Carrier now plans to have winter and summer service
Air Transat’s decision to bolster its Montreal-Valencia service has the Mediterranean-fronting Spanish city hopeful about making further inroads in the Canadian market.
Air Transat launched its direct Montreal–València service on June 20, marking the first nonstop link between the two cities in over a decade. Initially introduced as a summer-only route, the airline now plans to extend service into the winter 2025–2026 season, with weekly Saturday departures starting Feb. 21, 2026.
“This expanded year-round service reflects Valencia’s growing popularity as a vibrant destination that blends rich history, dynamic culture, and modern amenities,” says Visit Valencia. “Known for its stunning architecture, Mediterranean beaches, world-class cuisine, and signature events like the Las Fallas festival, Valencia offers visitors a unique experience that goes beyond traditional Spanish cities.
“Air Transat’s extended connection not only makes it easier for Canadian travelers to explore Valencia’s foundations from its Roman and Moorish heritage to its pioneering contributions in arts and sciences, but also supports the city’s rising status as a key cultural and leisure hub on the transatlantic map.”
The direct Air Transat flights from Montreal to Valencia are the first nonstop ones between Canada and Valencia. The inaugural flight marked a significant milestone, as Valencia Airport hadn’t hosted a transatlantic route since 2012.
Visit Valencia is now working to heighten Valencia’s Canadian profile.
“We’re actively growing Valencia’s presence in Canada through the new direct flight from Montreal and strong partnerships with local tourism organizations,” it adds. “By collaborating on media outreach and cultural initiatives, we’re introducing Canadian travelers to Valencia’s rich heritage, inclusive community, and sustainability efforts. This growing relationship with Montreal is helping to build a lasting connection between the two cities.
“Together with Air Transat and (Spanish tourism board) Turespaña, Valencia has been running consumer campaigns across social media, out-of-home advertising, and top-tier media outlets. At the same time, trade-focused efforts—including training seminars and familiarization trips to Valencia — are helping raise awareness and inspire Canadian travelers to visit, taking full advantage of the new direct connection.”
Visit continues that “Valencia combines everything travelers love about Spain in one vibrant, accessible city. You’ll find sun-soaked Mediterranean beaches just minutes from the city center, a UNESCO-listed old town, cutting-edge architecture like the City of Arts and Sciences, and one of the most celebrated culinary scenes in the country.
“It’s the birthplace of paella, and new initiatives like ‘The Mediterranean Pantry’ invite visitors to experience that heritage firsthand through hands-on workshops, food tours, and visits to places like Mercado Central. For families, attractions like Oceanogràfic, the Science Museum, Bioparc, and Gulliver Park make it a cultural destination that’s also fun for kids.”
Locals believe that their city has a storied reminder of Christianity’s earliest days.
“Valencia is also home to one of Christianity’s most important relics — the Holy Grail — housed in the city’s cathedral. Every five years, the city celebrates a Jubilee Holy Year, and the next one begins in October, welcoming pilgrims from around the world,” the tourist board says.
“For couples or group getaways, Valencia offers a modern, energetic vibe — whether you’re relaxing at a beachside spa, sipping Agua de València in El Carmen, shopping in Ruzafa, or dancing late into the night. It’s a proudly inclusive city with a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene and host of the 2026 Gay Games.”
Valencia was named Europe’s Green Capital in 2024, with the tourist board reporting that the city leads in sustainability with bike-friendly infrastructure, lush urban parks, and a strong focus on protecting its natural and culinary heritage.
“Add to that its walkable layout, 20 kilometers of beaches, and easy high-speed rail connections to Madrid and Barcelona, and it’s no surprise Valencia is being called one of the top Mediterranean destinations,” Visit Valencia adds.
“Valencia offers nearly 20 kilometers of stunning beaches, both within city limits and in more natural, wild settings. The city’s main urban beaches — El Cabanyal, Malvarrosa, and Patacona — are just a stone’s throw from the center, featuring wide stretches of fine sand and all the facilities you could want. These beaches are easily accessible by city bus, metro, bike, car, or even on foot, with a scenic promenade connecting them.
“The nearby Marina de Valencia offers a hub for water sports and activities, plus beach volleyball and the unique Malvarrosa reef for diving enthusiasts. After enjoying the sun and sea, visitors can savor local Mediterranean specialties such as Paella Valenciana and Senyoret rice at beachfront restaurants. The lively beach area also boasts numerous cafés, pubs, and nightlife options, perfect for winding down or extending the fun well into the evening.
“For a quieter, more natural experience, beaches in the nearby L’Albufera Nature Park like El Saler and La Devesa offer golden sands, dunes, and pristine waters. All of Valencia’s beaches have Blue Flag status, guaranteeing high environmental and service quality.”
The tourist board reports that it’s easy to combine visits to Valencia with other parts of Spain, with its airport, just 8 kilometers from the city center, offering regular flights to many domestic and international destinations. Two main train stations serve the city: Estación del Norte for local trains and Joaquín Sorolla, which provides high-speed AVE services to Madrid, Seville, Córdoba, and connections to Barcelona via ALVIA and EUROMED trains.
Valencia’s port offers passenger services to the Balearic Islands and Italy and is a popular cruise stop, letting travelers combine city visits with Mediterranean cruises. By car, Valencia is accessible via major highways like the AP-7, which links Valencia with Barcelona by coast and the A-3, which provides a direct link to Madrid.
“These transport links make it easy and convenient to include Valencia in broader trips across Spain,” Visit Valencia adds.
Meanwhile, Visit Valencia is confident vacationing Canadians will appreciate Valencia.
“Valencia offers an incredible mix of cultural experiences, beautiful beaches, and world-class cuisine that make it a must-visit Mediterranean city,” the tourist board says. “Beyond its rich history and vibrant neighborhoods, Valencia is also a dynamic destination for sports enthusiasts and active travelers.
“This summer and beyond, the city hosts a series of exciting upcoming events like the FibraValencia Night Race, the Valencia Triathlon, and the MotoGP Grand Prix, drawing athletes and spectators from around the world. With excellent facilities for cycling, running, sailing, and more, Valencia makes it easy to stay active and enjoy the outdoors year-round.
“We encourage Canadian visitors to explore all sides of Valencia, from its festivals and food to its exciting sports scene, offering a truly well-rounded travel experience.”
