La Tomatina Tours & Trips
Release your inner child and paint the streets of Buñol red in the world's largest food fight! La Tomatina is an epic Spanish festival held every August near Valencia in the quaint town of Buñol. Chances are, you’ve probably never experienced anything quite like this. Buñol’s population of 10,000 triples as visitors from across the globe come to join in on the tomato-throwing antics of this food-loving festival.
What to Expect at La Tomatina Festival
Tomato Fight
Aftermath & Party
Palo Jabon
All About La Tomatina Festival
When is La Tomatina Festival?
The food-filled festival of La Tomatina is held on the last Wednesday of August each year in the town of Buñol near Valencia in Spain. Buñol, is a small town, with a population of around 10,000 people, but each year the festival attracts up to 20,000 participants! The festival officially kicks off at 11 am as tomato filled-trucks travel to the fight zone, and once they arrive the battle begins!
What is La Tomatina?
An organized food fight in the heart of Spain might sound too good to be true, but this Spanish festival has been a tradition since 1944 and hosts tens of thousands of travelers every year. Located in the Valencian town of Buñol, tonnes of tomatoes are made accessible for revelers to hurl at one another until their arms go numb. The fight only lasts an hour, but the memories will last a lifetime, and if you’ve ever wanted to live out your wildest food fight dreams, you know where to go.
How did La Tomatina start?
La Tomatina has been celebrated in Buñol since 1944 but the verdict is still out on exactly how the tradition came to be. Different theories include that it originated from a friendly local food fight, a practical joke on a musician, a juvenile class war, and an attack on the city council from disgruntled townspeople. The tradition continued on from that point to the massive food fight extravaganza it is today.
Where is La Tomatina?
While you’re making the trek out to Buñol, plan some time to explore this dynamic village. Buñol combines modern and historic—with beautiful architecture, urban parks, and an ever-present music scene. The village is surrounded by mountains and the Mediterranean forest, ideal for those who love hiking, biking, and climbing.
How long does La Tomatina last?
La Tomatina lasts 1 hour. At 11 am on the dot, a cannon is fired to announce the start of the world’s largest food fight and the tomato-throwing mayhem begins.
How many tomatoes are used in La Tomatina?
Participants throw over 100 metric tons of overripe tomatoes in the streets. That’s over 150,000 tomatoes!
How to prepare for La Tomatina
- ✓ Eat a hearty breakfast before the fight and hydrate.
- ✓ Remember to play fair and by the rules.
- ✓ Wear comfortable, close-toed shoes - the streets are packed, messy, and slippery!
- ✓ Wear goggles or cheap sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- ✓ Wear white clothes that you’re OK with discarding (the white will help show off the tomato mess!)
- ✓ Wear sunscreen, August in Spain is hot!
- ✓ Purchase a waterproof case for your camera and/or phone.
- ✓ Bring a change of clean clothes for afterward.
- ✓ Smash your tomatoes before throwing them so they are squishier and don’t hurt your friendly opponents.
- ✓ Book your ticket and accommodations or tour early.
Transportation & Accommodation
From the airport
The Valencia airport is only 9 km from the city center. Taking a bus to the center takes 30 minutes while the metro takes 20 minutes. A more convenient option can be a taxi ride to the city center, however, it can be a costly solution. Valencia City Guide provides up-to-date information on transportation between the airport and the city center.
By train
Valencia can be reached by train from many major cities including Madrid and Barcelona. Travel time from Madrid is 1.5 hours and 3.5 hours from Barcelona. Tickets can be booked online through RENFE. Participants can take the subway from 4 stations (Valencia San Isidro, Plaza de España, Bailén or Colón), to San Isidro station. At San Isidro, transfer to Suburban Train Station of Renfe (Valencia Sant Isidre), which will take you to Buñol. Return services are also available.
By bus
Most large cities in Spain have bus connections to the Valencia region. The main bus station in Valencia is a 15-minute walk from the city center. To get to Buñol you can purchase a La Tomatina combo ticket which includes roundtrip bus fare, or book bus tickets directly. Buses depart Valencia at 7:30 am, returning at 2:00 pm.
By car
The E-15 is a beautiful, scenic coastal route between Barcelona and Valencia. Note that this is a toll road and traveling by car takes 3.5 hours, depending on traffic. Follow the A-3 from Valencia’s Avenida del Cid in the direction of Madrid. Follow the A-3 for 30 km and take exit 322 for Buñol. Depending on traffic it takes around 30 minutes.
By boat
Direct ferry routes travel to Valencia from Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, and Ibiza.
Where to stay
Buñol is a small village with limited accommodation options. Therefore, most participants opt to stay in the nearby coastal city of Valencia and then plan a day trip to Buñol for the big event. Valencia offers plenty of hotels and hostel options. The official La Tomatina event suggests a selection of hotels in Buñol and Valencia, however, they book quickly so don’t wait. Note that staying in Valencia is more convenient if you plan to attend the La Tomatina after-party.
Operators with La Tomatina Trips
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