Valencia Crowned ‘City of the Year’ at Food & Travel Magazine Reader Awards in London

Valencia has been crowned with the ‘City of the Year’ Award at the 2025 Food and Travel Magazine Reader Awards.

The award, voted on entirely by readers, is testament to the city’s culinary scene and rich culture. Food and Travel Magazine explores the gastronomy link between a destination and its cuisine, allowing travellers to better connect with the local culture. 

As the birthplace of Paella, Valencia’s culinary heritage is intertwined with its culture and makes it an incredible city to visit, as recognised by Food and Travel Magazine readers. From hosting the World Paella Day CUP to its markets, and its surrounding orchards, the city offers much to explore, both in culture and for your tastebuds.

World Paella Day CUP, September 2026

Each year on World Paella Day, 20 September, the city holds a World Paella Day CUP, where finalists from across the world battle it out cooking the iconic dish in hopes of being crowned the winner. Gastronomy traditions are honoured and shared as the international finalists spend a week leading up to the competition to learn the history of the dish and are coached by local chefs. Stay tuned for the 2026 edition.

Local markets and produce

The historic region of La Huerta, or The Orchard in English, is green fertile farmlands which extend some 120km2 around the city. Orange groves, vineyards and olive groves flourish here and fuel both the city of Valencia and wider Spain. 

Valencia also boasts an array of different markets. It is home to the Central Market, Europe’s largest fresh produce market, Mercado de la Imprenta, a market housed in an old printing press and Mercader Cabanyal which offers a vibrants drinks scene.

Looking ahead to 2026

Next year is shaping up to be an exciting one for Valencia. The end of October kicked off the Third Jubilee Year of the Holy Grail which celebrates this infamous Chalice which is in Valencia Cathedral and is ongoing until October 2026. 

The city will also play host to the 12th Gay Games in mid- June-July 2026 which will showcase the city’s open and welcoming spirit. For visitors looking to get their dose of astrotourism, head to Valencia for the 12th August which is when a total solar eclipse will take place. Stay tuned for exciting updates on this.

Connectivity 

Getting to Valencia is easy, with direct flights from 11 UK and Irish airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Manchester, and London’s Gatwick, Heathrow and Stansted. From March 2026, Wizz Air will also launch a new route from London Luton to Valencia.

With flight times averaging under three hours, Valencia makes an ideal destination for a short city break, offering the perfect opportunity to enjoy the sunshine in Spain’s vibrant Mediterranean capital.