Have you ever had a magnificently juicy and sweet Valencia orange? Then you've had a piece of Valencia, Spain, and you understand why the Mediterranean region is famous for its orange groves.


The city of Valencia is two thousand years old, and it shows its age in the numerous structures that stand as living historical monuments, betraying Valencia's centuries of Moorish presence. The best preserved remains of Islamic Valencia are "Abd-al-Malik's Baths," called Baños del Almirante or Admiral's Baths by the locals. Additional glimpses of Moorishness are the fragments of the walls which encircled the Kingdom of Valencia in the 12th century, down by Salinas Street.


Valencia also shows off its Gothic architectural heritage with local buildings, the most notable of which is the Metropolitan Cathedral (begun in 1262) and its famous octagonal Gothic belfry. The 14th-15th century belltower, affectionately known as El Micalet or Little Michael, is the landmark of the city. If you can climb all 207 steps to the top of the tower to catch the stunning view of the city, it's worth it!


You'd never guess at Valencia's venerable history, however, when festival time rolls around. The most popular by far are the world-famous week-long Fallas in March, where huge papier-mache sculptures are set ablaze in festive bonfires as fireworks color the sky and the smell of gunpowder fills the air.

The celebration developed from burning useless materials accumulated in local carpentry workshops, but now local artists vie to create the most colorful and elaborate monuments, only to quickly torch them in the wild celebration.



The other famous local festivals commemorate the Christian reconquest of Valencia, with mock fights between Moors and Christians following spectacular "invasion" parades filled with authentically-dressed troops with appropriate pomp and circumstance.

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There really is so much to do and see around the city of Valencia that visitors are rarely bored when it comes to finding exciting places and attractions to visit.

There really is so much to do and see around the city of Valencia that visitors are rarely bored when it comes to finding exciting places and attractions to visit.

Probably the most popular attraction at the moment is the City of Arts and Sciences located at the end of the Turia Gardens and just a ten minute walk from the beach and port area of Valencia. Within the area of this top attraction you will find the fascinating Aquarium which houses the largest marine and aquarium park in the Europe . It is housed in a stunning building designed by Felix Candela and is reminiscent of one of Gaudi's impressive works.

As well a housing the Aquarium the City of Arts and Science is this truly a modern and stunning complex where will find the planetarium, science museum, botanical gardens and the grand opera house.

The aquarium is undoubtedly the most popular, and is divided into sections which represent the whole spectrum of the sea environment. The MEDITERRANEAN area contains the largest aquarium in Europe with almost 7.500 species to explore within several smaller aquariums. The OCEANOGRAPHIC area is situated mainly underground and houses the marshland, wetland areas and mangrove swamps. The ARCA de MAR zone is dedicated to the species under threat of extinction. It also has an impressive arctic space within an igloo and is where marine biologists monitor walruses and whales amongst other species. There is also a large colony of penguins which are great fun to watch during feeding time. The DOLPHINARIUM is the largest in Europe with a seating capacity for over 2.000 people and holds around 23 million liters of water !. As you would expect he dolphinarium provides great entertainment for all the family.

And when you are ready to eat you can do so in the impressive submarine restaurant and gaze at the marine life placed in tanks which surround the dining area.

Valencia is also home to some fine historic buildings which are a must see for all history fans and include the VALENCIA CATHEDRAL which is located in the old quarter and is home to the SEU museum, the oldest in Valencia containing the Holy Chalice of Valencia or the holey grail. El MICELET is a tower attached the cathedral and a great place to sharpen up your appetite by climbing up the 207 steps to the top where you and be rewarded with spectacular views over the city. The SANTA CATALINA church tower is also located in the old quarter and is a famous land mark in the area located near the town hall plaza. Another stunning building is LA LONGA where the silk merchants once plied their trades.

Also must visits is the beautiful CENTRAL MARKET ( Mercado Central ) which is one the largest in Europe and where you will find a vast array of local and national produce on offer from fresh fish and seafood , Spanish cured hams to clothes and bric-a-brac… a great to simply browse or pick up a holiday bargain or two.

Oh yes and Valencia is home to some great beaches including the Las Arenas and Las Malvarrosa areas which are easily reached by bus from the town center.

Valencia offers a wide and varied range of accommodation to suit all pockets and tasted from the reasonably priced establishments such as the Hostal Bisbal to the more elegant Vinci Lys

Other great value hotels around the city include the Las Arenas Balneario Resort As luxury resort with a superb seafront location by Las Arenas beach. Las Arenas Balneario Resort has a huge outdoor swimming pool and a spa. Another populer choice is the Zenit Valencia Zenit Valencia is located in the heart of Valencia, opposite the Estación del Norte Station and the bullring. The hotel has its own restaurant, El Azahar, which serves Mediterranean cuisine and has a roof terrace. The Zenit is just 200 metres from Valencia Town Hall, and the Cathedral is a 15-minute walk away. Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences is 2.5 km away from the hotel. Xàtiva Metro Station is just outside the Zenit Valencia.