British travellers looking to fulfil a New Year's resolution to explore more have been handed a spectacular bargain: flights to one of Europe's most celebrated cities for under £20.
Budget airline Wizz Air has announced a new route from London Gatwick to the Spanish coastal city of Valencia, with fares starting from just £19. The service begins on March 29, 2025, coinciding with pleasant spring temperatures averaging around 21°C.
The journey time of approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes makes it a quicker and often cheaper option than a train from London to Liverpool, opening up a stunning Mediterranean destination for a long weekend or longer break.
Why Valencia is a global standout
This isn't just any European city. Valencia earned the top spot as the world's best city to live in in the 2022 and 2025 InterNations Expat City Rankings.
The city achieved near-perfect scores in its quality of life index, notably a 95% rating for recreational activities and a 96% score for affordable public transport. Expats and surveys consistently praise its safety, friendly locals, excellent food, vibrant culture, and agreeable climate.
As Spain's third-largest city, Valencia masterfully blends historic Gothic charm with striking modern architecture, all set against a backdrop of golden beaches.
Top experiences in Valencia
For beach lovers, the city's accessible urban sands at Malvarrosa and Cabanyal offer white sand, turquoise waters, and seafront amenities. For a more natural setting, the dunes and pine forests of El Saler and La Garrofera in the Albufera Natural Park are a short bus ride away.
Inland, the Jardí del Turia – a vast park created in a diverted riverbed – provides green space running through the city's heart. Here you'll find the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, home to an aquarium, science museum, and opera house.
History beckons in the El Carmen old town, where medieval streets are lined with tapas bars. Must-see landmarks include the UNESCO-listed La Lonja de la Seda (€2 entry) and the stunning Art Nouveau Central Market, a paradise for foodies.
No visit is complete without seeing the Valencia Cathedral, which houses what is claimed to be the Holy Grail. Climbing the Miguelete Tower rewards visitors with panoramic city views.
The undisputed home of paella
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and the dish remains central to its identity. Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, calls food the city's real highlight, praising its authentic, unspoiled scene.
Experts recommend seafront institutions like La Pepica on Malvarrosa Beach – a favourite of Ernest Hemingway – for traditional paella. For modern twists, Canalla Bistro offers inventive Mediterranean cuisine. The El Cabanyal district's Casa Montañas is a famed tapas hub for local mussels and wines.
For nightlife, the Ruzafa district pulses with trendy bars and live music into the early hours.
Planning your visit
Christian Petzold, a European Travel and Tourism Expert, and Nicholas Smith suggest that while Valencia is a year-round destination, February and March offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Sun-seekers might prefer September and October, but should be prepared for potentially scorching temperatures that can reach 31°C in August.
With the new Wizz Air route, affordable travel is assured. A sample search shows a one-way flight on Wednesday, April 1, 2025, for £19.37. Even later in the year, prices remain low, with a flight on Wednesday, September 2, 2025 – when temperatures average 28°C – priced at £29.99 one-way.
Smith summarises Valencia's appeal perfectly: it's a rare destination that feels 'effortlessly balanced', seamlessly combining rich culture, world-class cuisine, and a relaxed beach lifestyle.
