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European Destinations

Valencia, Spain: Holiday Exploits

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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

 

European Destinations

Costa Blanca Amusement Parks

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Your life in the city is far from boring. However, at times you are too stressed out with the same sight every day that you want to drive to the airport, get a ticket and board a plane that’s going somewhere else where there’s a definitely different view. And Spain is absolutely one great destination you should consider visiting.

This European country has been a top destination for tourists coming from all corners of the world for its traditional architectural designs, wonderful climate, and amazing places to see. One of them is the Costa Blanca Region, the “White Coast” of Europe. And if you are looking for a fun-filled adventure in this place, you shouldn’t miss out on Costa Blanca theme parks and nature parks.

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Costa Blanca Nature Parks
Isn’t it great to see the natural beauty of God’s creation? It makes you think that there is more to life than taxis, restaurants and subways.  Costa Blanca theme parks are not just about architectures and man-made landscapes; they also feature what we can call the “Paintings by God.”

Palm orchards are one of the relaxing greens of the earth. Their shades can bring out the good vibes in you. Huerta del Cura Park is the marvelous garden where these trees found their roots. By just strolling around the park can be fairly calming.

If you love the heights, panoramic views and go a good hiking distance, the Montgo Natural Park in the town of Javea awaits your excited steps. This gathering limestone ascends above the towns of Denia and Javea. The summit will make you realize how small you are compared to the world, because the scene you are about to see when you get to the top is the boundless view of Javea and beyond other towns, including Spain’s famous island of Ibiza. An additional bonus of the park is the chance to see unique species of foxes, weasels, rabbits and other animals.

Mundomar Aquatic Park is for the water lovers. Sea-creatures are the main characters of the different aquatic shows for your entertainment. But they take the backstage if you’re more of an adventurous traveler. The park is also place of slides, bridges, wall climbing, swings, rappelling, and ramps among others.

terra-mitica-costa-blanca-spain-2aqualandia-alicante

Costa Blanca Amusement Parks
If you think nature is not so much of a fun vacation to you at this time of the year, Costa Blanca theme parks that are filled with adrenaline rushing rides will worth your every dime.

Torrevieja Aquopolis Water Park is the right blend of sun and water. Their attractions are divided into three categories: children, moderate, and high emotion. Warning: If your heart’s weak, don’t get your blood rushing into the high emotion rides like the Kamikazee or Speed slides. Blackhole is yet another scary water ride as you plunge into darkness aboard a mere float.

Terra Mitica Theme Park is perhaps the most celebrated attraction in the whole of Costa Blanca because of its ancient-civilization-inspired landscape and designs. Based fro the five empires – Greece, Rome, Iberia, Egypt and Mediterranean Islands—Terra Mitica is more than just roller coasters. You will be taken centuries back with the shows that tell the legends and myths of the ancient world. Read more about the Costa Blanca Terra Mitica here.

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Discount Entry To Costa Blanca Theme Parks
It can be expensive to take your entire family to the theme parks of the Costa Blanca. However, most of them feature discount schemes and vouchers to be found for rebates on entry or rides.

For instance, Aqualandia and Terra Mitica have several discount vouchers available that you can pick up at Costa Blanca McDonalds restaurants, BP petrol stations and several other places. Be on the lookout or ask your travel agent.

European Destinations

Guadalest, Spain: An Eagle’s Nest Perched on Top of a Mountain

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Having a holiday break on the Costa Blanca or nearby areas ? A place not to be missed is the village Gaudalest in Spain. It doesnt matter if you are enjoying a city break in Valencia, a bohemian trip round the villages of Marina Alta or a week at the beach on your Javea Vacation. Guadalest is a must visit! The ancient village houses are literally perched on top of a mountain in a truly unique way that you wont find equalled anywhere else! Guadalest or locally known as El Castelle de Guadalest is a small town in Valencia. The village is precariously perched on top of a granite mountain in a mountainous part of the comarca of Marina Baixa in the province of Alicante, Spain.

And if you have the privilege of viewing it from the top, you can see that it’s like an eagle’s nest on top of a rock. The town is nestled deep in the mountain, nearly touching the clouds. And going up there is an amazing experience in itself. The breathtaking views that you will pass will take your mind off the fact that you are climbing twisting roads upwards.

Guadalest_-_Castillo_del_ReyPantano de Guadalest

Places to Visit

Because of the rich history of Guadalest, the town is littered with historical remnants and structures like castles, churches and towers.

1. The Walled Town

This is an ancient fortress built around the city to protect it from its conquerors and enemies. Entering the walled town is very interesting. You have to go through a tunnel which is carved through a rock.

Interesting Sites Inside the Walled Town:

a. Castles

  • San Jose Castle

This castle was one of the defensive structures of the old city, and it was where the       ancient king of the village resided. It was built around the 12th century. The castle is             situated on top of a cliff towering over the walled town. So going there will afford you            a picturesque and panoramic view of the walled town and the surrounding areas.

  • Alcozaiba Castle

This is another castle that was part of the ancient fortification. This is the only castle in   the town that was not stormed or impregnated. So, most of the structure is still intact.

  • Benimantell Castle
    This castle is one of the many casualties of the ancient war that ravaged the old town. But the ruins is still beautiful to visit.

Guadalest (Alicante)

 

b. Orduña House

This is the first building you will see upon entering the walled town. It is a museum that offers access to the castles. The structure of the house is interesting because one half of it is supported by rock formations while the other half is part of a chapel of an adjoining church.

c. Our Lady of the Assumption Church

This is the church attached to the Orduña House Museum. It is rendered beautifully in Baroque style.

guadalest town hallview from Guadalest

d. The Rock of Alcala

This is a towering rocky peak that shoots up from the surrounding land of the walled town. Access is difficult and only half of the cylindrical castle tower can be seen. This is one of the famous images of the town.

 2. The Reservoir

After checking all the places inside the walled town, you can visit the beautiful countryside surrounding the town. You can check out the dam that was built below one of the castles. The reservoir was built across the Guadalest River and it is a prefect place for fresh water fishing.