2009-05-13T09:44:00.001-07:00

Valencia City Guide

The city of Valencia has become one of Spain's most popular tourist venues during the past few years.

Spain's third largest city, Valencia had become a little overshadowed by smaller cities such as Seville, Bilbao and Granada but, since the beginning of the 21st century, this friendly, accessible Mediterranean coastal location has really hit back.

There have been three main reasons for this upsurge in the popularity of Valencia - the amazing City of the Arts and Sciences (CAC); the development of the port area for the 2007 America's Cup; and the imaginative idea to construct a street circuit for the Formula One European Grand Prix. Suddenly, people have become aware of this fascinating place.

The City of the Arts and Sciences has made an enormous impact – already attracting well over 4 million visitors a year to its four main buildings. This is as modern a museum complex as can be found anywhere in the world, with its planetarium, underwater world, dolphinarium, botanical garden and fabulously interactive technological and scientific sections. The impressive white complex has become a symbol of the city's rejuvenation.

The modern architectural designs of the City of the Arts and Sciences also provide a remarkable contrast to some of the older areas of what is a well-preserved centre, concentrated around three major squares – Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaze de la Virgen and Plaza de la Reina – sometimes known as Plaza de Zaragoza. It is in the last of these that the largely Gothic Cathedral can be found, along with a partly finished bell tower, Miguelete, which is worth climbing to get some fine panoramic views. There is, incidentally, a chalice in the cathedral that, for 500 years before Dan Brown, was claimed to be the Holy Grail.

There are some delightful streets to explore, as well as one of Spain's most popular art galleries, the Museo de Bellas Artes, with some impressive works by Goya, Velázquez and El Greco on display. And, as the locals say, every street in Valencia leads to the sea- and the main local beach, Playa de Malvarrosa, is a broad, golden expanse.

One of the 'must do' features of Valencia is undoubtedly the tasting of an authentic paella – a dish that originated here, as it is in this region that the best paella rice is grown. You will find meat, shell fish and 'mixed' versions – all of them wonderfully aromatic and full of flavor.

Although Valencia has a typical Mediterranean climate and offers long periods of good weather, one interesting time of the year to visit would be at the time of the celebrated festival Las Fallas. Usually held in March, Las Fallas involves a week long succession of incredible firework displays culminating in the burning of some towering papier-maché, polystyrene and wooden statues. A truly ear drum shattering experience.

Visitors who prefer a much more tranquil pastime might instead like to visit the famous headquarters of the prestigious Lladró porcelain figurine company, which are in the city.

The hotel infrastructure in Valencia has developed at the same speed as the remainder of the city and there is now a good range of Valencia hotels across the price range. There are also a number of specialist agencies who van help find rental properties in the Valencia region.

When you are thinking about Valencia holiday rentals, however, remember that you should consider renting apartments Valencia. No hotel, no matter how luxurious, can compare to the independence and privacy of having your own Valencia apartment in the heart of this amazing city. Not only will you avoid having people in and out of your room, you will also be able to cook your own food, purchased from the markets. Take some time and consider what Valencia holiday rentals might suit you. They can be found all over the city and you will discover that whether you are traveling alone or in groups, that they can be great fun.

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Accommodation Valencia, Lodging, Apartments, Valencia City Guides