If you asked most British people what they knew of Valencia, few would be able to shed much light on Spain’s third biggest city. Football supporters may have heard of its illustrious team for their occasional victories over English opponents, but beyond that? Even I, a person obsessed with maps and travel guides would have struggled to say much about this city or even place it with great accuracy on a map of Spain.
Maybe the Spanish tourism officials have had other priorities over the years as millions of visitors from all over Europe flood to the country’s famous long Mediterranean coast line or to its two principal cities, Madrid and Barcelona.
Valencia may not get the attention that its larger sibling cities enjoy but that’s not down to its own lack of appeal. On the contrary I was very pleasantly surprised to discover this historic and easy-going city and could have happily stayed longer to explore its beautiful buildings, narrow lanes and its green walkways.
Valencia has been inhabited since Roman times. While the influence in many of the buildings of the old city is distinctly Moorish (the city walls betray an Arabic influence), the cathedral stood on the site of a mosque yet bears resemblances to a Roman Coliseum. It also houses the Holy Grail (or at least shares this claim with many other sites around the world). For the best vantage point in the city climb the Torre del Micalet. From here you can enjoy very impressive views over the red roofs and plazas, and the reward of the view is worth the 200+ steps that you need to negotiate to reach the top.
I particularly enjoyed walking twice between the old city and our hotel, the Meliá Valencia; a walk of some 30 minutes that took us through a long narrow stretch of parkland, filled with blooming flowers and water features.
Valencia comes alive late at night; it’s after midnight when the action gets started. We wondered down to a central plaza for drinks after dinner and watched as fish were grilled in front of us on a large fire while hundreds of people danced to the beat of a mobile DJ set up in the corner of the square. It clearly pays not to live in the centre of Valencia if you want to sleep before dawn!
I was there as part of a sponsored trip to witness the Formula 1 races that zips through the city’s streets. As a result my time was extremely limited and I would have loved to visit the Oceanographic Centre and the Science Museum, which are from what I hear, world-class museums. Valencia also boasts some stunning inland scenery that I would love to explore by hiking or mountain biking.
But I know I’ll be back. How can I be so sure? Because when I showed my wife my photos from Valencia she immediately decided that I have to show her the city too.
I was a guest of Land of Valencia, the Valencia Region Tourist Board, as part of their #blogtripf1 event, with flights organised by the Spanish Tourist Office in London.
i too demand u show me the city:P (no, wait, that’s my husband’s job) OK, will get him to read this post .. like now:) great write up!
Excellent article Andy – you have an amazing writing style, seriously
It’s worth mentioning that Valencia has the best paella in Spain. I’m more of a tapas addict myself but Spanish foodies (i.e. the whole country) pay homage to Valencia as a mecca for paella.
I like your photos, they give a tantalising glimpse of the city.
Mei, you should certainly take your husband there if he doesn’t take you there first
Adventure King, of course, the legendary paella. We were indeed treated to this on a couple of occasions. Even when it came as the 28th course of a meal it was still delicious.
John, thank you. You’re too kind (as well as being a brilliant photographer)
Thank you to all for your comments.
Great article Andy. I love how you write.
Best Regards from Asturias
Juan Otero
Andy, I really like this piece and it sums up a great city perfectly. I want to go back to Valencia and after reading your article I am desperate to go back.
If you get a chance you may want to visit Valencia during Las Fallas–an amazing festival.
Great article on Valencia! So many people don’t consider Valencia and choose Barcelona & Madrid instead.
Maybe we should keep the wonderful Valencia a secret
When in Valencia if you’re wanting to get away from it all, check out a wonderful spanish village called Bocairent. You will be impressed as it’s absolutely beautiful!!
a nocturnal specie that i am, i love spain for being alive and kicking late into the night (day)! my previous short trip to spain brought me to barcelona and madrid (of course) but have heard awesome things about valencia. nice introduction! i would definitely check it out when i come back to europe next year. =)
We were just in Spain last month and feel that we need to see more of the entire country. Valencia being one of them. Thanks for letting us know about it. When we go back, we will make sure to check it out!
Thank you to Juan, Maya and Carl for your kind comments and extra information; I hear that being there for Las Fallas is something special. I’ll have to return then
Liliane and Dave and Deb, I hope you do manage to check Valencia out on your next trip to Spain; will enjoy reading about your experiences there. Terry, I hope you make it back there very soon!
Thanks to everyone for adding your thoughts.