City trip to Valencia, Lisbon, or Florence

31 July, 2018 | Update: 03/02/2025

Camping near a Southern European city is always a great idea! In Valencia, Lisbon, and Florence, you can enjoy culture, history, green parks, pleasant weather, and delicious cuisine. Here are some tips for must-do activities in these three vibrant cities.

Tips for Valencia, Lisbon, and Florence

• Valencia: Versatile Spanish city
• Lisbon: City of seven hills
• Florence: Strolling through the pearl of Tuscany

In summary

Valencia is an ideal city for a city trip if you love culture, good food, and the beach. Visit the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, admire the Valencia Cathedral, the Lonja de la Seda, and take a pleasant walk in Jardín del Turia. Valencia has several city beaches, perfect for a day of seaside fun. Visit the famous Las Fallas Festival in March.

Lisbon is built on hills, offering beautiful views during your city trip. Other highlights include the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, Torre de Belém, and the Alfama district. Take a ride on tram 28 and visit the creative hotspot LX Factory.

In the Italian city of Florence, visit the city’s icon, the Duomo di Firenze, and the art museum Galleria degli Uffizi. Walk across the Ponte Vecchio bridge and enjoy the stunning views over the city from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Trip to Valencia: Versatile Spanish city

Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, combines modern architecture with centuries of history. This versatile city on the Mediterranean Sea offers something for every camper, from cultural highlights to green parks and beautiful beaches. Valencia has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it an ideal city for a trip when camping nearby. The best time to visit is from March to June and from September to November, although autumn can bring severe weather, such as heavy rainfall. However, there are no signs of the storms from late 2024. The city of Valencia emerged relatively unscathed, and all services and tourist attractions are functioning normally. Valencia is as safe and attractive as ever. Camping in the region is also possible again, allowing you to fully enjoy the beautiful nature and mild climate.

Tip 1: Visit the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias

One of the absolute must-sees in Valencia is the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a futuristic complex designed by architect Santiago Calatrava. Here, you’ll find Europe’s largest aquarium, an impressive interactive science museum, and an iconic opera house.

Tip 2: Spot beautiful architecture

For a touch of history, visit the Valencia Cathedral. The cathedral features Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles and is known as the home of the Holy Grail. Climb the associated tower, El Miguelete, for a stunning view of the city.

Another historical gem is the Lonja de la Seda, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the most beautiful Gothic buildings in Europe. Once a silk trading centre, you can now admire its magnificent architecture and impressive interior.

Tip 3: Relax in Jardín del Turia

For a relaxing outing, head to Jardín del Turia, an expansive park over 9 kilometres long. Here, you can enjoy walking, cycling, or picnicking. This green heart of the city lies in the old Turia riverbed and connects various attractions, including the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.

Tip 4: Enjoy the city beaches

Valencia offers the perfect combination of city life and beach relaxation. The most popular beach is Playa de la Malvarrosa, a wide, lively city beach with cosy bars and a long promenade. For a quieter atmosphere, Playa de la Patacona is a great option, with trendy beach bars and fewer crowds. Nature lovers can visit Albufera Natural Park, where Playa de El Saler offers fine sand and a beautiful dune landscape.

Tip 5: Taste the best paella

Don’t forget to sample the local cuisine! Valencia is the birthplace of paella. Settle down at one of the charming seaside restaurants and enjoy this delicious Spanish dish.

Tip 6: Celebrate the Las Fallas Festival

The Las Fallas Festival in Valencia takes place annually from 1 to 19 March, with the first shows starting in late February. Highlights include the Noche del Fuego (Night of Fire) on 18 March and the grand burning of the fallas on 19 March, which concludes the festival. It is one of the largest and most impressive festivals in Spain.

Tip 7: Camping in the Valencia region

For camping enthusiasts, there are various campsites in and around Valencia. A popular choice is Camping Valencia el Saler, just a twenty-minute drive from the city centre and close to El Saler beach. Here, you camp near the large lagoon of Albufera National Park. This campsite has a beautiful outdoor pool with a toddler area, but a dip in the sea is also easily accessible. In the evening, enjoy a meal at the restaurant, and you only need to leave the campsite for groceries.

Campsites near Valencia

City Trip to Lisbon: city of seven hills

The Portuguese capital, Lisbon, is a city you’ll fall in love with instantly! Here, you’ll find charming streets, impressive views, and a rich history. The city is built on seven hills, so be sure to visit the famous viewpoints Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro de Santa Catarina for amazing views.

Tip 1: Explore the Belém District

Start your exploration in the Belém district, home to several beautiful sights. The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, is a must-see. Not far from there is the Torre de Belém, a fort that has guarded the Tagus River for centuries and symbolises Portuguese exploration.

Tip 2: Discover traditional Lisbon in Alfama

A visit to the Alfama district in the heart of the city is a must. This charming neighbourhood, with its narrow streets and picturesque squares, is the perfect place to experience traditional Lisbon. Here, you’ll often hear the sounds of fado, the Portuguese folk music that offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of the country.

Tip 3: Take a ride on the tram

A ride on the historic tram 28 is highly recommended. This iconic tram winds through the city, passing many highlights such as the Sé de Lisboa Cathedral and the Castelo de São Jorge, a medieval castle with spectacular views over the city and river.

Tip 4: Visit creative art galleries

For modern art and a trendy atmosphere, visit LX Factory. This former industrial complex is now a bustling spot filled with creative shops, trendy cafes, and art galleries.

Tip 5: Enjoy a traditional Portuguese snack

Finally, you can’t leave Lisbon without trying a Pastel de Belém, a delicious creamy pastry that tastes best in the city where it was invented.

Campsites near Lisbon

Florence: Strolling through the pearl of Tuscany

Florence is the cultural heart of Italy. It’s a true paradise for lovers of art, history, and gastronomy. Besides famous landmarks like the Ponte Vecchio and the Duomo, you can enjoy strolling through markets with an authentic Italian atmosphere.

Tip 1: Wander through an Italian market

A visit to the Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo is a must. This lively market, near the 15th-century Basilica di San Lorenzo, is known for its extensive range of food, leather goods, clothing, and souvenirs. Here, you can find beautiful Venetian masks, handmade leather bags, and other unique items at affordable prices. The market is a melting pot of sounds and scents, with lively bargaining between traders and customers.

Tip 2: Admire the Florence cathedral

One of the most iconic landmarks is the Duomo di Firenze. This cathedral, with its stunning dome designed by Brunelleschi, dominates the city’s skyline. Climb the dome or the adjacent Campanile di Giotto for breathtaking views over Florence.

Tip 3: Immerse yourself in the world of art

For art lovers, the Galleria degli Uffizi is a must-visit. This world-famous museum houses an unparalleled collection of Renaissance paintings, including Botticelli’s The Birth of Venus and works by Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Nearby, the Galleria dell’Accademia is home to Michelangelo’s impressive David.

Tip 4: Walk across the Ponte Vecchio

Next, head to the picturesque Ponte Vecchio, Florence’s oldest bridge, where you’ll still find traditional jewellers and goldsmiths. Cross the bridge to discover the stunning Palazzo Pitti and the adjoining Boboli Gardens, an oasis of tranquillity with fountains, sculptures, and panoramic views over the city.

Tip 5: The best view of Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo is a fantastic spot to admire Florence from above. Located on a hill on the south side of the Arno River, this square offers a spectacular view of the city, with the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Tuscan hills in the background. It’s especially magical at sunset!

Campsites near Florence

Affordable camping with CampingCard ACSI

In addition to beautiful sights and delicious food, these cities also offer pleasant temperatures in spring and autumn. It’s a great way to enjoy the sun outside the high season! And when camping near Valencia, Lisbon, or Florence, be sure to bring your CampingCard ACSI to enjoy affordable camping rates.

Which city is your favourite? Do you have any additional tips? Share them in the comments of this blog!