Valencia is a year-round destination with attractions, activities and sightseeing to suit all tastes, whether you are interested in history and culture, relaxing by the beach, gastronomy and fine dining or hanging out with the locals at one of the many festivals the city hosts. The weather is a big draw too with temperatures never dropping below 14 degrees, even in winter.
Historic and modern architecture, urban gardens made in former riverbeds, sandy beaches, natural parks and a thriving arts scene – this is one destination where you don’t have to forego city for country or seaside for metropolitan hustle and bustle. Here is a round-up of what the city has to offer:
Mediterranean lifestyle
Valencia oozes a warm Mediterranean charm with an appealing mix of the traditional and the ultramodern. It’s an ideal destination for a relaxing, stress free holiday, where one minute you could be enjoying a coffee in a shady historic square, the next kicking back at the beach with a seafood lunch overlooking the ocean or relaxing at the city’s most famous spa, the historic Las Arenas spa now located in the Hotel Las Arenas, that dates back to 1898.
History and culture
The delightful historic centre, including the Barrio del Carmen, is the home to the town’s main street in medieval times, and is now a vibrant area of museums, galleries and boutiques by day and some of the city’s best nightlife after dark. Sights include the UNESCO World Heritage site, Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), the mansion houses dating back to the 19th century and the gates of the Serrano and Quart Towers, part of the old city walls.
Valencia is also home to the Holy Grail located in Valencia’s 13th century cathedral which historians claim to be the authentic chalice used in the last supper. The Plaza de la Virgen is Valencia’s most atmospheric square and where visitors can be treated to a 1,000 year old tradition every Thursday, the Tribunal de las Aguas (water Court) an UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and the oldest legal tradition still in existence today in Europe. With 34 museums ranging from art, history and architecture, culture vultures will not be short of things to do.
Urban Beaches
Valencia has 7km of Blue Flag beaches that are well-connected by a network of buses, trams and bike lands. Only a 20 minute journey from the centre and you will find the start of the 3km stretch of beautiful wide, sandy beaches. Starting with Las Arenas, which is lined with bars and restaurants, and further along the seafront promenade is the beaches of La Malvarrosa and Patacona. For a glimpse of what the area use to be like step back from the beach just one block and visitors will find the narrow streets of the old fisherman’s quarter of El Cabanyal, a fascinating place to wander around.
The party city
The city is a year-round destination and there is always something going on from major festivals and events, to exhibitions, concerts and religious days, all done with the typical Valencia exuberance. The major festival that draws thousands of international visitors every year is the unique Las Fallas. Taking place over a week in March the creativity and festive spirit of Valencians invades the streets for what is billed as Europe’s biggest street party that culminates in the burning of huge paper effigies. The city also marks major religious days with such events as the unique Corpus Cristi celebrations and Easter Holy Week, which are a great time to be in the city to witness amazing processions, parades and fireworks.
Gastronomy
Food is a big draw for visitors and there are many food-related attractions and tours, as well as the opportunity to take part in cooking classes. The region has its own rice growing region, La Albuefa Nature Park, just 10km out of the city, which claims to be the birthplace of paella, as well as being one of the most important wetland areas in Spain. The village of El Palmar, inside the park is probably the optimum place to try Spain’s national dish.
The Mercado Central is Europe’s largest produce market with around 900 stalls selling everything from freshly caught fish to whole sheep’s heads, sacks of colourful spices and brightly coloured oranges and lemons and is a great place to wander. T
The city also has over 1,700 restaurants to choose from, from traditional tapas restaurants to modern gastro tapas, to three Michelin starred restaurants. The city runs a twice-yearly Restaurant Week in June and November, which gives visitors the chance to sample some of these many restaurants at great value prices.
Visitors shouldn’t miss Valencia’s unique drink Horchata – made from tiger nuts. Traditional Horchatarias soak the nuts in water and sugar before grinding them and passing them through a fine net. Horchata is served cold and should be enjoyed with a pastry called a farton.
Creative types
Valencia is a creative and energetic city, with trendy new areas popping up on the edges of the main historic centre. The up and coming Ruzafa area is one place to find this creative spirit. Formerly a work class area bordering the posher L’Eixample it’s now an edgy mix of designer and ethnic chic with restaurants, shops and bars to reflecting is multi-ethnic culture and history. Many artists and designers have established studios and workshops here and it’s become a hip place to hang out after dark and experience the vibrant nightlife on offer.
For more information visit www.visitvalencia.com