Wizz Air recently unveiled a new route to a city hailed as the best place in the world to live. The Hungarian low-cost carrier will introduce a fresh flight service with daily direct flights from London Gatwick to Valencia, Spain, starting on March 29, 2026. Travelers can book return journeys for as low as £40. Valencia is set to be a prime location in Europe to witness a total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, a rare event not expected to recur in the Iberian Peninsula until 2090. Despite the sun still shining, the city will experience over a minute of total darkness around 8:32 pm, making it a significant moment for astronomy enthusiasts.
Recognized as the best place to live in 2022, Valencia offers an ideal escape when the new Wizz Air route commences in March. The city boasts pleasant temperatures around 20C during that time and provides affordable options like £4 wine. One of the charms of Spanish cities, including Valencia, is their compact size, allowing visitors to explore food markets, admire historic buildings, and unwind on the beach while sipping sangria.
With an average meal priced at €13.25 (£11.09), a bottle of wine at around €5 (£4.18), and a morning coffee at just €2.04 (£1.71), Valencia’s affordability contributed to its recognition as a top place to live by Forbes. A must-visit spot is the old town, where tourists can view the Valencia Cathedral, believed to house the Holy Grail. The cathedral showcases a blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque architecture, offering a stunning panorama from the Miguelete Tower. Nearby, the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reveals Valencia’s rich silk trade history from the 15th century.
Valencia’s outdoor lifestyle is evident with locals enjoying coffee in sunlit squares, a typical Mediterranean tradition. The Turia Gardens, a former riverbed transformed into a vast urban park, invites leisurely strolls. The city’s 20km of blue-flag beaches are home to renowned Paella restaurants, offering options at Cabanyal, Malvarrosa, or further afield like El Saler. For those not keen on paella, the Central Market provides a variety of fresh produce, tapas, olives, and seafood for a delightful culinary experience.