These Cities In Europe Have Won The 2024 European Green City Awards

Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is among the cities which has secured the title of European Green Capital 2024.

The European Green Capital and Leaf 2024 awards were won by Valencia, Elsinore, and Velenje in an event held recently at Grenoble in France. Valencia will become Europe&rsquos Green Capital in 2024 and the Green Capital Leaf 2024 will be jointly shared by Elsinore in Denmark and Velenje in Slovenia. 

Valencia has won the award for the considerable and commendable work it has done in promoting green and sustainable tourism and climate neutrality. About 97 percent of residents live within 300 metres of green urban areas.

Apart from that, the successful preservation of Devesa dune and wetland ecosystems, Albufera Natural Park, the suburban orchard, Turia Gardenand, The Neighbourhood Food Programme, and efficient waste management systems have also led to Valencia&rsquos win.

Elsinore, the Danish city has won the award for setting up district heat systems that convert heat into energy source to overcome the energy crisis. The city also has systems to segregate rainfall and waste water for water conservation and encourages the residents and businesses to work together to achieve green transition. Elsinore&rsquos goal for the Green Leaf year for achieving green transition is &lsquoSharing is caring.&rsquo

The Slovenian city Velenje is working towards achieving green economy by phasing out coal. The city has efficient waste management systems and strives to achieve its goal of &lsquofrom black to green and bright.&rsquo

Here are a few things that you can look forward to when you visit these cities.

Valencia 

Valencia&rsquos famous rice dish paella is a must-try. Ernst Hemingway&rsquos favourite restaurant, La Pepica, which was opened in 1898, is known to be Valencia&rsquos most famous place for this dish.

From Roman buildings to Islamic architecture, the city has a mix of heritage and modernism. Ciutat Vella, La Lonja de la Seda, Col&oacuten Market, and City of Arts and Sciences are some places where one can experience Gothic culture, hip cafes, and learn about Valencian history. 

Elsinore 

Known as The City of Hamlet, you must the Kronborg Castle which is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the finest Renaissance era castles in Europe. Some of the best libraries, cafes, restaurants, museum, and exhibition can be seen in The Culture Yard in the city. Restaurant Kaj in the cosy neighborhood of Nordhavn, Brasserie 1861 and Restaurant Marienlyst serve some of the best roasted coffee and smoked fish dishes. 

Velenje 

The Coal Mining Museum of Slovenia, Velenje Museum - Muzej Velenje, Velenje Beach, Tourist Information Center Velenje, and Tito Statue are some of the famous tourist destinations that one can visit when in the city. All these places speak to Velenje&rsquos rich cultural heritage. Prle&scaronka t&uumlnka - which is prepared with smoked pork, salt, pepper, garlic, bay leaf, and Persian cumin - is a delicacy that you cannot miss.