Valencia, Spain: Holiday Exploits
The city of Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. The city is spread across the Mediterranean coast south of Barcelona. This geographical privilege affords Valencia with beautiful and stunning beaches and coastal fronts and a good climate.
Aside from the pristine beaches, Valencia has everything that you can ask for a holiday destination. It has a rustic countryside lined with rugged mountains and populated by orange groves. And on the urban and modern side, the city is proud to showcase its urban landscape dotted by futuristic architecture. And it also has a colorful and bustling old town to contrast the modernity of the city.
Things to Do in Valencia
1. Soak up the Sun
Since Valencia is on the Mediterranean coast, the city is blessed with beautiful beaches and a nice climate conducive for sunbathing and other beach activities.
Top 5 Beaches in Valencia
- Playa de Malvarrosa
- Playa e Levante o de la arenas
- El Saler
- Devesa
- Puerto de Sagunto Beach
2. Hot Spring Dipping
If you’re tired of the same old beaches, you can try hot springs. The hot spring is only 90km north of Valencia. This spot is still unknown to may tourists and travelers, so the place is still pristine and unspoiled. This is perfect if you want to avoid crowds of eager tourists. Or if you are adventurous, you can climb the cliff over the lagoon and jump directly into the bubbling hot spring below.
3. Do the Fallas
Fallas is a local festivity for their patron Saint, Saint Joseph the carpenter. Fallas were the combustible materials burnt during the eve of the festivity. In this festival, you can see huge paper mache models built by the locals, fireworks popping everywhere and lots of dancing and parades on the streets.
4. Shop ‘till you Drop
If you love shopping, you can visit Valencia’s Central Market, which is located at the Plaza del Mercado, opposite the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange). This market is one of the oldest in Europe and has an outstanding architecture. You can buy anything here from different produce to souvenirs.
Things to See in Valencia
1. City of Arts and Science
This is the famous and most beautiful landmark of the city. It’s a mega complex designed by Valencia’s own architect, Santiago Calatrava. This architectural wonder has an aquarium, which is the biggest in Europe, Science Museum, planetarium and an IMAX laser cinema.
2. Torres de Quart
Torres de Quart is a magnificent fortress which is part of the old fortification of the city. The walls here bore the scars of the Napoleon’s canon balls.
3. Torres de Serranos
Torres de Serranos is one of Valencia’s famous landmarks. It is an ancient gateway to the city constructed in Gothic style and it is the largest in Europe.
4. La Lonja de la Seja – Silk Exchange
This magnificent complex is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It was constructed during the 15th century when Valencia was at the summit of its golden age.
5. Cathedral of Santa Maria de Valencia
This is a Gothic-style cathedral constructed between the 13th and 15th century. The Cathedral has in its possession some examples of rare Quattrocento paintings.
Trips to Valencia
Most visitors to the Valencia region stay by the beaches south of Valencia to enjoy a week or two in the Spanish sun. However, there is plenty of reason to schedule a city break to Valencia itself. Do the falls, explore the food or see the sights of the Valencia Capital. Of course, if you are staying in one of the sea side beach resorts south of Valencia on the Costa Blanca such as Denia, Gandia, Altea or maybe in a holiday rental in Javea, Calpe or Moraira – a day trip or weekend away from the beach to enjoy the wonders of Valencia during your vacation might be the perfect variation thats puts the icing on the cake and makes it your dream holiday in Spain