The Valencia Marathon Trinidad Alfonso has rapidly become one of the most popular marathons in the world, renowned for its fast, flat course and consistently excellent conditions for personal bests. The race starts and finishes at the City of Arts and Sciences — Santiago Calatrava's futuristic architectural complex in the former Turia riverbed. Valencia itself is a sun-drenched Mediterranean city with fantastic food, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed pace than Madrid or Barcelona, making it an ideal destination for a race-cation.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | Valencia Marathon 2026 |
| Date | Sunday, November 29, 2026 |
| Venue | City of Arts and Sciences (Start & Finish) |
| Address | Av. del Professor Lopez Pinero 7, 46013 Valencia, Spain |
| Airport | Valencia Airport (VLC) |
Late November in Valencia is mild and dry by European standards, with temperatures between 8-17°C (46-63°F). Sunshine is likely, and these conditions contribute to the course's reputation as one of the fastest in the world.
The Venue: City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) is Valencia's most iconic landmark — a striking complex of white, futuristic buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava, set in turquoise reflecting pools in the drained Turia riverbed. The start and finish lines are located in the esplanade area between the Hemisferic and the Palau de les Arts. The Marathon Expo is held at the nearby exhibition centre (Feria Valencia or within the complex) in the days before the race.
What's nearby:
- L'Oceanografic — the largest aquarium in Europe, located within the City of Arts and Sciences complex
- Turia Gardens (Jardin del Turia) — a 9-km-long park in a former riverbed that runs through the heart of Valencia, perfect for easy runs
- Russafa — Valencia's trendiest neighbourhood for dining and nightlife, a 15-minute walk north
- Malvarrosa Beach — Valencia's main city beach, a 20-minute bus ride east of the venue
Important: Bib collection takes place at the Marathon Expo. You must bring your race confirmation, photo ID, and any required medical certificate. The Expo is usually very well-organised but gets busy on Saturday — consider going Friday.
Where to Stay
The best areas to stay are Russafa (trendy, central, great restaurants, close to the venue), the Old Town / Ciutat Vella (historic, atmospheric), or near the City of Arts and Sciences itself. Valencia has a good Metro and bus network, but many runners prefer to stay within walking distance of the start.
Hotel Balneario Las Arenas — Premium Pick
A five-star beachfront hotel with a spa and stunning sea views, located on the Malvarrosa promenade. A short bus or taxi ride from the venue, with the beach right outside for post-race recovery.
Casual Vintage Valencia — Best Value
A fun, affordable boutique hotel in the heart of Russafa, surrounded by excellent restaurants and cafes. A 15-20 minute walk to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Hotel Medium Valencia — Close to Venue
Located near the Turia Gardens and a short walk from the City of Arts and Sciences, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms and an easy race-morning commute.
Getting There
From Valencia Airport (VLC)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro Lines 3/5 | ~25 min to city centre | 5.80 EUR (airport supplement) | Runs every 15-20 min |
| Aerobus (Bus 150) | ~35 min | 1.50 EUR | Budget option; stops in city centre |
| Taxi | ~20 min | 18-25 EUR | Fixed fare posted at taxi rank |
Valencia's airport is just 8 km west of the city. The Metro is the most convenient option, connecting to central stations like Xativa and Colon. Taxis are affordable and worth considering for groups.
Public Transport
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ride (Metro/bus) | 1.50 EUR |
| T-10 pass (10 rides) | 8.40 EUR |
| 24-hour tourist card | 4.50 EUR |
Valencia's Metrovalencia (Metro and tram) and EMT buses cover the city well. The T-10 multi-ride ticket offers the best value. Key Metro stations near the venue are Alameda and the bus network serves the City of Arts and Sciences area.
Where to Eat
Russafa — Valencia's hippest neighbourhood, packed with tapas bars, brunch spots, and international restaurants along Calle Sueca and surrounding streets. El Carmen (Old Town) — the medieval quarter within the city walls, with traditional Valencian restaurants, wine bars, and atmospheric plazas.
Valencia Food to Try
- Paella Valenciana — the original paella was born in Valencia, traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, green beans, and saffron rice (never seafood in the authentic version)
- Fideuà — a noodle-based dish similar to paella, cooked with seafood and served with allioli; a Valencian coastal specialty
- Horchata y Fartons — a sweet, milky drink made from tiger nuts (chufa) served with long sugar-dusted pastries; try it at Horchateria Santa Catalina
- All i Pebre — a traditional Valencian eel stew cooked in garlic and paprika sauce; an authentic local dish
- Agua de Valencia — a cocktail of cava, orange juice, vodka, and gin; the city's signature drink for post-race celebrations
Budget eating: Valencia is one of Spain's most affordable cities for dining. A menu del dia (set lunch menu) at most restaurants costs 10-14 EUR for three courses with a drink. Tapas portions run 3-6 EUR. The Mercado Central has excellent fresh produce and snacks.
Essential Valencia Tips
Currency. Euro (EUR). Cash vs card. Spain is very card-friendly. Contactless payments are accepted at most restaurants, shops, and transport. Some small market stalls and traditional bars may prefer cash. Tipping. Not expected in Spain, but rounding up or leaving small change (1-2 EUR) at restaurants is appreciated for good service. Language. Spanish (Castellano) and Valencian (Valenciano, a dialect of Catalan) are both official languages. English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels, but less widely than in northern Europe — basic Spanish is helpful. Weather in November. Average highs of 16-18°C (61-64°F) and lows of 8-10°C (46-50°F). Mostly sunny with low humidity — excellent marathon conditions. Safety. Valencia is a very safe city. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas and on public transport — keep valuables secure.
What to See
- City of Arts and Sciences — explore the full complex beyond the race: the Hemisferic IMAX, the Science Museum, and L'Oceanografic aquarium
- Mercado Central — one of Europe's largest and most beautiful fresh food markets, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building
- La Lonja de la Seda — the UNESCO-listed 15th-century Silk Exchange, a masterpiece of Gothic civil architecture
- Turia Gardens — run, walk, or cycle through this 9-km park built in a former riverbed, connecting the City of Arts with the old town
- Valencia Cathedral & Miguelete Tower — climb the 207 steps of the bell tower for panoramic city views; the cathedral claims to house the Holy Grail
- Albufera Natural Park — a lagoon and wetlands just south of the city, the birthplace of paella; take a sunset boat ride through the rice paddies
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Valencia (VLC), ~20-25 min by Metro |
| Venue | City of Arts and Sciences |
| Nearest station | Alameda (Metro) |
| Transport to venue | Metro to Alameda, then 10-min walk south |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Cash needed? | Rarely — cards widely accepted |
| Language | Spanish / Valencian (some English in tourist areas) |
| Weather | 8-18°C (46-64°F), sunny and mild |
| Tipping | Not expected; round up for good service |
| Emergency | 112 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026.