A?city for all tastes
With the vibrance of Madrid and the by-the-sea charm of Barcelona, Valencia takes a little bit of all that is Spanish and blends it together to form a city like no other. Ellie Bligh tucks into a slice of Valencian life.
You could never go hungry in Valencia, the birthplace of the famous rice dish, Paella and garlic mayonnaise, Aioli. Everywhere you turn, there are cosy tapas bars offering traditional Spanish cuisine and literally thousands of restaurants. But there?s plenty of other things to do besides eat.
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The city is awash with swaying orange trees and lush green parks, benefitting from the fresh sea air of the Med and of course, its golden sandy beaches, which are enjoyed by locals and holidaymakers alike during the summer months.
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Downtown, a typical morning plays witness to the endless buzz of scooters as they echo through the narrow streets whilst delivery trucks pull up to unload their wares on just about every corner. Valencia is an industrial city with a lot of commerce and a large port.
It?s opposite the Balearic Islands and equidistant from Madrid and Barcelona, Spain?s two most important decision making centres.
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With the exception of ?La Comida? (lunch time), which occurs between the hours of 2 and 4 in the afternoon, there?s usually always something going on in Valencia, particularly in the evening, when the city really comes to life.
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Known throughout Spain for its impressive fiestas, such as the wild Las Fallas springtime festival, the centre of town offers an array of jazz clubs, bars and elaborate discos, some of which stay open until as late as 9am the next day! The trendy Barrio del Carmen, or El Carme, as it?s known to the locals, is a small area located to the north east of the Old Quarter and is the best place to sample the Valencian nightlife.
However, if that?s not your thing, or you just don?t have the stamina for it anymore, fear not, as there are plenty of cinemas, theatres and a even music hall to satisfy those who prefer an evening of culture to a night of cocktails.
Valencia was discovered by the Romans over 2000 years ago. Its rich past is reflected in its historic monuments whilst its 21st Century existence is captured perfectly in its abundance of modern architecture, resulting in an enchanting mix of old meets new. Sightseeing in Valencia should begin in the Old Quarter, which, until the mid-nineteenth, was defended by a wall. Remains of this can be found in the Valencia Institute of Modern Arts. However, the best of the city?s artistic heritage can be seen in the districts of Seu and Xera, where the Roman ruins are hidden beneath Arab influenced churches and grand palaces.
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The 13th century Valencia Cathedral is a fine example of Romanesque, Baroque and more obviously, Gothic architechture. It was, supposedly, the holder of the Holy Grail for 500 years (the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper) and today, a mock of the Holy Grail can still be seen inside the chapel. The Cathedral?s tower is 55 feet high and affords unrivalled views of the city and the sea. And if you?re keen to learn more about this Gothic work of art, the nearby Cathedral Museum is also well worth a visit.
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However, the futuristic face of Valencia is based in the Ciudad de las ciencias y las artes (City of Sciences and Arts), which consists of some world class attractions such as a planetarium, interactive science museum, aquarium, various workshops, an opera house, theatre and IMAX cinema, all housed in impressive space-age style constructions. Built on a huge landscaped site, the complex is situated next to the river and spread out to form its own separate ?city?, hence the name.
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Nature lovers shouldn?t miss a trip to the Parque Natural de la Albufera de Valencia - the city?s very own nature reserve, which is home to the region?s biggest natural habitat. The reserve lies south of the city, just behind Playa del Saler, which, while we?re on the subject, is by far the best beach in Valencia! Sand dunes and pine groves act as protection from the sea and right in the heart of the reserve, you?ll find a picturesque freshwater lake. Hundreds of species of birds nest and breed here, including herons and flamingos, however, a boat trip is well recommended if you want to catch a proper glimpse of these graceful creatures.
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Water seems to play a big part in Valencian life. In 2007 the city played host to the world?s most prestigious regatta and match race in the history of sailing, the America?s Cup. The 32nd race of its kind took place in a purpose built port in Valencia, consisting of a complete leisure infrastructure, an endless offering of boating activities and all in a luxurious setting.
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Though Valencia is the third largest city in Spain, it?s a city with personality, bags of culture and a surprisingly pleasant atmosphere. A romantic weekend break, an activity-filled trip or even just a day in Valencia will open your eyes to a Spain you never knew existed and will certainly leave you hungry for more?