So, you are arriving in Valencia. Famous for being the birthplace of Paella and the home of the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia is a vibrant mix of the old and the new.
The port here is large and industrial, but the city it connects to is fantastic. It is a bit further from the centre than Málaga or Palma, but transport links are excellent. Whether you want to marvel at modern architecture or eat your weight in rice dishes, Valencia delivers.
Here is your complete Valencia cruise port guide to help you navigate the terminals, find the best Paella, and explore the old town.
Port Overview
Valencia is a docking port. The main cruise terminal is located at the Transatlantic Dock (Muelle de Transatlánticos) in the Grao district : the beach neighbourhood. While you are close to the beach, you are about 3–4km from the historic city centre. You will need to plan for a bus, taxi, or shuttle.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Port Type | Dock |
| Distance to Town | 4km / 15 minutes by bus |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Language | Spanish u0026 Valencian (English widely spoken) |
| Best Known For | Paella, City of Arts and Sciences u0026 orange trees |
Valencia Cruise Terminal (Muelle de Transatlánticos) · View larger map
Getting From the Port to Town
You have a few efficient options. Most cruise lines also offer a shuttle bus (around €10–15 each way) that drops near the City of Arts and Sciences or the Torres de Serranos in the Old Town.
Walking: The Best Option
Free- Walk time: 20 min to beach / 45+ min to centre
- Malvarrosa beach is a 20 minute walk along the port. The city centre is 4km : not practical to walk. Check if your cruise line runs a shuttle (€10–15 each way).
Local Bus
€1.50- Bus 4 or 30 runs from the port area to the city centre. Buy a card at the stop : cheapest option but can be crowded with commuters.
Taxi
€15–20- Plenty of taxis at the terminal. Valencia taxis are white with a yellow diagonal stripe. Ensure the meter is running.
Top Excursions
Valencia is spread out, so excursions are a handy way to see multiple sites efficiently.
Valencia Paella u0026 Tapas Home Cooking Class with Local Chef Jose
You will be warmly welcomed by your host Jose, a passionate Valencian chef trained at Michelin-starred restaurants. Next, enter Jose's kitchen where you will learn to make a refreshing sangria. Your private Valencian cooking class involves learning to cook 3-4 dishes from scratch. You will prepare t
Book This ExcursionSingular Valencia Wine Tour Utiel Requena Wineries
A full day out in a small group tour!nDeparting from central Valencia in a comfortable car, enjoy the countryside in our way the Utiel-Requena wine producting area. Valeria or Paulius, your wine experts will show you all the insights of the wineland. In Requena old city you will visit a medieval, qu
Book This ExcursionHiking Cliffs u0026 Old Fishing Trails around Moraira OFFICIAL GUIDE
This is a beautiful excursion with spectacular views of the entire coastline, from the Peñón de Ifach to the Cabo de la Nao. nnWe will guide you on this spectacular hike. Besides the standard fact that we will leave at 9 am, there is no exact time schedule, so we can fill in the day as you wish. Our
Book This ExcursionValencia Arts and Sciences Segway Tour
Discover the Best Segway Tour in Valencia: The City of Arts and Sciences AdventurennExplore Valencia like never before with our Segway Tour through the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, one of Spain's 12 treasures and a masterpiece of modern architecture. Designed by the world-renowned Santiago Cala
Book This ExcursionMore Experiences in Valencia
Small-Group Wine Tour with Local Expert (7 max)
Experience the real Spanish countryside with an intimate wine tour from Valencia. Small groups, personal local guide, artisanal tastings and stories you won’t find in big tours.nOur Tour offers very interesting visits to 2 diferent wineries where you can learn more about the hsitory of the wine in t
Book This ExcursionE-Scooter Grand Valencia Private Tour
Discover the most wanted place along the former river bed of Turia, breathtaking City of Art and Science, Valencian beach and former Royal Garden. Are you ready for an unforgettable adventure? Fun is guaranteed!
Book This ExcursionValencia Complete Full Private Day with Hotel Pick up
Valencia is a fascinating city, filled with ancient history and modern charm. Your full-day tour of Valencia is completely private, only for you and your party, including a private guide and private transportation from wherever you want to begin. Since your tour is catered specifically to you and yo
Book This ExcursionValencia Port Private Segway Tour
A bit far from the city cеntеr, the Seaport in one of the most interesting corners of Vаlеncia to visit. Don’t forget to put it on your “must-see” list. Our Valencia Port Segway Tour will bring you through all the emblematic places of this area.When Valencia was selected as the host city of the 32nd
Book This ExcursionPaella cooking classes, City of Arts and Sciences tours and more. Popular slots fill fast : especially in summer.
Things to Do Without an Excursion
Valencia is very bike-friendly and highly walkable once you are in the centre.
The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)
Even if you do not go inside, walking around this complex is awe-inspiring. See the Hemisfèric (eye-shaped IMAX) and the Palau de les Arts opera house.
Visit in the morning when the light hits the white structures : the reflections in the surrounding pools are spectacular.
The Central Market (Mercat Central)
One of the oldest running food markets in Europe. Hundreds of stalls selling fresh Iberian ham, local cheeses, and vegetables beneath stunning stained glass windows. Grab a fresh juice here.
Valencia Cathedral & Plaza de la Virgen
Located in the heart of the Old Town. See the supposed Holy Grail and climb the Miguelete bell tower for panoramic views over the city. The Plaza de la Virgen nearby is ideal for a coffee break.
Best Restaurants in Valencia
Valencia is the home of Paella. Do not leave without eating it.
Jamon Jamon Restaurant
Jamón Jamón Restaurant is an intimate and cosy refuge that offers a culinary experience that borders on excellence. For over 20 years, we have been delighting our diners with our gastronomic proposal. With just 14 tables, on two floors, our restaurant is an elegant retreat in the
#120 of 4,574 Places to Eat in Valencia
View on TripAdvisorRestaurant Secret
We are a restaurant that respects the quality of each ingredient, that loves the land where it is grown, that strives every day to seek the Mediterranean flavor of a cuisine that is respectful of the product and healthy, taking care of every detail to achieve the best experience.
#193 of 4,574 Places to Eat in Valencia
View on TripAdvisorRatings & reviews powered by TripAdvisor
Getting Around the Destination
Valencia is very flat with extensive cycle lanes : one of Spain’s best cycling cities. Buses provide a good network for getting between the beach and the centre.
Follow the cycle lane from the port all the way into the city centre : a pleasant 20 minute ride on a completely flat route.
Essential Travel Tips
Locals eat Paella at lunch around 2pm. Traditional restaurants rarely serve it at dinner. Plan your big rice meal for midday.
Shops may close 2–5pm. If visiting in March, expect the city to be packed for the Fallas festival : spectacular fireworks and fire sculptures, but very chaotic and loud.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a docking port. You walk off the ship directly onto the quayside : no tender boats needed.
About 2.5km : roughly a 10 minute taxi ride or a 30 minute walk.
Yes, Playa de la Malvarrosa is about a 20 minute walk from the terminal along the seafront.
Compared to Barcelona, it is very affordable. Food and drink prices are reasonable, especially away from the tourist centre.
Locals say the best is in the villages around the Albufera lake, but the beach promenade (Paseo Marítimo) has many excellent authentic restaurants.
Ready to Explore Valencia?
Valencia is a city that surprises everyone who visits. It is modern yet historic, relaxed yet vibrant. Whether you spend the day marvelling at Calatrava’s architecture, hunting down the perfect Paella, or relaxing on Malvarrosa beach : you will leave wanting more.