Event Dates
From: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
To: Wednesday, August 27, 2025
A small town, just under a half-hour drive from the city of Valencia and in August becomes the home of the World’s biggest food fight.
Buñol is a small town, just under a half-hour drive from the city of Valencia and in August becomes the home of the World’s biggest food fight. The event is held on the final Wednesday in August.
Thousands of visitors from Spain and beyond make the pilgrimage to the ancient town of Buñol to party long into the night, in between dodging the odd tomato or two! Over a hundred thousand tomatoes flying through the air over the course of an hour is, without a doubt, a sight to behold.
La Tomatina 2025
- Next Edition: Wednesday 27th August, 2025.
- First off, arrive early as roads to the town are closed off from lunchtime. We recommend staying in Valencia and taking a rideshare or bus to Buñol.
- Wear White! Everyone does as they make their way down the hill to the centre of the town square, Plaza del Pueblo; you will find street vendors galore selling drinks as music plays over speakers. The atmosphere is one of hype and mayhem as people prepare for the main event.
- The fight takes place in what is known as “The Mosh Pit”. Trucks carrying 40 tonnes of tomatoes will have arrived earlier that morning, and that’s over 150,000 tomatoes! Get your ticket and pick up your tomato ammunition and start throwing them at everyone and anyone. Afterwards, you can pay locals a small fee to hose you down with water, which is highly recommended. You may not want to see a tomato for a while after your experience in the pit, but you certainly will have a unique memory of your trip to Spain.
Tips for the event
- Bring a change of clothes and wear something you won’t want to wear again. Bring goggles as, believe it or not, tomatoes sting. Avoid flip flops, so pack some trainers you don’t mind destroying.
- This is a ticketed event, limited to 20,000 visitors to avoid overcrowding. Tickets cost EUR 12 approx.
- The food fight begins at 11 am and lasts for one hour, and takes place on the last Wednesday in August each year.
Other Activities
The tomato fight, which dates back to 1945, is the highlight of a week-long celebration full of fireworks, music and dancing held in honour of Buñol’s Patron Saint, San Luis Bertrán.
How La Tomatina began
- La Tomatina started in 1945 during a parade of Giants and Bigheads. Some local youth decided to participate in it, and some of the party members got angry. There was a minor dispute near where there was a vegetable stand, and the argument became a tomato toss between both sides until the police ended the “conflict.”
- The following year and successive years, the same scenario was repeated until the authorities saw a high demand at the party. Due to this, the City Council took over the organization in 1980. Since then, La Tomatina has become popular every year. Now it is a festival that attracts thousands of tourists, making it one of the festivals with a significant international impact.
- The town has few hotels, so Valencia makes an ideal base to explore the region. If you want to stay in the town, or close by, prepare to book well in advance
Where to stay?
Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action
Hospes Palau, Zenit Valencia, Vincci Palace, Catalonia Excelsior
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Cathedral Suites Hotel
is our preferred hotel in the city.
For further information and advice on
La Tomatina, Buñol visit The Website
The gay scene in Valencia is spread out in 2 distinct districts, The Botànic/Quart and Russafa (Ruzafa). Both are within close walking distance from the Old Town centre. The city also has one gay beach, Platja de l’Arbre del Gos which is outside of the city, however the city beach is packed full of gay boys throughout the season.
SH Valencia Palace, 32, Passeig de l'Albereda, el Pla del Real, Valencia, Comarca de València, Valencia, Valencian Community, 46023, Spain
Located in front of the Palau de la Música in Valencia, this elegant hotel features a rooftop swimming pool and sun terrace. It offers spacious rooms with a classic design and free Wi-Fi. The Albufera restaurant offers local cuisine based on fresh products and gluten-free options are available. There is also a snack bar, an express bar and a lobby bar. A buffet breakfast is served in the hotel. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
Carrer de la Pau 42, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Vincci Palace is located in
Valencia, 5 minutes’ walk from the Cathedral. It is an attractive design hotel offering elegant rooms with satellite TV and free internet access.The Hotel Vincci Palace serves a
, which includes gluten-free products. There is a stylish on-site café selling refreshments and snacks, and a wide variety of restaurants can be found within a 5-minute walk of the hotel.Carrer de Bailén 8, 46007 València, Valencia, Spain
Zenit
boasts a fantastic opposite Valencia’s Estación del Norte and the city’s bullring. It offers free Wi-Fi and has a fitness centre, sauna and .All rooms at the Zenit are stylishly furnished, with a private bathroom complete with hairdryer. Each room also contains a work desk, safety deposit box and plasma TV with satellite channels.
Plaça de Sant Llorenç 2, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Located 100 m from the Turia Gardens, in Valencia’s Old Town, Hotel San Lorenzo Boutique offers stylish rooms with free WiFi. The hotel is 200 m from Torre de Serranos City Gate.
Featuring free WiFi, each spacious air-conditioned room has a minibar, flat-screen TV and views of the city. The private bathroom includes a bath or shower, hairdryer and free toiletries.
Carrer de la Barcelonina 5, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain
Catalonia Excelsior is located in
’s , just a few metres from ayuntamiento Square. This elegant hotel features a café, free Wi-Fi access, rooms with satellite TVs.The Excelsior’s rooms are bright and air conditioned. Each has air conditioning, a small fridge and a well-equipped bathroom.
Carrer de Minyana, 19, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain
The air-conditioned apartment consists of 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and a kettle, and 1 bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. For added convenience
Carrer de Cervantes, 27, 46007 València, Valencia, Spain
The apartment has 2 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 1 bathroom with a bath or shower.
Carrer de Roger de Llòria, 8, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain
All units here are air-conditioned and feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchenette with a fridge and a private bathroom with bidet, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
Carrer de Sant Martí, 1, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain
All units feature air conditioning a living room with a satellite flat-screen TV. A kitchen with an oven, a microwave and toaster as well as a coffee machine and a kettle. A Washing machine and Free WiFi
Passeig de Neptú – Passeig Marítim de la Patacona, Valencia 46011
● A vast, lively city beach filled with numerous beach restaurants.
● Although there’s no dedicated gay section, the tranquil northern part (Playa de la Malvarrosa) attracts water sports lovers, free spirits, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Open year-round
Between Pinedo and El Saler, Valencia
● Located south of Valencia, this lengthy beach offers serene promenades for
pedestrians and cyclists.
● It has various beach restaurants and facilities, making it a perfect spot for relaxation.
● The quieter atmosphere here is a welcome change from the bustling city beaches.
● A gay beach section can be found halfway between Pinedo and Saler, identifiable by the tall chimney stack of an old factory nearby.
Open year-round
Carrer dels Vivons 15-17, Valencia 46006
● A large gay sauna located in the vibrant Russafa quarter, known for its labyrinthine cruising areas spread over two levels.
● Admission ranges from 10 to 18 €.
Monday-Friday 10:00 – 24:00; Saturday 10:00 – Sunday 24:00 nonstop
Carrer de Ruaya 48, Valencia 46009
● Big pre-clubbing music bar featuring a lively dancefloor.
● Plays commercial remixes, Spanish, and international Pop.
● Usually gets crowded after midnight.
● Located near Deseo 54, where you can request passes at the bar.
Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 03:30/04:00
C. Botánico 7, Valencia 46008
● A spacious gay bar catering to bears and their friends.
● Offers a vibrant atmosphere with great company.
Wednesday-Sunday 20:00 – 02:00/03:30
C. Juan de Mena 7, Valencia 46008
● An old-school cruisy gay bar with a mixed clientele.
● Occasionally hosts shows for added entertainment.
Thursday-Saturday 23:00 – 03:30
C. del Crist del Grau 10, Valencia 46011
● LGBTQ-friendly pub located in the Grao quarter, close to the Marina.
● Known for its lively afternoon parties and local queer artists.
Thursday, Friday 23:00 – 03:30; Saturday 17:00 – 03:30
Carrer de Cuba 59, Valencia 46006
● A cozy cocktail and café bar with a charming street terrace.
● Welcomes a mixed-age crowd for a relaxed vibe.
Tuesday-Thursday 19:00/20:00 – 00:30/01:00 Friday, Saturday 19:00/20:00 – 02:30
C. Moratín 7, Valencia 46002
● A hustler bar located in the heart of Valencia.
● Attracts a diverse crowd for an exciting nightlife experience.
Tuesday-Sunday 18:00 – 02:00
Plaza del Músico López Chávarri 2, Valencia 46003
● A gay-friendly café-bar with a large terrace at the plaza.
● Perfect for relaxing or socializing during the day or night.
Daily 18:00 – 12:00/02:00
Carrer del Gravador Jordán / Calle Grabador Jordán 1, Valencia 46013
● A busy gay cruise bar located in the southern part of Valencia.
● Features lockers, showers, swings, cabins, and more for an exciting experience.
● Admission ranges from €5 to €10, which includes 1-2 drinks.
Daily 18:00 – 02:00
Carrer del Túria 22, 46008 València, Valencia, Spain
● Gay parties every day. Slip or nude, blind sex or total blackout ● Porn sex show, raffles, Rooms, labyrinths, glory holes, videos, slings, cabins, motorcycles, lounge-bar, x-room, dark room.
Daily 2pm till 3.30am
Carrer Alacant / Calle Alicante 11, Valencia 46004
● A lively gay bar and cruising area equipped with cabins and slings.
● Conveniently located near the central railway station (Estación del Norte).
● Minimum consumption is set between €7 and €11.
Times: Daily 17:00 – 01:30/03:00
Carrer de Pepita 15, Valencia 46009
● Stylish dance palace featuring two floors
● Hosts shows with national and international DJs and artists
● Attracts a young, diverse crowd
● Admission includes one drink
Friday and Saturday, 01:00 – 07:30
C. de Sant Vicent Mártir 386, Valencia 46017
● Known for its lively after-hours atmosphere
● Open to all LGBTs and friends (not a fetish club)
● Offers an underground vibe with great music and a packed dancefloor
● Popular especially early Sunday mornings
Usually Saturday and Sunday morning from 06:30
Carrer de Dénia 83, Valencia 46006
● An LGBT-friendly after-hours party featuring DJ Chris Daniel and guest DJs
● Private club atmosphere; ID required for entry
● Next party promises to be exciting
Saturday and Sunday morning from 08:30
Carrer de Mossèn Femenia / Calle Cura Feminía 15, Valencia 46006
● A popular LGBT-friendly pre-clubbing bar located in the Russafa quarter
● Features a dancefloor and a DJ, attracting a mixed clientele
● Busiest hours are between 01:00 and 02:00
Friday and Saturday, 23:00 – 03:30
Carrer de Carles Cervera 23, Valencia 46006
● A cozy LGBT-friendly basement club known for its off-mainstream Electro/Techno music
● Intimate setting with a unique vibe
Friday and Saturday, 24:00 – 07:30
Carrer dels Tomasos 12-14, Valencia 46006
● An LGBT-friendly club in the Russafa quarter featuring commercial remixes and popular tracks
● Expect long queues at the entrance during peak times
Friday and Saturday night, 24:00 – 07:30
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Valencia that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars
Highlights of the hilarious tomato fight.
Valencia is LGBTQ+ friendly, and there are several areas in the city that are popular among the gay community. The city is also known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and rich history.
El Carmen is the historic old town of Valencia, with its narrow streets, medieval architecture, and bohemian vibe.
One of Valencia’s most popular & iconic beaches. It’s a wide, sandy beach with a long promenade, perfect for relaxing.