Valencia

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is ideally situated on a stretch of Mediterranean coastline which has many fine beaches.

One of the foremost tourist attractions in Valencia is the City of Arts and Science, a “city within a city”. This complex of buildings devoted to science and the arts contains four main facilities. These are the Hemispheric Planetarium which has a planetarium, cinema and hands-on displays scientific displays; the Oceanographic Park, Europe’s largest marine park, home to beluga whales, dolphins, penguins and over 500 species from fish from all over the world; the Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofiaa, a centre promoting dance, theatre and classical music; and finally Valencia's Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe, a science museum with many interactive displays.

There is much of the old city that is still intact including the 15th century Serrano Towers, part of the old city walls. Also worth a visit is the Old Quarter. Here there are plenty of restaurants and bars situated amongst the many fine examples of Spanish architecture. In this part of the city is the Cathedral of Valencia which houses the oldest museum in the city.

A prize possession of the museum is the Holy Chalice of Valencia, said to be the true Holy Grail. The Cathedral also has a bell tower, El Micalet, whose 207 steps can be climbed to give panoramic views of the city.

In common with most areas of Spain, Valencia has its share of fiestas. The most well-known is the Festival of Falles, which takes place in March. During the festival, which goes on for four days, hundreds of “fallas-culptures” made of wood and papier-mache are set alight. The festival celebrates the coming of spring.

For bargain hunters the vast Mercadillo La Romareda flea market along the Eduardo Ibarra, which is open every Wednesday and Sunday and is the perfect place for bargain hunters.

Of course Valencia is also well known for its many sandy beaches offering family fun in the sun and the warm Mediterranean. The beaches are lined with bars and restaurants where the visitor should at least try paella, the dish for which Valencia is famous.