Valencia Aquarium : L’Oceanografic in the City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia Aquarium is housed in L’Oceanografic which is the largest marine park in Europe and the largest aquarium in Europe.
This stunning building was designed by Felix Candela and is reminiscent of the amazing work of Barcelona’s Antoni Gaudí.
Valencia Aquarium at the Oceanografic can be found in the stunning City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i de les Ciencies).
The oceans and species of the sea are well represented in this truly spectacular area in the center of Valencia. The complex also contains a planetarium, science museum, botanical garden and opera house.
L’Oceanographico
As you can see from the photo above, L’Oceanographico is situated mainly under ground. Next to the building is a mesh globe which houses the Wetlands where you’ll find marshland and mangrove swamps.
Mediterranean
This area contains the largest aquarium in Europe with around 7,400 specimens. There are seven aquariums which recreate the natural environments of species associated with the Mediterranean seas such as eels, sea cucumbers and scorpion fish. You can get up very close to see these exciting and lovely fish.
ARCA del Mar
This is a research center which focuses on the reproduction of species facing extinction. It has a surface of 210 m2 and a 110 volume of m3 and contains the latest technology to treat turtles and dolphins.
The Artic building is designed to look like an igloo. This is where marine biologists monitor the behavior of whales and walruses. In the Ocean building you can watch a colony of penguins laze on rocks and then take a swim.
Dolphinarium
This is the largest in Europe and contains 23 million liters of water. It has a seating capacity for 2,210 people and as well as being of great entertainment it’s also very educational.
The bottle-nose dolphins are amongst the most common type of dolphin and measure almost 4 meters in length. There is a very famous bottle-nose dolphin called Flipper who starred in the movie and television series of the same name.
Valencia Aquarium Restaurants
There are a variety of places to eat at the Oceanografic and you can also visit the stunning Submarino De L’Oceanografic which has a horse-shoe shaped bar in the centre and marine life in the underwater tanks which surround the restaurant.
Valencia City of Arts Full-Day Combined Tickets
Explore Valencia’s breathtaking City of Arts and Sciences with a combined full-day ticket to the Principe Felipe Science Museum, L’ Oceanogràfic Sea Life Center and Hemisfèric, according to your preferences. See state-of-the-art architecture and more.
- Touch and feel exhibits to learn scientific facts
- Watch an eccentric scientist demonstrate the principles of electricity
- Learn about climate change, biometrics and more
- See the impressive Hemisferic building, and watch 3D animations
- Explore the world’s aquatic ecosystems at L’ Oceanogràfic
- See sea lions, penguins, starfish and more
Getting Here:
You can reach this futuristic complex from the town center by taking a bus or walking along the lovely 7 km stretch of the Turia Gardens. The port and beach of Valencia are a bus ride away.
Hotels near the City of Arts & Sciences
The Barceló Valencia Hotel is next to the City of Arts and Sciences and includes free WiFi in all areas, restaurant, bar, room service, restaurant (à la carte) and snack bar.
The Holiday Inn includes free Wi-Fi and there is a rooftop pool, bar and terrace.
The hotel’s restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine, and there are discounts for children.
The Holiday Inn Express, Ciudad Las Ciencias is just a few minutes from the City of Arts and Sciences and Palau de la Musica.
Nearby is El Saler shopping center full of restaurants, shops and a large supermarket.
Features include free Wi-Fi, seasonal outdoor pool, Bar/Lounge, Business Center and restaurant.
More places to stay near City of Arts and Sciences >>
Valencia Buses / Valencia Metro / Valencia Bikes
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