From medieval architecture and Mediterraneanbeaches to cutting-edge cultural centres and friendly city parks, Valenciais a sparkling mix of moods and styles. The third largest city in Spainwas founded by the Romans, and as such has some of the finest history ofanywhere in Europe. It’s located on the east coast of the country and is hometo one of the busiest ports in Europe.
Valencia is a modernindustrial giant, but that doesn’t mean it’s without culture. Its historiccentre that’s one of the largest in Spain and there are plenty of majorattractions to be discovered around the streets and squares of the old town. Goto the Plaza de la Reina to visit Valencia Cathedral, where the Holy Grail wasrumoured to be located. Climb the bell tower of the Cathedral for the panoramicviews over the city. Visit a café on the Plaza de la Virgen to watch streetperformers and admire the sights of the city, including a 17th-century Baroquechurch, while sipping a café con leche.
The River Turia once flowed around the old town of Valenciabut was rerouted after a catastrophic flood. The former riverbed is now a largecity park, aptly named Turia. Here you can picnic on the lawn before seeingendangered African animals in the Bioparc Valencia. Or perhaps visit the City of Arts andSciences, a multifunctional centre with an aquarium, concert hall and museums.
Valencia is popularamongst locals and tourists alike for its nightlife, especially during LasFallas, a festival to commemorate St. Joseph and celebrate the beginning ofspring. Check out the El Carmen district, where restaurants and tapas bars havetaken the place of old dilapidated mansions. Go to the Mercado Central, one ofthe oldest covered markets in Europe and taste its fresh fruits, cheeses andseafood.
