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From 16 to 26 May, Valencia will host the Valencia Culinary Festival 2024. And it will make you believe that good chefs are the new rock stars! After all, that’s exactly what the manifesto of this colourful gastronomic event dedicated to haute cuisine says. The festival will be held for the seventh time and will bring together the best chefs, waiters, restaurant managers and producers of the freshest and tastiest products. If you’re looking for things to do in Valencia in May, don’t miss this iconic event.
The Valencia Culinary Festival is a boutique festival, not designed for the masses. It is designed for true hedonistic gourmets and those who want to experience the haute cuisine of Valencia. Therefore, all events have restrictions on the number of guests and require advance booking. The event programme goes beyond simply visiting restaurants and aims to present a unique opportunity to explore the region’s gastronomic scene in its entirety, from the garden or farm to the table set.
Spain Voyages invites you to discover the festival programme. Choose the events that interest you the most and have an unforgettable experience of high Mediterranean gastronomy.
1. A fascinating journey through Mercado Central, the largest fresh produce market in Europe. You will be able to visit the heart of Mediterranean gastronomy and explore the flavours and aromas of Valencia in the company of celebrity chef and Michelin-starred chef Bernd Kneller.
Tours start at 10:30 am and 11:30 am. The cost is €50 per person.
2. A visit to the personal garden of celebrated chef Ricard Camarena, honoured with two Michelin stars and a green Michelin star. This fertile space is a 30-minute drive from Valencia, and Tony Miziano is in charge of it. Learn all about the local varieties of vegetables that are grown here using organic methods and utilised in their entirety, from root to flower.
The trip starts at 12:00.
3. Tasting of products from the Rafael Cambra winery at Casino Cirsa Valencia. You will be introduced to the stunning wines of Valencia and enjoy signature tapas prepared by the talented culinary team at ONE VLC restaurant. This is the perfect fusion of enological art and gastronomic excellence.
The event starts at 6:30 pm. The cost of participation is €35.
1. Journey to the rice fields that are part of the ecosystem of the Albufera de Valencia Natural Park. During a stop at Casa del Motorista you can have a snack and learn about Valencia’s protected rice varieties — Senia, Bomba and Albufera. Afterwards, learn about the technical side of growing this crop. The final highlight of the trip will be a dinner at which Juan Ramos, chef of Llisa Negra, will serve dishes made from the best Valencian rice.
The trip starts at 7 pm and the cost is €70.
2. An 11-course tasting menu at the TORI ITTO sushi bar at the Balneario Las Arenas Hotel. Don’t miss the opportunity to taste the exquisite Japanese cuisine from the talented chef Carlos Martinez. The fullness of their flavours will be revealed with premium sake specially selected for your unique experience by renowned sommelier Hiromi Okura.
The tasting begins at 9 pm.
1. Sail on Corporate Yachting’s luxury sailboat with a glass of cava sparkling wine and brunch.
Starts at 12:00, cost — €65.
2. A unique gastronomic experience — Menú Sorolla by Vertical restaurant chef Jorge de Andrés. It is inspired by 14 works by Valencian artist Joaquín Sorolla, illustrating journeys around the region. This project was created in collaboration with the Bancaja Foundation. It is worth noting that Menú Sorolla was recognised as Spain’s best gastronomic cultural project in 2022 and won the National Hospitality Award for Culture and Gastronomy. The event will feature a tasting of a wonderful menu of 3 starters, 5 courses, desserts and wine, accompanied by audiovisual effects.
It starts at 9 pm and the cost is €95.
1. An introduction to organic viticulture techniques with the help of bats. You will be able to visit two locations at once — Apicius Restaurant and Bodegas Enguera. You will be treated to a bat show, wine tasting, and a cocktail dinner prepared by chef Enrique Medina.
The event starts at 5.30 pm and costs €86.
1. An exclusive masterclass for coffee lovers at Only YOU Hotel Valencia. You will be able to learn all the secrets of making the perfect coffee. You will also taste two cocktails based on this drink, which will surprise you with original combinations of flavours.
The master-class will start at 11:00 am.
2. Lunch and dinner from two famous Michelin-starred chefs. This is your unique opportunity to savour dishes prepared four-handedly by Chef Bernd H. Knoller, owner of the famous Valencian restaurant RiFF, and Argentinian chef Mariano Guardianelli, who owns the restaurant Abocar Due Cucine.
Lunch starts at 1.30 pm and dinner at 8 pm. The cost of each event is €125.
1. Masterclass from the Vittore brand at the SH Valencia Palace Hotel. Vittore is the oldest vermouth producer in Valencia. He will share with you his special recipe created back in 1904. This is a great excuse to enjoy the drinks and experience the authentic flavour of Valencia.
The masterclass starts at 6.30 pm and costs €24.
2. Dinner with cocktails in the El Mirador restaurant at the Only YOU Hotel Valencia. It will be a real immersion into the bold flavours of international cuisine, as well as an introduction to the restaurant’s famous paellas. And exquisite cocktails will add bright colours to this gastronomic experience.
The dinner starts at 9 pm and costs €55.
1. Tasting of an amazing fondillon wine from the Alicante region at the iconic Valencian restaurant Alma del Temple. It will be conducted by the famous sommelier Eva Pizarro. You will get to know a drink that only 8 wineries in the world can produce. It is made from a special grape variety, Monastrell, which is more than 3000 years old. The wine has a strength of 16 to 18 degrees and is aged in ancient barrels for at least 10 years.
The tasting starts at 6.30 pm and costs €45.
2. Cocktails and tapas at the Sea Bar of the hotel Westin Valencia. You will be able to diversify your gastronomic experience with the perfect combination of snacks and drinks. As well as immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of tarot cards with Carola Falgas and enjoy musical sets from DJ Raquel Cardona.
The event starts at 9.30 pm and costs €24.
1. A trip to the Meliana garden accompanied by Luis Valls, chef of the two Michelin-starred restaurant El Poblet. Huerta de Meliana is a special place where local produce is grown and then transformed into masterpieces of haute cuisine. You will be treated to a sunset dinner and a complimentary basket of seasonal vegetables.
The trip starts at 5.30 pm and costs €40.
2. Dinner at the Casa Montaña winery, prepared 4-handed by chefs Roberto Lozano and Jorge Amores. Their specially designed menu will introduce you to Valencia’s rich palette of flavours. And its flavour will be highlighted by an exquisite selection of wines from the famous sommelier Cristina Tierno Conde.
The dinner will take place on 24 and 25 May at 9 pm, costing €90 per visit.
1. A visit to a thousand-year-old olive grove. Not only can you see the oldest olive trees on the planet, but you can also dine in their shade at the Finca Varona la Vella farm. This is where premium olive oil is produced, which has been honoured by the most influential and rigorous international quality competition, the EVOOLEUM Awards.
The trip starts at 10:00 am and costs €24.
2. Dinner with an exclusive tasting menu Journey through Asia at the Kitsume Restaurant of the SH Villa Gadea Hotel, located in the municipality of Altea on the Costa Blanca. Don’t miss this gastronomic journey full of exquisite flavours and surprises. For those who decide to stay longer, the hotel will offer a 15% discount.
The dinner starts at 9 pm and costs €50.
1. Family Sunday at Villa Indiano. You can participate in the family adventures Emporta’t l’horta (free of charge) and Menuets a l’horta (advance booking required). And enjoy seasonal produce provided by local farmers at reasonable prices. There will be a Menudets a l’horta workshop for children, where they can plant and harvest vegetables.
The event will start at 12:00.
2. A fascinating cookery show at the Hospes Palau de la Mar. You will be able to see how Chef Carlos Julián, known for his innovative approach and passion for local ingredients, creates culinary masterpieces. Also, learn unique techniques and new recipes.
The show starts at 12:00 and the cost is €12.
3. Lunch with a special tasting menu Producto Gourmet Huerta Valenciana Almuerzo at the Ampar restaurant in the Hospes Palau de la Mar hotel. You will be treated to fabulous dishes from chef Carlos Julián, who represented Spain in the Bocuse d’Or World Chefs Championship. The menu includes an appetiser from the chef, two starters, two main courses, a dessert and excellent Valencian wines.
The lunch starts at 1:30 pm and the cost is €60.
We advise you to visit the official website of the Valencia Culinary Festival to get all the necessary information and to make reservations.
During the Valencia Culinary Festival, you can stay in one of the hotels whose restaurants host the festival events.
Only YOU Hotel Valencia (5 stars) is located in the city centre and at the epicentre of all the cultural events. Literally 100 metres away is the beautiful and lively Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It will take you no more than 10 minutes to walk to two of the city’s popular attractions, the Lonja de la Seda Silk Exchange and Valencia Cathedral. For shopping enthusiasts, we recommend visiting Poeta Querol Street, Valencia Central Market and Plaza Redonda. The hotel’s bright and elegant rooms perfectly embody the style of Valencia. They were decorated by the interior design team of Lázaro Rosa-Violán. The hotel is also renowned for its unique gastronomic spaces, where you can savour sumptuous dishes.
Hotel Balneario Las Arenas (5 stars) is located on Valencia’s seafront and has direct access to Las Arenas Beach. The hotel’s architecture dates back to 1898 and its classic elegance is reflected in the design of the modern and comfortable rooms. We recommend booking one of the rooms with a terrace, which offers beautiful sea views. The hotel offers a premium spa and fitness centre. There are 3 swimming pools on the territory. The main one was designed by Luis Gutierrez Soto and is considered an architectural gem. The hotel is close to popular Valencia attractions such as the seaport, City of Arts and Sciences, Mestalla Stadium, Plaza de Toros de Valencia and others.
SH Valencia Palace Hotel (5 stars) is located a couple of minutes’ walk from the centre of Valencia, opposite one of the most beautiful buildings of the city — the Palace of Music. And close by is the famous Jardín del Turia, one of Spain’s largest city parks. The hotel offers comfortable rooms with exquisite décor, premium service, a swimming pool, spa centre and several excellent restaurants.
The Westin Valencia is located in a beautiful historic building, close to the City of Arts and Science. The hotel rooms are decorated in an Art Deco style. All are provided with exclusive Westin Heavenly beds for your perfect rest and relaxation. We recommend choosing a room with a private terrace and Jacuzzi. Pets are allowed at The Westin Valencia. Guests have access to the Health Club wellness centre, which features a spa, Westin Workout fitness studio and indoor therapy pool. The Westin Valencia is also renowned for its restaurants.
Hospes Palau de la Mar is housed in a stunning 19th century mansion. It offers spacious rooms and suites with plenty of natural light and elegant design. The hotel has a Bodyna Spa and a restaurant renowned for its innovative cuisine. Hospes Palau de la Mar is located in the Eixample neighbourhood, which is famous for its luxury shops, cafés, tapas bars and nightclubs. Plaza de Toros de Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences and Jardín del Turia Park are all within walking distance of the hotel.
If you want to try other accommodation options, close to the interesting sights of Valencia, we recommend the following options.
Helen Berger (4 stars) is an author’s boutique hotel in the heart of Valencia, where guests are guaranteed a special atmosphere thanks to the carefully planned and decorated spaces. There are only 34 rooms and two of them are penthouses with outdoor terraces. We recommend booking one of them. The hotel is located just steps away from the city’s popular attractions. Be sure to visit La Nau, one of the oldest buildings of the University of Valencia, which serves as an example of Valencian neoclassical architecture. Also, not to be missed is the Royal College of Corpus Christi Seminary. Part of this structure is occupied by the Museo del Patriarca, which features paintings by Caravaggio, El Greco, Van der Weyden and other great masters. The beautiful Palacio de la Marquesa Dos Aguas is also within walking distance of the Helen Berger.
Hotel Meliá Valencia (4 stars) is located in the city’s tallest building, designed by the famous architect Norman Foster. It reaches a height of 117 metres and has 35 floors. Staying here is a great chance to enjoy the most spectacular views of Valencia. The hotel has an outdoor landscape pool and sunbathing area with Balinese loungers, a spa centre, gym, 4 bars and restaurants. Meliá Valencia is located in the city’s financial district, which is renowned for its modern architecture. The Valencia Convention Centre is located here, as well as the famous monumental sculpture Dama Ibérica. But the main tourist hotspot in the area is Casino Cirsa València, which is open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.
And if you don’t mind considering options away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we have another marvellous suggestion for your Valencia trip in May.
The Parador de El Saler is a hidden gem of the region, nestled between the Albufera Natural Park and the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by sand dunes and pine forest. Elegant modern rooms, gym, spa centre, outdoor pool and two restaurants await you. The Parador de El Saler golf course is considered one of the best in the world. A two kilometre Natursenda trail runs through it, allowing you to explore the beautiful nature of the region. Another advantage of staying at the Parador is access to a beach with clear water and soft sand, where you can not only swim and sunbathe, but also windsurf.
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