The inaugural flight took off on Thursday.

Now Ryanair’s new service from Cork Airport to Valencia will operate twice weekly, departing for Spain’s third-largest city on Thursdays and Sundays.

The new route gives Corkonians another destination for a city break or beach getaway, with flights starting at €45 and running until the end of October.

And there’s plenty to explore in the Mediterranean port town, from long sandy beaches and gorgeous natural spaces to great cultural offerings and top-notch gastronomy.

Must-sees include the La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València (The City of Arts and Sciences), which includes a 3-D cinema, the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium and the Museu de les Ciències, where you can roam the interactive exhibitions.

It’s also an excellent spot to hang out with a coffee and take in the outrageously beautiful architecture.

Other highlights include the Museo Fallero (Fallas Museum) on Plaza Monteolivete, the breathtaking frescoes inside the church of St. Nicholas of Bari and St. Peter the Martyr and the buzzy shopping and dining neighbourhood of Ruzafa, known as the Valencian “Soho”.

“On top of Ryanair’s new service from Dublin, this second direct service to Valencia from Ireland gives Irish holidaymakers even more opportunity to discover our beautiful city and everything we have to offer as a holiday destination,” said Eva Fernández International PR Manager at Visit Valencia.