Valencia ( [ vəˈlɛnsiə ] [ baˈlenθja ] ) , officially València ( [ vaˈlensia ] ) , is the capital of the autonomous community of Valencia and the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona , with around 800,000 inhabitants in the administrative centre . Its urban area extends beyond the administrative city limits with a population of around 1.5 -- 1.6 million people . Valencia is Spain 's third largest metropolitan area , with a population ranging from 1.7 to 2.5 million . Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain , with approximately 169 hectares ; this heritage of ancient monuments , views and cultural attractions makes Valencia one of the country 's most popular tourist destinations . Valencia Club de Fútbol ( [ baˈlenθja ˈkluβ ðe ˈfuðβol ] , València Club de Futbol [ vaˈlensia ˈklub de fubˈbɔl ] also known as Valencia CF , Valencia or Los Che ) are a Spanish football club based in Valencia .
Valencia is a village.