Spain’s Valencia Named City Of The Year At Food And Travel Magazine Reader Awards For Exceptional Culinary Scene

The city of Valencia, located in Spain, has been awarded as the City of the Year at the 2025 Food & Travel Magazine Reader Awards, which is a great recognition of its delicious food and lively cultural heritage. The award, based on the votes of the magazine’s readers, is a sign that Valencia has become more and more known as a place for great food, where tourists can not only enjoy the best of the cuisine but also the history and culture of the Mediterranean capital of Spain.

Valencia: A Culinary Destination Like No Other

As the birthplace of the world-renowned paella, Valencia’s culinary heritage is intricately woven into its identity, making it a prime destination for food lovers. This dynamic relationship between the city’s history, culture, and cuisine has captivated both locals and visitors alike. Food & Travel Magazine’s readers voted Valencia as the City of the Year due to its exceptional food offerings, including its signature paella, local markets, and unique food events, making it a must-visit for anyone eager to connect with a city through its food.

Valencia’s culinary influence extends beyond just the iconic paella dish. The city hosts the highly anticipated World Paella Day CUP, an annual event held on September 20, which gathers chefs from all over the world to compete for the title of the best paella chef. As part of this event, contestants are invited to immerse themselves in Valencia’s culinary traditions, learning the history of paella and working alongside local chefs to perfect their skills. This celebration of culture and gastronomy highlights the city’s commitment to preserving its culinary roots while showcasing them on the global stage.

A Vibrant Food Scene with Markets and Local Produce

Valencia’s La Huerta region, also known as The Orchard, plays a crucial role in supplying the city with its freshest produce. Spanning over 120 square kilometres, La Huerta is home to lush vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards, all of which contribute to the city’s thriving food scene. The vibrant markets of Valencia reflect the bounty of this fertile region, offering visitors a chance to explore everything from fresh fruit to artisanal goods.

One of the most iconic markets in the city is the Central Market, which holds the title of Europe’s largest fresh produce market. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the lively atmosphere while browsing the variety of local goods, including cured meats, fresh seafood, and a range of Mediterranean produce. The Mercado de la Imprenta, housed in a former printing press, offers a more eclectic experience, combining local food with a unique architectural backdrop. Mercader Cabanyal is another notable market, known for its vibrant drinks scene, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy local beverages in a lively setting.

Looking Ahead: An Exciting 2026 for Valencia

Valencia’s future is set to be equally as exciting as its culinary past, with a host of major events scheduled for 2026. The city is currently in the midst of celebrating the Third Jubilee Year of the Holy Grail, which is displayed at the Valencia Cathedral. This significant event, which began in late October, will continue until October 2026, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to witness this sacred relic.

In addition, Valencia will host the 12th edition of the Gay Games in mid-June to July 2026, reinforcing its status as a welcoming, inclusive destination. The event promises to attract thousands of participants and visitors, offering a blend of sports, culture, and celebrations that align with the city’s open-minded spirit.

For those interested in astrotourism, the city will also be a prime location for the total solar eclipse that will occur on August 12, 2026. This rare celestial event will offer visitors the opportunity to witness a remarkable natural phenomenon, further enhancing Valencia’s appeal to a diverse range of travellers.

Easy Access to Valencia: Direct Flights from the UK and Ireland

Valencia’s accessibility is another reason why it has become an increasingly popular destination. With direct flights from 11 UK and Irish airports, including Birmingham, Bristol, Dublin, Manchester, and London’s Gatwick, Heathrow, and Stansted airports, reaching the city has never been easier. From March 2026, Wizz Air will also launch a new route from London Luton, further boosting connectivity and making it even more convenient for travellers to experience everything Valencia has to offer.

With flight times averaging under three hours, Valencia is an ideal destination for a quick getaway, offering visitors the perfect combination of sun, sea, and culture. Whether it’s for the food, the festivals, or the stunning sights, Valencia continues to captivate those who seek to explore a city that is as rich in history as it is in flavour.

Valencia’s Emergence as a Global Culinary Spot

The award of City of the Year at the 2025 Food & Travel Magazine Reader Awards to Valencia is recognition that the current situation where the city is a unifying place for Freshest, Oldest and, Nicest things. To the loudest World Paella Day CUP and the most fertile farms and market, the tourists are given a genuine and totally immersive experience of the history and culture of the city through the food they consume. Besides as the city goes up to the various extremes of development, 2026 looks to be another vibrant year full of attractions for tourists who are willing to explore more of why Valencia has already been referred to as the best culinary capital of Europe.