Somewhere like Valencia

[Tremar]

Wondering if I can get some holiday recommendations for somewhere similar to Valencia. We went earlier this year and absolutely fell in love with the place. So much to do, so many sights, lovely beaches, busy city, zoos, aqaurium, child friendly etc. We want another short break before the summer hols, and would love to find somewhere with a similar feel to it. Has to have nice shorthaul flight from UK, and be easily accessible as we have 2 young DC. Don't want a huge all inclusive resort type place, as we'll be doing this later on in the year. Thanks! Failing this, may just end up back in Valencia!

Barcelona
Malaga

We too loved Valencia. I would guess you might also like Biarritz or Annecy. We loved both. Very different to Valencia though.

Biarritz was a nice town, stunning beaches, good restaurants, good day trips nearby etc. Some tourist attractions but not overloaded.

Annecy was a stunning setting. We used Eurostar and TGV which made the journey part of the fun. A beautiful lake with boating, swimming, water sports etc. A children’s park area. Sunbathing terraces. Flat safe cycling. Good restaurants, very pretty town.Trips to mountains and cable cars. Sufficient history including a really sad plaque to the children killed by the Nazis.

Lisbon

Agree with Lisbon or Barcelona. Also consider Palma, San Sebastian, Girona, Genoa, Montpelier.

Agree with Màlaga, I think it has a bad reputation but it's actually a very beautiful place. Cadiz is also great, and worth a look although a smaller city.

Tarragona is also very lovely and not touristy. 15 min drive from Reus airport or an hour from Barcelona. There is lots to do in surrounding areas, maybe more on the side of quiet and beachy.

Barcelona I think had different vibe to Valencia, very touristy and busy in the summer. Not as good for kids, and the beach is horrible.

I’m in Valencia airport right now waiting for the flight home and I just want to stay here forever! Not helpful to you, but I’m interested in the replies

I agree with Lisbon.

Seville.

Lisbon was great but the hills made it tricky with the pushchair. I’d wait until any young kids can walk quite far!

I like Valencia but adore Malaga.

Bear in mind that a number of these cites, or their inhabitants, are thoroughly sick of over tourism and increasing vocal in their opposition to short-term let's, Air BnB type arrangements.

Both Malaga and Alicante cities are lovely - although on a smaller scale than Valencia, so possibly not the breadth of activities for children. Direct short flights from many UK airports.
Although I like both cities, however, if I had to pick one of the three it would be Valencia (not helpful)

Thanks for all the replies, will have a look into the ones we haven't already visited. We've travelled alot, but Valencia has been our favourite place we've been to since having children.

Lisbon/Cascais would give you a similar feel to the beach/town vibe of Valencia. Our best tapas ever was in Casa Montana in Valencia- fabulously atmospheric!

What are the must do in Valencia as I have 2 days there from Thursday. ? Not sure about Barcelona as i felt quite unsafe there .. Loving salou ..

I agree with Lisbon. I don't think Barcelona is anything like Valencia, it's so packed with tourists and I didn't enjoy my time there.

"Bear in mind that a number of these cites, or their inhabitants, are thoroughly sick of over tourism and increasing vocal in their opposition to short-term let's, Air BnB type arrangements."

I also agree with this. It's really unfair that people are being pushed out of their own towns because they can't afford the rents any more.

We stay in hotels when we're in Europe now. More expensive but I just can't justify destroying communities like that (happening in my own home town too.)

Dubrovnik felt like a film set rather than a real place because so few people actually live there now, it is all rented out. Beautiful but without it's soul.

notmrscookie if you’ve never been before, I would recommend the open top bus tour to get your bearings (and because Valencia is too big to walk everywhere so you can get on and off if you see somewhere you fancy looking at). Or if you cycle Valencia is really set up for bikes.
The Turia Gardens is a longitudinal park made from the dried up river bed.
Otherwise, just wander round the old city - the Cathedral and the Basilica are both beautiful inside if you like visiting churches and the market is amazing (check opening hours of all these).
You also should visit the Ciudad de las Artes & Ciencias - it’s at one end of Turia Gardens - for amazing modern architecture.
The railway station (Estacio Nord) is a beautiful Art Nouveau building.
I must go again!