Travel Valencia Guide

Valencia is the land of Paella, el Cid, and some of the best parties in Spain. Located on the coast, Valencia is one of the biggest cities in Spain and is said to be the most fun. Year-round festivals, concerts and parties characterize this lively city, and visitors from around Spain and around the world visit each year to try to catch some of whatever the locals (called valencianos) have.

Most of Valencia's sight-seeing sits within the area of the city referred to as the "Old Town". The "Old Town" was surrounded by city walls up until 1865, when the walls were replaced by railroad tracks. The current railroad tracks now mark the borders of "Old Town". Some of the towers from the old city wall still survive, and can be seen sitting majestically along side the river.

The Cathedral in old town was built in the early Gothic style, and the bell tower that sits on the Cathedral is a city monument. From the top of the bell tower one has the greatest view of the city of Valencia, and can see the hundreds of other bell towers which are spread throughout the city. The Cathedral is also said to be home to the "Holy Chalice" which Jesus and his disciples drank from at the Last Supper.

Surrounding the city of Valencia is a wide tract of green, fertile land called "La Huerta". Excursions outside of the city will bring you to this prolific land which has been farmed for centuries. Here you can see some of the preserved farmhouses of the locals, these "Barracas" are built from clay and local plants. Just a few minutes south of here you will find the saltwater lake, "La Albufera".

In July 1996, the "City of Arts and Sciences" was built in the dried-up river bed which runs through the center of the city. This complex is home to an opera house, an IMAX theater, a planetarium, a garden, an oceanographic park and a science museum. For 29 Euros one can buy a two-day pass to explore the grounds, and the surrounding area is a lovely place to stroll or stop at a local garden bar. This famous complex brought visitors to Valencia en mass for the first time, and has opened up doorways to this great city.

The port at Valencia is quaint and beautiful, and the local beaches are lovely. Long overlooked by travelers, the Valencia beaches are not nearly as over-run with tourists as those on the Costa del Sol yet offer all of the expected amenities.

From beaches, museums and great architecture both young and old, Valencia has an undiscovered world awaiting the adventurous traveler.

Valencia Estates SL - Estate Agents for Valencia City & Costa del Azahar.