Valencia: Sustainable Events with a Mediterranean Feel

Valencia, on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, has long established itself as an ideal stage for national and international conferences thanks to its excellent connectivity and meeting spaces. Now it is also taking the spotlight as a leader in sustainability, having just been voted European Green Capital 2024 after holding the title of European Capital of Smart Tourism in 2023.

This is a recognition of the city’s commitment and efforts towards improving the environment and the quality of life of residents and visitors, preserving its natural spaces and the Mediterranean lifestyle, culture and traditions that are, without doubt, part of the city’s appeal. Valencia was the first city in the world to measure and certify both the carbon and water footprint of tourism and continues to advance towards its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Sustainable events

Sustainability is also applied to the organisation of events. Hotels and venues have already implemented a wide range of measures to save energy, reduce waste and minimise the environmental impact of events. Some, like the Valencia Conference Centre or the City of Arts and Sciences (cover photo) actively measure the carbon footprint of events and help organisers take the necessary steps to reduce it.

Valencia is a compact destination with a virtually flat layout and a mild climate, and most venues can easily be reached on foot, by public transport, or taking advantage of its cycle network, which stretches for more than 160 kilometres throughout the city and beyond. Exploring the city centre on foot is the best way to soak up the atmosphere and admire the legacy of 2000 years of history. This is now even more enjoyable after the creation of ample pedestrianised areas such as the Plaza de la Reina (pictured below) by the Cathedral, or the Central Market Square.

Visitors will also find plenty of green spaces to stretch their legs, go for a run or a bike ride, such as the magnificent Jardin del Turia, the green lung of the city. Nine kilometres of gardens, sports and leisure facilities cross Valencia from east to west on what was the former Turia riverbed.

And, just 30 minutes away, the Albufera Natural Park provides an oasis of calm with diverse ecosystems and abundant birdlife. Groups can take a boat trip on the freshwater lagoon and explore the surrounding rice fields which gave origin to Spain’s most international dish: paella. For a complete experience, a workshop to learn how to cook this popular rice dish is a must.

Valencian cuisine has much more to offer than paella, though. The Mediterranean Sea and the fertile huerta that surrounds the city supply local restaurants and event catering providers with an abundance of fresh produce, which they use to produce the most mouth-watering dishes and creative menus.

New venues

Valencia offers an amazing array of event spaces, ranging from historic buildings and traditional masías to modern conference centres and spectacular avant-garde locations like the City of Arts and Sciences, which now also comprises the new CaixaForum Valencia cultural hub.

Other recent additions to this impressive portfolio include the historic Post Office building, a beautiful example of Modernist architecture now open to the public as well as for private events. And, in the outskirts of Valencia, Villa Indiano combines a traditional restaurant with a 2,500 square-metre garden for open-air events with panoramic views of orchards and the Calderona mountains.

With new venues added to its mix of history and modernity, delicious gastronomy and Mediterranean joie de vivre, and its commitment to sustainability, Valencia’s appeal as a destination for meetings and events is bigger than ever.

For more information please visit: www.valenciaconventionbureau.com