From Valencia to the Skies: Top Aviation Museums and Airshows

If your heart beats with the rhythm of jet engines, Valencia is a great starting point to start exploring Spain’s skyward wonders. The city and its surroundings offer a great deal to satiate the thirst of an aviation enthusiast. From museums that preserve the glorious past of aviation to air shows that offer breathtaking displays of flying prowess, there is plenty to enjoy. And what's a better way to do it than on a day trip from Valencia? To make it easy and comfortable, we recommend renting a car.

Embark on your day trip with a visit to the Aero-Frontón Cuatro Vientos. Located in Madrid, approximately 360 kilometres from Valencia, the place is home to several museums dedicated to aviation. The Museo del Aire is a prominent one, chronicling the history of Spanish aviation. It houses more than 150 aircraft and offers an immersive experience that takes you through the evolution of aircraft. The exhibits include fighter jets, helicopters, gliders, and prototypes that narrate the tale of human flight.

Another highlight of Cuatro Vientos is the INTA, the National Institute of Aerospace Technology. This features technological exhibits relating to space and aviation.

Visit them on a Google Map.

From Museo del Aire, drive to the Torrejón Air Base. This military air base, also situated in Madrid, is approximately 30 kilometres from Cuatro Vientos, easily reachable by car. It has served the Spanish Air Force since the 1950s and is known for its occasional, spectacular air shows.

Lastly, if your time permits, a 2-hour drive would take you to the Army Aviation Museum in Granada. The museum boasts a unique collection of antique and classic Spanish military aircraft displaying Spain's rich heritage in the field of military aviation.

Next, turn your wheels towards the sky-streaking spectacle, the Gijón Air Festival. This airshow in Asturias, approximately 700 kilometres away from Valencia, sweeps the audience off their feet. Held in July every year, the Gijón Air Festival offers a breathtaking combination of civilian and military aircraft demonstrations. From aerobatic teams to warbirds, helicopters to private aircraft, the festival sees a variety of aircraft performing jaw-dropping manoeuvres in the sky. Follow the location on Google Map.

To cover these distances in comfort and at your own pace, renting a car in Spain is advisable. It could provide you with flexibility to craft your route, timing, and breaks as per your preference.

The world of aviation is beautifully vast, and Spain offers a large chunk of that spectacle. For avid aviation enthusiasts, embarking on this trail from Valencia will surely quench their quest for the splendours of the sky. So, fasten your seat belts and prepare for a flight through the history and thrilling present of aviation, from Valencia to the skies. Ready for the adventure? The cockpit awaits you.