The climate is typically Mediterranean but with some variations, due to its inland location, Manises has warmer summers and cooler winters than the coast.

The main economic activity is industry, focusing on ceramics; in the Middle Ages and Renaissance era Manises was the most important production centre for Hispano-Moresque ware, which was exported all over Europe.

The parish church (St. John the Baptist) was built between 1734 and 1751, the high altar had belonged to the convent of mercy in Valencia.

An old Islamic farmstead was donated in 1238 by James I to Artal de Luna, and in 1307 was sold to Pere Boïl and became the center of the barony of Manises.

Although Manises has long been inhabited the earliest records show the Romans working to bring water to Valencia.

Later, Valencian King James I granted it as a prize to one of his best men, Don Artal de Luna, one of the "Rich-homs of nature" who accompanied him.

Secondly 1969 saw the opening of the Municipal Museum of Ceramics (Museu de la Ceràmica), renovated and enlarged in 1989, which displays industrial and artistic developments to the present day.

Manises ceramics of golden and blue lusterware prevailed throughout Europe until the late 16th century, being known in many places as "work of Valencia" or "Mallorca", because of the origin of the seafarers who traded with it.

Much appreciated by the Aragonese crown, Manises pottery was also exported to France, Italy, and especially to Naples, where Alfonso the Magnanimous wanted to create a brilliant and luxurious court.

Calixtus III and Alexander VI continually commissioned Valencian pieces and tiles for the halls of the Vatican.

They were carrying tiles and various ceramic items carefully packed in large pottery jars, called cossis, coated with string and straw.