The soul, as you know, aspires to heaven. After all, there we are promised maximum comfort, coziness and bliss. But “there” is a vague concept, indefinite in time. And I want to have the opportunity to enjoy the rest in every sense already now, in this life. Is not it so?
For the infinitely clean and white to transparency of the coast, the ever warm, mild weather, the ancient conquerors of Spain called Valencia a paradise on earth. Many, many years have passed since then, but the southern city still holds the status of a place where rest turns into sheer pleasure.
Climate
There is practically no rain in Valencia, and the sun shines there all year round. On winter nights, the temperature does not drop below +6 degrees, and the July heat barely reaches +30. There are, of course, temperature records like -6 or +40. But this doesn't happen every year. As for the water in the sea, it does not get colder than +15 even in December-January. So you can safely relax here all year round. And for some, even swim.
Where to stay
Valencia is a large city, the third largest after Madrid and Barcelona. Therefore, there should be no problems with placement here. Focus on your wallet and area of the city. If you are going to travel by car, then we do not recommend stopping in the center: there are problems with parking everywhere. True, if your hotel has a personal area where you can leave your car, you are very lucky, and the question disappears by itself.
Mislata is considered a good area. In addition, it is located near the airport - very convenient. There are good hotels in Campomare. You should not consider the option of stopping in Malvaros, no matter how budget it may seem. Rumor has it that there are "robber" gypsy quarters nearby. There they trade in drugs and God knows what else. True or not - you can check. But better, as they say, away from sin ...
So, when the suitcases are unpacked, it's time to go to the seashore and try some water.
Beaches
You may not know anything about Valencia, but the beaches of the Costa Blanca are well known to many. Every year the coastal zone receives the EU Blue Flag for cleanliness. By the way, the beaches of Valencia are considered the best in all of Spain.
| Beach name | Description |
|---|---|
| El Saler | It is considered the most beautiful due to the proximity to natural parks and pine groves, which add color to the coastal landscape. |
| Malvarosa | Urban and, probably, therefore the most numerous. Lots of cafes and restaurants offering delicious food; good service in the form of showers, sun loungers with umbrellas and other necessary attributes of a beach holiday. Here they are actively engaged in water sports in all its diversity and simply sunbathe, lying on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Malvarosa is famous for its annual celebrations, such as the air show. |
| Las Arenas | Here you can witness volleyball battles. Remember the ad in which tanned, muscular bodies freeze in the air, jumping after the ball? Most likely, it was about one of these Valencia beaches. |
Food
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, although residents of other Spanish cities may argue with this statement. Here it is served in every restaurant and in different versions. In addition to it, we recommend trying very tasty baked rice dishes. Local residents inherited knowledge about its different varieties and methods of preparation from the Muslims who once inhabited the Spanish territories.
Seafood is still "in the top" of the best Spanish dishes. Add to them a variety of fish-based sauces. For dessert, order Valencian sweets. Their taste and combination of ingredients is also a property of the Moorish era. And as a drink - diversify your gastronomic knowledge, add horchata to already tried Spanish wines and tapas. This soft drink is based on ground almonds and is considered a traditional drink of Valencia.
The pearl of Valencia is an oceanographic center, the largest in Europe. People come here to get acquainted closely with representatives of flora and fauna, carefully collected in different parts of the world. Sea lions, all kinds of tropical fish and rare bird species are the hosts of the oceanarium. Every two hours, an animal show is arranged for guests.
There are a lot of museums in Valencia. From March 1 to the beginning of April, their visit is free for all tourists. Great compensation during the low season! And at this time, a significant event takes place in the city: the festival of fire. Carnival processions along the burning bonfires and under the volleys of fireworks are somewhat reminiscent of our Maslenitsa. Giant dolls appear on the roads of Valencia at this time, personifying one or another human vice. Later they will be burned in a theatrical fire.
The Museum of Fine Arts, established in the 17th century, originally served as an educational institution for future members of the clergy. Now the best works of Spanish artists who worked in different cultural eras are collected here. They are complemented by collections of furniture and other interior items created in a particular historical period of time. Here you can also learn about the history of the city from the very moment of its inception.
The Museum of Ceramics is located in the ancient palace of Valencia and has more than one thousand pieces of ceramics collected from all over the world, including Japan and China. Curious gizmos from the time of Ancient Greece, Arab products, household items, works by Picasso ... Most of the exposition was collected by the founder of the museum, Manuel Gonzalez Marti.
The Prince Felipe Science Museum is located in the building of the most curious architectural structure, outwardly resembling either a UFO or a planet undiscovered by astronomers. In general, the appearance of the building fully justifies the semantic content of the expositions located in it. You will find many interactive exhibition halls, one of which tells about famous shipwrecks, such as the sinking of the Titanic. The most frequent visitors to the museum are children. Still, when everything around is “circling and spinning”, talking about advanced technologies, this is at least interesting to watch.
The Reina Sofia Palace of Arts is the same futuristic building, but with a completely different theme. It hosts symphonic music concerts, ballet performances and opera performances.
The El Hemispheric cinema housed several types of entertainment at once: a planetarium, laser shows and, in fact, the cinema itself in 3D format.
The historic district of Valencia with the beautiful name of Bario de Carmen lights up its lights at midnight. Here you will learn everything about the nightlife of the city: endless cafes, disco and jazz bars, clubs, including the legendary Bananas.
Gulliver Park is fun for kids. Here you can ride slides and swings, climb ladders and ropes, climb into a cave. In a word, to do everything that only a child's imagination is capable of.
In the biopark of Valencia, you can wander along conditional aviaries, get acquainted with different animals and try to imagine yourself as the owner of the wild. For this, all conditions have been created here.
The most famous architectural monument of Valencia is the so-called "silk exchange". It is easy to guess what was sold in this institution in the Middle Ages. This castle building is the best example of Mediterranean Gothic. The structure consists of a tower, which once housed a chapel, and a prison where silk thieves and those who could not pay for the purchase were sent. There is a delightful Hall of Columns, in which the "silk" trades took place. Under this room is the chapel of the Conception of the Virgin. And at the exit you can get into the orange patio. How charmingly the cypress and citrus trees smell there! In the darkness of the passing day, the Lonja de la Seda Silk Exchange looks especially magical thanks to special lighting, which tourists from all over the world come to see.
Entrance to all museums in amount varies between € 5-10. And on certain days you can visit them for free.
Entertainment
The local "Colosseum" is visible from afar. This is a school of bullfighters, where bullfights take place during the fire festival. The rest of the time you can enjoy concerts, fairs and other large-scale events here.
The Mestalla Stadium needs no introduction. It is the fifth largest in Spain, capable of accommodating more than half a hundred thousand spectators. Mestalla is the home ground of the f/c Valencia.
How to get there
Getting to Valencia is not as easy as we would like. Perhaps this is how she justifies her status as heaven on earth. First you will have to enter, or rather, fly into the EU zone, landing in some European city. It will be logical if your choice falls on Madrid or Barcelona. Then there are a lot of options:
- you can again get on a plane and fly to the airport of the long-awaited Valencia. The cost of such a route in both directions will cost you € 100;
- you can go by train. It will take from three to five hours, depending on which one you prefer: a regular train or an express train. The trip costs € 60 round trip;
- the most time-consuming and money-saving option is the bus, € 50 round trip. You shouldn't give it up right away. Agree, this is a good opportunity to ride on Spanish roads in a relaxed state, without sitting behind the wheel. But if you don't, then step on the gas and get by car to the city in 4 hours. There are, of course, roads where you can manage in 3 hours. But they are paid: € 35.
When I was ten years old, my brother called me Valencia for the first time. Not in honor of the southern Spanish city, no. Because of the football club. I was offended, but the nickname stuck to me anyway, and then, to be honest, I began to like it. Therefore, when my husband suggested that I go on a trip to my namesake city, I answered: “Si!” ... Sit back, today I will tell you what to see in Valencia, even if you only have one day for everything.
And as always, I decided not only to describe the sights of Valencia, but also made a route for you. We will start our journey from the railway station EstaciondelNorte. You can get here by metro (station Xativa).
Transport in Valencia
And here we need a little digression. The metro in Valencia is strange: trains run with a large interval (in the evening you can wait up to 30-40 minutes) and different lines pass through the same platform, so be sure to look at the direction of the train. You can buy a travel card that is valid for one/two/three days for 4/6.70/9.70 euros respectively (plus 2 euros for the plastic card itself), or one ticket for 1.50 euros. They are sold at metro stations and bus drivers.
So, you are at the station. Run inside to see the halls, decorated with mosaics and ceramic tiles. And yes, you will see such scenery in Valencia more than once: on the facades of houses, in the interior of restaurants, on souvenir plates, postcards and magnets. There is even a museum dedicated to ceramics - MuseoNacional de Ceramica. Today I will not dwell on it, but if you are interested, you can find it at: Carrer del Poeta Querol, 2.
Near the railway station, the arena of Valencia flaunts, accommodating sixteen thousand spectators. Bullfighting still takes place here. That is why the area on which the arena is located is called PlazadeToros- the area of the bulls. You can watch the "bloody spectacle" for 20-38 euros, depending on the location. I don’t know about you, but you won’t drag me to such a “performance” for any price, so I’m walking past.
Moving down the street AvingudadelmarquesdeSotelo looking to the left. After a couple of crossroads you will see a neoclassical building - the municipality of Valencia ( Municipio). If the "chip" of the island of Burano is the multi-colored facades of its houses, and Bologna - brick roofs, then in Valencia you involuntarily pay attention to the domes, which seem to be upholstered in dragon skin. Often they are blue, sometimes, as in the photo, bronze.
They are everywhere, I'm not kidding.
If you have more than one day in Valencia, stop by the Historical Museum, which is located right inside the municipality; the entrance is free. No, it means we continue on our way Placadel'Ajuntament. In about five minutes this street will end with a fork: carrerdeSanVicentemartir(the paella restaurant I wrote about is on this street) and AvingudaMariaCristina. I propose to move along the second: a few steps, and you will run into the central market of Valencia - Mercadocentral, or better Mercatcentral, in Valencian
Despite the fact that the prices here are no lower than the prices in the supermarket, the residents of the city themselves come here for meat, fish, sausages, vegetables and fruits. It seemed to me that there were more of them than tourists. Mercat Central has been standing here for almost a hundred years - since 1928, and is open from 7:30 to 15:00 every day except Sunday.
If during our walk you have developed an appetite, do not worry - very soon we will refresh ourselves with a local drink orxata. In the meantime, let's run into one place that is definitely worth seeing in Valencia in one day. it LaLonja- a building where five or six centuries ago there were transactions for the sale of silk and wool, and it deserves a separate chapter.
La Longha
The beauty of Valencia (in contrast to the "expensive" Barcelona) is that the entrance to the museums here costs mere pennies or even free. You can buy a tourist card for visiting the main attractions of Valencia (22 state museums in total) for 6 euros and come to La Lonja with it. Or pay only 2 euros for a ticket for an adult and 1 euro for a child. On Sunday admission is free.
Describing "La Longja" in dry guidebook words: "15th century", "Gothic style", "UNESCO World Heritage Site", "architect Pedro Compte" - I can never convey to you the feeling that you experience when you cross the threshold of this building. The twisted columns branching from the ceiling look like millennial palm trees that the builders were sorry to cut down, and they embalmed them right here in the hall. That is why the hall of the building is more like a garden than a place where business transactions were made.
If the columns are “palm trees”, then the floor is a “pond”, shiny and reflecting everything around.
The fact that the main function of the complex was trade is reminiscent of a set of rules written in Latin for merchants and a promise (for the most honest of them) to go to paradise. But those who did not conduct their activities in accordance with the law were sent to prison here. A spiral staircase leads to the prisoners' cells, but, alas, it is impossible to climb it. We just admire from afar, and then we go to enjoy the orange garden outside the building.
Keeping my promise - snack time. Coming out of La Longja, look for the street carrer del los Derechos. A few steps towards the "round square" - Plazaredonda,- enclosed between four-story houses and hosting a small market where you can buy a souvenir from Valencia. And we're almost there.
Not far from the square there is an old cafe Horchateria Santa Catalina(Placa de Santa Caterina, 6). Our goal is horchata (hence the name of the place), a drink made from the “chufa” nut that grows in Valencia, and the “fartons” buns that are served with it. All pleasure will cost 3.75 euros. The ideal period for horchata is summer, as it is drunk cold. But, by the way, they serve a drink at any time of the year, because it is a kind of symbol of Valencia.
After finishing your snack, stomp towards the small garden to the right of the exit from the cafe. it PlacadelaReina, that is, Royal Square, and here is LaCatedral- Cathedral. And yes, in Spanish, "cathedral" is feminine. Because of your beauty? By the way, many different styles are “mixed” in this beauty: Gothic, Baroque, neoclassical… The history of the cathedral is also interesting – he (she?) had to visit both a Roman temple and a mosque during the reign of the Arabs in Spain.
They say that the Holy Grail is kept in the Valencian Cathedral, but you and I know that this Christian relic is hidden in Turin, in the Gran Madre church, right?
Don't rush to leave. Spend more time inspecting both the cathedral itself and the nearby squares, buildings and churches. This is the very heart of the historic center of the city, and the "vein" streets rushing from it to the periphery of Valencia are striking in their beauty.
You can't spend a day in Valencia and not see this city from above: the notorious "scaly" domes and street names written on ceramic tiles; flags of Spain and the region, "shouting" from the balconies of houses about the patriotism of their inhabitants; the rounded corners of the buildings that gave rise to the image of Valencia in my mind as a girl, soft and accommodating; a green oasis in the city center – Turia Park…
To see Valencia at a glance, we need to climb one of the towers - Torres de Quart or Torres Serrans. Both are located in the Carmen district (Barrio del Carmen), famous for its nightlife, bars and restaurants. Both can be reached on foot from the Cathedral: to Torres de Quart - if you follow west along the street Carrer dels Cavallers e Carrer de Quart; to Torres Serrans - if you go north along the street Carrer dels Serrans. In the first case, the walk will take about 10 minutes, in the second - 6 minutes.
Entrance to each of the towers costs 2 euros, but you can use the tourist card for 6 euros, which I wrote about earlier.
If you chose the Serrance Tower, then after descending from it, you will already be at the next point of our route - jardinesdelTuria- a park 9 km long, like a wave, enveloping the city in its northern and eastern parts. If you are near the De Quart tower, just walk down the street carrerdeGuillemdeCastro past the Museum of Prehistory (Museo de Prehistoria) and the Museum of Ethnology (Museo de Etnologia). Literally 10 minutes and you will find yourself in the park.
Turia Park appeared in Valencia in 1986 on the site of the Turia River. In 1957, a terrible flood occurred in the city, which claimed the lives of a hundred people. The river was "moved" away from the city center, and in its old bed they arranged a park - the largest in all of Spain. Residents of Valencia walk their dogs here, go in for sports, come here for a picnic or to see local attractions. A whole "city" dedicated to science and art, or the giant Gulliver, for example.
If you are traveling with children, be sure to head to the playground in the form of a hero from Swift's novel. You will reach here in 45 minutes on foot or by buses 94 and 95 from Torres Serrans. It is not so easy to recognize Gulliver among children's slides and stairs - another picture opens if you find this geolocation in Google Maps.
Complex CiudaddelasArtesylasciencias No wonder they called it the "city" - it is huge. I advise you to devote a whole day to it, visit the Museum of Science and see with your own eyes how chickens are born, feel the abilities of telekinesis in yourself, and together with paleontologists, “collect” the dinosaur in pieces found in different parts of the globe. But if you don’t have an extra day to walk around Valencia, then just go around these futuristic buildings around and admire the setting sun.
In the next article, I will tell you more about the Valencian Science Museum. In the meantime, I’ll leave you to have dinner (you can find many restaurants on the upper floors of the Aqua shopping center, which is located nearby) and at the same time “digest” your own impressions of this amazing, not at all touristy, but such a hospitable city.
BONUS! What to bring from Valencia?
Once in cozy Valencia, you will be surprised by the unexpected variety of attractions of this Spanish city.
Almost every inquisitive tourist is well aware of the architectural masterpieces of pompous Madrid or democratic Barcelona. But even in comparison with these magnificent capitals, Valencia manages to impress fans of distant wanderings with its luxurious buildings, some of which are considered truly unique!
| Fast passage: |
Most of Valencia's sights are located in the old town area. Visiting them will allow you to get to know the history and modernity of this unique place in sunny Spain better. A thorough sightseeing will take at least two days.
Brief information about Valencia:
| In terms of population, Valencia is the third city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. It is located at the mouth of the partially drained Turia River. One of the features of the attractions in the city is a mixture of cultures. On the territory of modern Valencia, various nationalities once lived, and this left its mark on architecture and life. The city was founded by the Romans in 138 BC. Before that, the Greeks lived at the mouth of the Turia. Subsequently, the city was captured and almost completely destroyed by the Lusitans. The rebuilt city was named Valencia. The translation of this word has a double meaning. As "Strength, Fortress" and "Good Omen". |
Cheap transfer from Valencia airport to the city.
Towers of Torres de Quart
Description of the sights of Valencia, let's start with the Torres Towers.
The beginning of the second half of the 15th century was marked for the provincial Valencia by the completion of the construction of these famous medieval towers.
Construction began in 1441 under the direction of Francesc Baldomar, Bonfill Pere and Pere Compte.
Built in the Gothic style with masonry and carved stone, the towers are a bit like the Arc de Triomphe in Naples. It was her outlines that the architects took as a basis when designing the towers of Torres-vu-Quarth.
The towers managed to survive several bloody wars, after which numerous holes remained in the fortress walls, gradually inhabited by nimble birds. The buildings were most damaged during the French siege of 1808.
These towers are attracted not only by the opportunity to get in touch with the past, but also by the desire to admire the roofs of famous Valencian buildings. Guests of the city rush to the observation deck of this attraction, which is open daily. Its role is played by specially equipped roofs of two brick towers, which still amaze with their power!
Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda)
After admiring the views of Valencia, visit the building of the former Silk Exchange.
Now it is unlikely that any of the multinational visitors to this complex can immediately guess about the trade transactions that took place here.
The building was built in 1498 on the site of a Moorish fortress. The famous Valencian silk was made in the premises, for which merchants from all over Europe came.
The modern stock exchange, which has become a famous museum and a popular attraction, is visited by travelers for the beauty of its interior halls, the main of which is decorated with slender columns that look like tall palm trees.
Video about the Silk Exchange:
Tourists with a fairly rich imagination even think that a small garden with cypress and orange trees, laid out in the courtyard, has existed since the 16th century, far from us.
UNESCO has included this historical monument in the World Heritage List.
The Silk Exchange is within walking distance of the Towers, the Cathedral and the Central Market.
| Address: | Working hours: |
| Carrer de la Llotja, 2. Metro stations: Angel Guimera and Alameda. |
Tuesday-Saturday from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 16.30 to 20.30. Sunday and holidays from 10.00 to 15.00. Closed for siesta. |
Entrance fee 2 euros. For those who like to save money, we invite you to visit the attraction for free on Sundays and holidays.
Cathedral of Valencia
The main attraction of Valencia is within walking distance of the Silk Exchange.
Many Christians dream of approaching the legendary Grail, which has sacred miraculous power. Authoritative historians claim that it is located in the local Cathedral. The construction of the complex of buildings lasted more than 400 years and was completed only in 1702. The doors of this world-famous landmark are hospitably open to parishioners almost around the clock.
In the building of the sacred complex, you can see not only the famous cup from which Christ drank the sacred wine, but also paintings by Roman and Valencian masters of painting. The performance of the famous cathedral choir has been gathering a large number of listeners for many years. Professional singing, combined with the excellent acoustics of the building, leaves an indelible impression on visiting the cathedral.
Hotels in the area Cathedral.
Museum of Fine Arts (Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia)
The beginning of the collection of this cultural institution, which is extremely important for the city, dates back to 1786. The building of a luxurious museum, which hosts numerous connoisseurs of painting on any day, excluding the main Spanish holidays, was erected almost a century earlier.
The place for the construction was chosen on the bank of the old channel of the Turia. Framed by picturesque parks, the building houses the Catholic College of St. Pius the Fifth. Consists of two parts - college and church.
During the Civil War, the building was used as a military hospital.
Video about the museum:
Now, paintings by Spanish and Western European painters - Granelle, Titian, Van Dyck, Ribera, El Greco, Bosch, Sorolla "look" at visitors from the museum walls.
A large collection of Gothic iconostases and religious paintings is also available to visitors. A simple enumeration of famous names with a mention of their work can take more than one hour!
We recommend adding this place to your itinerary for the sights of the city.
When planning your visit, keep in mind that the largest number of visitors occurs from 11 am to 1 pm.
City of Science and Arts (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias)
One of the main modern sights is considered to be the City of Science and Arts.
The fateful year for Valencia in 1998 was marked by the emergence of the City of Science and Arts, built in a record two years. A unique complex of 6 buildings was built in the bed of the drained river Turia.
The most crowded in the Oceanographic Park, where you can see a variety of outlandish fish, frolicking dolphins, as well as cautious sharks. "Agora" - a giant architectural structure - will give travelers joyful moments of watching sports.
In the Palace of Arts, the audience is waiting for the production of ballet, musical and opera performances. Other buildings also prepared many surprises for the guests of this unique city.
Designed by local architect Santiago Calatrave. When planning your visit to this modern Valencia landmark, set aside at least a few hours. It's easy to get lost among futuristic buildings.
| Address: | Website: |
| Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7. Metro station: Maritim-Serreria. You can get from the metro by bus number 1A. The bus runs every 15 minutes. Travel time 20 minutes. |
www.cac.es |
For lovers of hiking– the distance from the metro to the cultural attraction is approximately 2 km.
Museum of Ceramics (Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas)
Not far from the church of San Martin is a luxurious mansion of the 18th century. One of the attractive features of the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas is the alabaster carving on the facade of the building.
In 1947 the Museum of Ceramics was opened in the building. The collection contains over 5,000 samples of local traditional pottery from Valencia and the surrounding area, azuleos (blue glazed pottery) from Teruel and faience from Toledo and Seville.
In addition to the works of Spanish potters, the museum presents ancient Greek, Arabic and Roman ceramics. Porcelain from China and Japan. Modern works by Mariano Benlliure and Picasso.
Video about the Museum of Ceramics:
The highlight of the collection is, so to speak, a landmark within a landmark - a fully equipped 19th century Valencian kitchen with traditional tiles.
Ticket price:
3 euros for adults.
1.5 euros for groups.
For visitors under 18 and over 65 admission is free.
Museum of Religious Art (Colegio del Patriarca)
The Colegio del Patriarca was built between 1586 and 1610. The attraction is a prime example of Renaissance architecture.
It was originally used as a seminary for the training of priests. The school was founded by the Archbishop of Valencia, Juan de Ribera.
Over time, the buildings of the seminary were converted into a museum. For the initial collection, works of art were used that decorated the walls of the school.
The Chapel de la Concepción features Flemish tapestries from the 16th century. The house of the former rector houses magnificent paintings by Dirik Bout, Rogier van der Weyden, Juan de Juanes, Francisco Ribalta, Luis de Morales and El Greco. You will also find rare Belgian tapestries there.
In the seminary Iglesia Corpus, the altar is decorated with a magnificent painting by Ribalt "The Last Supper".
Ticket price: 3 euros. The ticket includes a tour of the museum, the Purisima Chapel and the monastery.
Church of Saint Thomas and Saint Philip
The building, with its dazzling blue-tiled dome, is an example of the typical Mediterranean style of Valencia.
Iglesia de Santo Tomás y San Felipe Neri was built in 1725. In 1982 it was given the status of a National Historic Landmark.
It is worth paying attention to the original, intricately designed, baroque facade and architectural layout. By the way, the layout was almost 100% copied from the church of Il Gesu in Rome.
The spectacular interior features a spacious central nave lined with numerous chapels. Catholic Mass is held in the church daily. The attraction is closed to the public, but tourists can attend mass to see the beautiful sanctuary.
Address: Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer.
Central market (Mercado Central)
Mercado Central is located opposite the Silk Exchange. Spacious market built in 1928. The Art Nouveau building is richly decorated with azulejos, decorative pottery typical of the region.
Market from a bird's eye view:
The hall has 1,300 stalls where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables and produce from the Valencia region as well as other parts of Spain.
When visiting the market, do not forget to go to the Church of St. Juan. The 14th century building is in close proximity to the covered market. This church has an ornate baroque façade and superb ceiling paintings by Palomino in 1700.
Address: Plaza del Mercado.
Zoo (Bioparc Zoo)
Created in 2008, the zoo is owned by the city but operated by a commercial zoological company. It is located along the Turia Gardens and has a modern concept of identifying habitats for animals that people visit and not the other way around.
Instead of separating animals from humans by railings and cages, they use natural features such as large rocks, ditches, and rivers to keep them apart. African animals are the highlight of the zoo, although there are other examples of other world ecosystems.
Hotels in the area from Booking.com.
Central Beach (Playa de la Malvarrosa)
Valencia's main urban beach, Malvarrosa is a wide and open beach of fine sand along Mediterranean waters. Next to the beach is the magnificent Paseo Maritimo, where guests can take leisurely strolls, rollerblading, jogging or go to a restaurant for a delicious paella and a glass of wine.
The beach is rightfully one of the modern attractions of Valencia. It made an indelible impression on us with the width of the coastal edge and the length.
The house of the famous Valencian writer Vicente Blasco-Ibáñez is located on the beach of Malvarrosa and has been turned into a museum with an exhibition of his personal belongings and literary works.
Turia Park (Jardin del Turia)
Next to the City of Art and Science is a 110-hectare park. It is the largest urban park in all of Spain. Nearly seven million people visit it every year. Opened in 1986, it was built on the site of an old Turia riverbed with children's play parks and sports fields. Today it is significant for the whole city.
In this kind of rating, we have collected, in our opinion, the most important sights of the city of Valencia.If you are planning to visit Valencia, there is a wide variety of tourist attractions to choose from. Valencia is a very versatile city that offers its guests a lot of interesting places to visit.
Rating of the 10 most important places to visit in Valencia.
(1)
The leading position in our ranking of tourist attractions is occupied by the pearl of modern architecture of Valencia - the City of Arts and Sciences (). This futuristic complex consists of the Science Museum (Museo de las Ciencias Principe Felipe), the Oceanographic Park (Oceanogràfic), the Planetarium (Hemisfèric), the Umbracle Botanical Garden (Umbracle), the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia and the Agora Multifunctional Center (Agora). Visiting this amazing place is like traveling into the future! By visiting it, you will not only be able to gain new knowledge, but also enjoy stunning views and combinations - dazzling white and azure blue.
And don't forget to plan your visit: to get to know Europe's largest interactive city in detail, located in Valencia, you need at least one day!
(2)
The second must-see place is the Silk Exchange (). Built between 1482 and 1548, it is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture and reflects the rise of Valencia as a major trading city in the Mediterranean during the 15th and 16th centuries. The Silk Exchange was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as a vivid example of late Gothic, symbolizing the power and wealth of the Mediterranean trading cities. A few minutes from the exchange is the Administration Square (), where the buildings of the City Hall and the Ministry of Communications are located. Be sure to visit this square to add color to your travel itinerary.
Currently, the silk exchange is a museum, where visitors can appreciate its ancient interior and subtleties of architecture.
(3)
Directly opposite the Silk Exchange is the Central Market of Valencia (), which is the largest indoor food market in Europe. This is an excellent example of the combination of secular-Gothic European architecture with local color, expressed in huge stained-glass windows and panoramic windows decorated with orange ornaments. Making everyday purchases among such indescribable beauty is a pleasure! Not surprisingly, this market has been listed as a National Heritage Site in Valencia. A huge assortment of the freshest products from all over Spain and the world pleases market visitors throughout the year.
Here you can get typical Valencian products relatively inexpensively, but keep in mind that the market is only open until lunchtime.
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While in Valencia, be sure to visit the Queen's Square (), which is one of the main historical attractions of the city. Here are the best tourist restaurants in Valencia and, most importantly, the famous Cathedral of St. Mary (Catedral de Santa María de Valencia), which houses the Holy Grail (Santo Cáliz) - the cup from which Jesus Christ drank wine during the Last Supper. And if, in addition to historical sights, you want to enjoy panoramic views of Valencia, then climb the bell tower of the cathedral - the Miguelete tower (El Miguelete), the highest point of the old city.
Upon entering the cathedral, you can purchase a Russian audio guide that will introduce you to the centuries-old history of this masterpiece of architecture.
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The title of the historical heart of Valencia, no doubt, belongs to the square of the Holy Virgin (). It is a reflection of the centuries-old history of this city, starting from its very foundation in the era of ancient Roman rule, when it was named Valentia. Now it is considered truly the main historical square of Valencia. In its very center is a fountain, the main figure of which symbolizes the Turia River (río Turia), surrounded by eight smaller figures, representing the main irrigation canals of the city, whose history goes back to the time of the rule of the Moors, who had unique knowledge in the field of agriculture.
In the evening, thanks to the soft lighting of the historic center of Valencia, the square is painted in pastel yellow tones, filled with mystery and grandeur.
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If you are planning to come to Valencia with children, then be sure to visit the Bioparc () - a stunning interactive zoo based on the principle of the absence of barriers between visitors and pets. Of course, except when it comes to security. The main secret of this "bio-reserve" is its unique design, which perfectly hides and masks the barriers between people and animals, thus giving the impression that the visitor is literally in the heart of the wildlife habitat. The Valencian Bioparc has a wonderful restaurant where you can enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine on the terrace while watching the various animals roaming just a few meters from your tables.
This zoo breaks the stereotypes we are used to, so it will especially appeal to young visitors who seem to be on a real African safari in the center of Valencia.
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In order to get to know Valencia from an extraordinary side, it is enough to walk through the area of El Carmen (Barrio del Carmen), famous for its creativity and youth. Here you will find an amazing mix of history with modern fashion trends. Numerous examples of street art, graffiti, creative art and many other interesting and entertaining things will stick to your eyes. It is here that many boutiques and shops for lovers of vintage clothing style are located. Do not pass by the fortress Serranos Towers () and the Cat's House () and be sure to consider everything to the smallest detail.
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If your plans include visiting the museum, then we advise you to pay your attention to the Fine Arts Museum of San Pio V (), which is located on the other side of the Turia River, opposite the Serranos watchtowers. In addition to the museum building itself, considered a masterpiece of architecture, you can see one of the richest art collections in Spain, including paintings by Francisco de Goya and Joaquín Sorolla. Don't forget to take a walk in the famous Royal Park (Jardines del Real), better known as Viveros (Jardines de Viveros), located in close proximity to the museum. On its vast territory you will see many plants from different parts of the world and a real rose garden with more than 100 types of roses.
The Museum of Fine Arts of San Pio V and the Royal Park are completely free to visit, and Viveros Park is the perfect place for a siesta break.
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Your visit to Valencia is not complete without a visit to the seaside promenade, the so-called "Paseo Marítimo" (Paseo Marítimo) and the nearby Royal Yacht Club of Valencia (Marina Real Juan Carlos I). The Valencian promenade, running along the Mediterranean coast, will delight you with stunning views of the wide and well-groomed city beach with fine golden sand and tall palm trees. A light sea breeze and a relaxed atmosphere make the seaside promenade one of the best places for evening walks, not to mention a beach holiday in the summer. The sports port and the Royal Yacht Club of Valencia, located nearby, have gained worldwide fame due to the holding of such international sporting events as the legendary America's Cup 32 sailing regatta, the Formula 1 Grand Prix (). And located here the building "Sails and Wind" (), which offers a panoramic view of the Valencia embankment, has become one of the symbols of modern Valencian architecture and the seaport of Valencia in particular.
Closer to midnight, this area turns into one of the busiest in the city: open-air discos, salsa bars and many other entertainments will not let you get bored.
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And last but not least, this is a corner of wildlife, located just five kilometers south of Valencia, Lake Albufera (), declared a closed reserve. By visiting this park with a lake located there, you can fully enjoy the beauty of the local nature, take a boat trip on the lake, see rare bird species, some of which are listed in the Red Book, enjoy the taste of real Valencian paella, and, of course, watch the sunset, reflecting on the surface of Lake Albufera with millions of multi-colored lights. Note that Albufera is the largest freshwater lake in Spain and is of great importance for the ecology of the region.
Take a sightseeing tour of the lake by boat, taste authentic Valencian paella or watch the sunset - the choice is yours!
Once upon a time, the Moors called Valencia "the blessed land." Centuries later, the feeling of the city has not changed at all, although since then Valencia has become a modern dynamic metropolis. Over two thousand years of history, a colossal cultural code has accumulated here.
Valencia was founded by the Romans in the 1st century. Since then, she managed to visit the province of a powerful empire, part of the Mauritanian state and an independent Christian principality until she entered the united Spanish kingdom.
Valencia's urban area has several blue flag beaches where you can have a great vacation, and it is also home to the famous Las Fallas fire festival, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. And the most delicious Valencian paella is probably tried by all the guests of the city.
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What to see and where to go in Valencia?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
A modern entertainment complex, a real architectural pride of all Spain. The futuristic ensemble created by Santiago Calatrava contrasts strongly with the city's historic neighborhoods. There is an exhibition gallery, a museum-city of sciences, a planetarium (which includes a cinema and a laser show theater), an opera house and an oceanarium. The complex has been open to the public since 1998, over the following years it was completed.
Ancient city gates, preserved from the XIV century. They were intended for the purposes of defending the city and repelling enemy attacks. Over the past centuries, the gate towers managed to serve as a prison for noble nobles and a repository for museum exhibits during the wars (the collections of the Prado Museum were specially evacuated here to protect them from possible bombardments). In our time, Serranos perform a symbolic function.
The second (after the Serranos Gate) that has come down to our time is the ancient gate guarding the entrance to Valencia. From here begins the entrance to the old central part of the city. The structure was built in the Neapolitan style of limestone and stone and resembles a medieval Italian fort. Several centuries ago, a women's prison was located in the gate towers. In 1931, the building was given the status of a historical monument.
The square is located in the historical part of Valencia. It hosts important public events for the city. There are several sights on the square at once: the central post office, the building of the Trade Assembly and the Municipality (City Hall). The last building deserves special attention. This is a picturesque palace of the late 18th century, decorated with baroque bas-reliefs, figured arches and balconies.
The Queen's Square is one of the most crowded and lively in Valencia. Several large streets converge here at once. The place got its name in honor of the wife of the ruler Alfonso XII Queen Mary. The area is decorated with flower beds, alleys and cozy cafes. On the north side is a cathedral with a high bell tower. From Plaza de la Reina, the mileage report of all Valencian roads begins.
Cathedral in honor of St. Virgin Mary, the main Christian temple of Valencia. It was erected before the arrival of the Moors in the Iberian Peninsula. During the Arab rule, it was turned into a mosque. In the XIII century. the cathedral again became a Christian monastery with the blessing of the Bishop of Valencia. The building was built in the so-called "Mediterranean Gothic" style. Here lies one of the most significant Christian relics - the Holy Grail.
The temple is located next to the Cathedral of St. Virgin Mary and is connected to it through a gallery. This seemingly inconspicuous church plays an important role for local residents, since it is here that the image of the patroness of the city, St. Mary the Intercessor, is kept. The statue is considered miraculous, people turned to it during the onset of disasters, wars, epidemics and other troubles that hit Valencia.
The temple is dedicated to two biblical characters - John the Evangelist and John the Baptist. The building was built in the 13th century on the site of an Arab mosque destroyed after the expulsion of the Moors. In the XIV and XVI centuries. two strong fires occurred in the temple, after which the building was rebuilt. The final appearance that has survived to this day is a building of the 18th century model with an elegant facade in the Baroque style.
Temple, located near the Cathedral of Valencia, dedicated to the Christian martyr Catalina. According to legend, Catalina suffered for her faith and wisdom. By order of Emperor Maximilian, she was flayed alive. The cult of St. Catalina quickly spread throughout Europe. The Valencian temple in her honor was built under James I on the site of the demolished Arab mosque.
A 17th-century building that used to house a school for the clergy. It contains outstanding collections of famous Spanish artists, including El Greco, Velázquez and Goya. Separate expositions are devoted to representatives of the Valencian art school - Nicolas Falco, Rodrigo de Oson and others. The museum also boasts paintings by famous Italian and Dutch masters.
The palace is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The building is decorated with an intricate and luxurious baroque facade - a real work of art. The interiors are also decorated with special splendor. The palace houses a museum of ceramics, where several thousand exhibits are exhibited. Here you can find unique pottery dating back to the 16th century. Jewelry collections, furniture and interior items are also presented.
The seat of the government of the autonomous region of Valencia, open to tourists at certain times. The construction of the palace began in the 15th century by order of the Council of Deputies. The northern facade of the building faces the Plaza de Manises, on the opposite side there is a cozy picturesque garden. The Generalidad underwent a large-scale reconstruction in the middle of the 20th century and has retained almost its original appearance.
An architectural complex consisting of several buildings of the 15th and 16th centuries. This is an outstanding creation of Spanish architects. In the Middle Ages, silk was traded on the territory of the complex. The ensemble includes a tower, an orange patio, a meeting room and the main columned hall, in which trade transactions were directly carried out. In this hall, on the floor of multi-colored marble, the rules of trade are carved in Latin.
The main city station where trains from Madrid arrive. The building was built at the beginning of the 20th century in the style of "southern modern" with some pretentiousness and pomposity. The interiors are originally decorated with tiles, tiles, mosaics, colored stained-glass windows and images of fruits. The architect Demetrio Ribes worked on the project. Perhaps he was trying to capture the image of a flowering garden in stone.
A large round amphitheater for bullfighting. It is located next to the North Station. The site was designed in the 19th century by Sebastian Monleon. The diameter of the arena is 52 meters, the capacity is up to 16 thousand spectators. The best bullfighters perform here, and about 25 fights are held annually. Inside there is a bullfighting museum where you can learn about the history and features of this national show.
A large grocery market, where products from all over the region are brought. Here are the best farms in the autonomous region of Valencia. On the shelves they sell dozens of varieties of cheese and jamon, sweets, fish, seafood, nuts, ingredients for making paella. The market is always busy and noisy. The building itself, where the shops are located, is a picturesque structure with colored stained-glass windows and wrought-iron gratings.
An Art Nouveau marketplace named after the great discoverer, but which has nothing to do with him. Here you can not only buy fresh products or souvenirs, but also have a delicious meal or taste countless and varied tapas. On holidays, the market is transformed and becomes a concert arena, where various performances are given.
A huge park complex in the former bed of the river. Turia, which stretches through the whole city. It consists of several zones, which include the Royal Gardens, the City of Arts and Sciences and the Botanical Garden. In the middle of the 20th century, after another major flood, the authorities decided to change the course of the Turia River, and organized a green park area in the resulting place (at first they planned to build a road). This is how modern Gardens were born.
A progressive city zoo, where the most natural and comfortable conditions are created for animals. Opened to the public in 2008. There are no fenced enclosures or cages in the biopark, so the animals can move freely over a large area. Visitors are not allowed to feed or touch zoo animals. The territory is divided into several zones, where animals from different continents are housed.
A lake in the vicinity of Valencia and marshy areas around it, which the locals call the "little sea". This is a habitat for a large number of waterfowl. They nest here in whole flocks and are not at all afraid of people. In Albufera Park, there are several species listed in the Red Book. The best way to see the natural beauty of the area is to take a boat tour.
