Valencia - an authentic Spanish gem
Valencia is a truly Spanish city with a charming allure of its own. Yet it is a huge city with all the international influences. It has a lot of the same elements as Malaga or Barcelona, but is less touristic. It is a perfect city break option to visit also during winter for its sunny Mediterranean climate.
One of Valencia's most important and also recent attractions (built in 2004) is the Ciutat de les Arts de les Ciències, the City of Arts and Sciences. designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatravan.
The Mercado Central is one of the oldest market halls in Europe. Its decorative architecture is worth seeing along its busy and noisy market stands. The food is an important element, in Valencia you need to try the paella valenciana. It is also good to know that the tapas portions in Valencia are much bigger than generally in Spain.
Jardí del Túria is a huge green park along the riverside and definitely a great place to exercise or have an evening walk. It is nine kilometres long and filled with cafes, fountains, football fields, playgrounds and picnic spots. Another great place for long walks is the beach area.
The nightlife is really active and I ended up enjoying some great salsa evenings. And not to forget the shopping, Valencia offers a great variety of shopping options.
From Valencia you can easily do daytrips to nearby destinations like the coastal town of Gandia, or Xativa, a historic town with a scenic castle built on a hilltop.
In my following blogs I will share my experiences about Verona and Milan during Xmas.
Its labyrinthine old town, Ciutat Vella, has a distinctive mysterical atmosphere. In the old town you will also find the cathedral and the two massive city wall gates, Torres de Serrano ja Torres de Quart, with awesome views over the city.
One of Valencia's most important and also recent attractions (built in 2004) is the Ciutat de les Arts de les Ciències, the City of Arts and Sciences. designed by the famous architect Santiago Calatravan.
The Mercado Central is one of the oldest market halls in Europe. Its decorative architecture is worth seeing along its busy and noisy market stands. The food is an important element, in Valencia you need to try the paella valenciana. It is also good to know that the tapas portions in Valencia are much bigger than generally in Spain.
Jardí del Túria is a huge green park along the riverside and definitely a great place to exercise or have an evening walk. It is nine kilometres long and filled with cafes, fountains, football fields, playgrounds and picnic spots. Another great place for long walks is the beach area.
The nightlife is really active and I ended up enjoying some great salsa evenings. And not to forget the shopping, Valencia offers a great variety of shopping options.
From Valencia you can easily do daytrips to nearby destinations like the coastal town of Gandia, or Xativa, a historic town with a scenic castle built on a hilltop.
In my following blogs I will share my experiences about Verona and Milan during Xmas.
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