz Lightyear might declare, infinity and beyond, Valencia’s Science Museum invites visitors to explore.
Charming towns to explore
Valencia’s surroundings feature quaint towns like Chulilla, Chelva, and Bocairent, each offering a distinct sense of place and cultural heritage.
These destinations provide a peaceful atmosphere and rich opportunities to learn about local traditions, cuisines, and history. Walking cobblestone streets and sampling regional dishes in a welcoming bar or restaurant transports visitors into the heart of Valencian culture.
Chulilla, the spot where mountains meet the river, is a paradise for hikers. A jewel of the Valencian Community, it offers dramatic landscapes and historic streets that reveal the past with every turn. From Alicante, travel via AP-7 toward Valencia and follow signs to Chulilla. Parking near the town’s entrance is recommended, with a short walk into the center.
Parking in the city center can be difficult; designated lots at the entrance and a short walk into town are advised.
<p Chelva is a timeless town with cobbled lanes and medieval scenery. It is a place where tradition and culture live side by side, with river views and ancient streets that feel like stepping back in time. From Alicante, the AP-7 leads toward Valencia, then signs to Chelva guide the way. Parking near the city center can be tight, so parking on the outskirts and walking in is a practical choice.
Bocairent is described as a town within a mountain, offering striking natural beauty. Access from Alicante follows the AP-7 toward Valencia, then signs point to Bocairent. Center streets can be narrow, so parking on the outskirts and walking into the old town is recommended.
That wraps up the December long weekend plan ideas. A playful sentiment lingers, suggesting Valencians are happier when exploring local life and enjoying the region’s varied offerings around the Terretas landscape.
If more Valencia ideas are needed, this guide points toward additional options for a broader sensory experience in the Valencian Community and beyond.