Vibrant yet tranquil, medieval and 21st century, traditional yet contemporary, Spain's third city tries to please all – and succeeds. Climb the 155ft cathedral bell tower and you'll get a bird's eye view of Valencia's beautiful and distinct districts. Speckled throughout the futuristic architecture are lush public gardens bordered by golden beaches.

This city by the sea really does have it all – and you can be there within just two hours from the UK, touching down at Valencia Airport (VLC). Prepare to see, taste, hear, touch and experience the very best bits of this sizzling destination from the moment you arrive.

And what best bits there are! Shop for fresh produce, including fresh-from-the-vine tomatoes and other local goods, at Mercado Central; gaze in awe at the historic cathedral; get a feel for the past as you tread the time-worn stones of the Old Quarter; find a shady spot in the gorgeous Turia Gardens; or pack your beach towel and enjoy the sensation of the Mediterranean Sea rushing over your feet at the beach.

Touch down on short breaks to Valencia at the city’s airport and make your way to your hotel. Getting into Valencia from the airport is easy. Use the underground trains to travel to the city in just 25 minutes (buy a tourist travel card to make savings) or take the bus, which reaches central Valencia in 45 minutes.

The taxi fare between the airport and the city is 20 euros. Alternatively, hire a car in Valencia to get around at your leisure. Pre-book your vehicle and you can collect it at the airport and be on your way within minutes.

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Though you might not be willing to take a dip in the sea during the winter months, sightseeing breaks to Valencia between November and February take advantage of thin crowds and mild daytime temperatures of around 10C.

However, as late spring morphs into the hot summer, visitors begin to set up camp at pavement cafes, taking a cool respite from the city’s main attractions. Daytime temperatures in the summer can hit 30C, with an average during July and August of 26C.

Fire Festival (Las Fallas); March: This event is reason alone to book a break to Valencia in early spring. You won’t believe what you’re seeing as giant “ninots”, or “falles” – papier mache figures – tour the streets before being burned. Don’t stay up too late – brass bands take to the streets performing the annual wake-up call at 8am every day of the festival!

Fiesta de San Juan; June: The Spanish never overlook an opportunity to celebrate life and the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, doesn’t pass by without a party. There are fireworks, beach parties, midnight dips, bonfires, concerts and much more besides.

La Tomatina; August: Many visitors fly into Valencia in summer to head to nearby Buñol, where the world’s zaniest food fight sees the town, the people, the cars… well, everything, plastered in ripe tomatoes on the last Wednesday of August.

Families: Don't miss the City of Arts & Culture, a jaw-dropping complex with a planetarium, science museum, oceanographic centre and art gallery in an incredible space-age setting.

Shopping: Pick up a piece of collectable Lladro in the City of Porcelain museum and store.

Romance: Perch yourself at a pavement café and order paella for two in the birthplace of Spain's famous rice dish.