The city has incredible gothic and Moorish architecture (Image: Getty)
Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t still explore the world. But some destinations are more senior-friendly than others.
Travel insurance providers AllClear, who offer policies especially for seniors, has put together a ranking of the world’s most senior-friendly destinations to travel to in 2026. One sunny city has clinched the top spot thanks to its walkability, comfortable climate, and huge range of cultural attractions.
READ MORE: Passport rule could see Brits banned from Spain for three years
READ MORE: £13 flights to Spain’s ‘ghost islands’ deliberately cut off to keep tourists out
Valencia’s oldest neighbourhood dates back over 2000 years (Image: Getty)
Lovers of the laidback Mediterranean lifestyle will be pleased to see that Valencia in Spain took the top ranking. Its flat cityscape makes it easy to get around, and it also received high scores for healthcare and green spaces.
Valencia has been listed among Europe’s sunniest cities, enjoying an average of 343 hours of sunshine a month. Spring is an excellent time to visit, with temperatures in March and April reaching highs of 19C to 21C during the day. This makes it mild enough to walk around and explore, but not so hot it’s uncomfortable.
Ciutat Vella, the city’s oldest neighbourhood, dates back over 2,000 years and even has traces of its Roman heritage. Most of the architecture is gothic and Moorish, so expect lots of historic buildings with ornate stonework and beautiful mosaics.
Mercado Central is famous for its mosaic tiled ceiling (Image: Getty)
One of its most spectacular buildings is the Mercat Central; Europe’s largest produce market. It’s packed with incredible places to eat, whether you want tapas and a drink, or want to sample authentic Valencian paella – nobody will judge if you skip the snails on top.
Although it’s mostly a city break destination, Valencia also has some beautiful beaches, and each one has its own personality. Many visitors enjoy Playa del Cabañal, a beach close to the city centre that has a lively vibe. The beach itself has golden sands and clear blue seas, while on the promenade there are seafood restaurants and local bars.
Just a few miles south of the city is Albufera Natural Park, and here you’ll find beaches of the more wild, unspoilt variety. Playa El Saler is set close to pine forests and has soft sand dunes that lead to the sandy beach. Despite being so close to Valencia it has a much quieter atmosphere than the city branches.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias has several impressive modern buildings (Image: Getty)
While Valencia is rich in history, it does have some more modern elements such as the impressive Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias – a vast arts and science complex that includes the Oceanogràfic València aquarium, IMAX cinema, planetarium, and science museum. All within unique buildings designed to look like, among other things, a whale skeleton and a human eye.
At night, you can enjoy performances at the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía within the complex, and its cultural programme includes live music from local artists, international opera, and ballet.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com
Ensure our latest lifestyle and travel stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.
Source link
