Beyond Paella: Unveiling Valencia’s Hidden Sports Treasures

With sports tourism accounting for 10% of global tourism spending and projected to grow by 17.5% between 2023 and 2030, Valencia emerges as a premier destination for sports enthusiasts eager to practice their passions in 2024.

Whether visitors seek to watch or participate in sports, Valencia presents diverse activities catering to every interest.

The following are just some of the many sports activities that are found in this vibrant city:

• Running Royalty: Being one of the most popular sports in Valencia, running inundates the city with 50 races every year. Its warm climate, beaches, and numerous green areas make Valencia the ideal city for running. The Turia Gardens, The Juan Carlos | Royal Marina, and Cabecera Park are some of the best places to run in Valencia. Renowned races such as the Half Marathon and the Trinidad Alfonso Marathon are hosted in the city, but a complete schedule of races can be found here.
• Football Fever: All exploration of Valencia’s sports scene is complete with delving into its undying love for football. Home to two major football clubs, FC València, and Levante UD, the city pulsates with the energy of passionate fans, filling the iconic Mestalla Stadium and the modern Cuitat de València Stadium. Visitors looking to experience the electrifying atmosphere of Valencian football culture can purchase tickets online here.
• Nautical Nirvana: Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia is the ideal host to various water sports. Alongside its warm climate and breathtaking views, its “thermal wind,” a unique attribute that guarantees daily wind, makes Valencia a sailor’s paradise. Sailers can head out to the water with La Marina, the Royal Valencia Yacht Club, or the Valencian Community Sailing Federation. Additionally, travelers can enjoy several aquatic sports at La Marina, including motorboating, rowing, canoeing, surfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and carver skating.

• Basketball Brilliance: For fans of hoops, Valencia delivers a slam dunk with its fervent basketball culture. Valencia Basket Club, former ACB Liga champions, is Valencia’s leading basketball club. From October to May, spectators can enjoy the thrilling ACB Liga games. Fans can also participate in the sport on courts throughout the city, both indoor and outdoor, private, and municipal.
• Majestic Motorcycling: Home to the Ricardo Tormo Circuit, Valencia hosts the renowned World Motorcycle Racing Championship, attracting many international and local fans every November. Being big fans of the two-wheeled sport, Valencians also take the track for the rest of the year, using the Circuit as a recreational space. Additionally, for those looking to take their bikes off the track, Valencia offers various trails for motorcyclists of every skill level.
• Thriving Tennis Culture: Travelers can unleash their inner Federer or Nadal on Valencia’s courts, where tennis reigns supreme. With numerous clubs and facilities scattered across the city, tennis enthusiasts can indulge in friendly matches or professional coaching sessions amidst Valencia’s perfect climate. Join locals in their love for sports and experience the joy of a well-struck backhand under the warm Mediterranean sun.

From the football stadium’s roar to the sailing marinas’ tranquility, Valencia’s sports scene offers an exhilarating tapestry of experiences waiting to be explored