Ethnographic tourism: feel like a local in Valencia

Published 02/10/2020

Discover the province of Valencia through the customs and traditions of its people in what promises to be a rich and unique experience.

Travelling to a new destination is always a wonderful adventure. And there’s nothing quite like experiencing, discovering and connecting with another culture and another way of life. An opportunity to learn something, to enrich the body and soul.

Ethnographic tourism is about exactly that. Travelling with the aim of getting to know and taking part in different traditions, cultures and customs. Travelling to become a local, to discover the true essence of a place.

Ethnographic tourism is a way for societies to share their knowledge and value their unique customs. The main goal of this form of travel is therefore to preserve and keep alive collective culture through knowledge.

If you’re a curious traveller looking for authentic experiences, this is certainly the way of travelling for you. And there are many different ways to discover the ethnography of a place, from visiting museums to taking part in traditional and local activities.

How to practise ethnographic tourism in the province of Valencia

If you’re thinking about travelling to the Region of Valencia, a whole host of original and fun activities await. Whether that be immersing yourself in the heart of the province of Valencia or experiencing the most traditional customs through all the senses.

Every inch of the province hides traditions dating back millennia. Discover them all. From diving into the high emotions and gunpowder-fuelled fun of fallas in València and learning to play pilota valenciana, one of the oldest sports in the world. To visiting the various ethnographic centres in the province of Valencia, including Centre d'Estudis Locals de la Ciudad de los Silos, in Burjassot, or Museu Fester in Ontinyent.

València city boasts the great Museu Valencià d'Etnologia (ETNO), where you can discover permanent and temporary exhibitions about anything and everything, from traditional clothing and historic utensils to artistic representations about the local way of life.  

Being a tourist in the province of Valencia also means learning how to cook an authentic paella valenciana, shopping for ingredients at the market and then digging in with your loved ones. Food is certainly one of the best ways to get to the essence of a place. How dishes are traditionally made, the slight differences in each area and the secrets of family recipes.

Come to Valencia and feel its essence in every step you take, immersing yourself in the soul of the Mediterranean. Your first visit certainly won’t be your last.