Based on the coastline and looking out on to a significant port, Valencia is the much loved third city of Spain.
With a population of around 700,000 and a keen tourist industry, the city is influential as one of the most historic destinations in the Mediterranean. Architectural achievement is simply dripping from the town and very few places in Spain can serve up such a celebrated list of important landmarks.
Valencia is renowned for its old fashioned winding streets and the city holds many tributes to its storied past. The people are extremely friendly and in keeping with Spanish etiquette, it’s quite possible to fall in love with the relaxed nature of the resort.
That’s not to say that you’ll have nothing better to do than sit around drinking cocktails. However. Valencia is populated with some truly memorable sights including a medieval – and extremely gothic – cathedral. The structure was assembled around 700 years ago and one suspects that it’s as important now as it was then, given the number of tourists which flock to it on a daily basis.
A trip in to the heart of the city will reveal the Plaza de la Reina, and this is where the modern clashes with the old. The famous square is a popular meeting destination and can regularly be found heaving with tourist activity as the many groups go off on their merry ways. The square is littered with historical nostalgia and it’s easy to find evidence of the dual ancient Roman-Arabic past.
After progressing beyond the square, most will come to visit the Barrio del Carmen neighbourhood. Ruins of the ancient wall which used to surround the area are still in tact, and there are several glittering palaces succeeding in transforming the landscape in to one of many riches.
Valencia isn’t completely lost in the past though. One of the most popular buildings, The City of Arts and Sciences, is a particularly modernised destination hosting an IMAX cinema and an intriguingly developed science museum. There’s plenty of fun to be had and all ages will be satisfied with the variety of attractions dotted around the premises.
Valencia wouldn’t be Valencia without its stunning array of beaches. Sandy stretches of coastline can be found to provide a relaxing day at the beach if families are looking to unwind in the summer sun. It goes without saying that Valencia is blessed with some of the finest beaches in the whole of Spain. Las Arenas, La Malvarrosa and Alboraya make up the three essential locations for those looking to top up the sun tan, and there’s plenty of opportunity to do just that in the baking heat!
Like much of Spain, Valencia spends the summer months bathed in sunshine with temperatures escalating extremely high during peak season.
With a vibrant nightlife to provide evening entertainment to its guests, you’d be hard pressed to find a Spanish city which offers a more complete package than the old town of Valencia. It isn’t as bombarded with tourists as some of the other Spanish hot spots and this certainly works in its favour.
If a taste of the Spanish culture and a relaxing break in the sun is what you’re looking for, you really can’t go wrong with the port based town of Valencia.
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