València, Spania

Despite being the 3rd city of Spain, Valencia is not that big and from our house you will easily arrive to all the touristic sites. We are just 5 minutes walking from the old town, which is really worth a visit. The Cathedral, the old medieval gates of the city (Torres de Serrano and Torres de Quart), the Lonja de la Seda (World Heritage Site), the Central Market, St. John’s Church, the recently restored frescoes of St. Nicholas Church… The Town Hall and the city centre with all the shops are also very near, as well as the Marqués de Dos Aguas Palace and Mercado de Colón, two other must-see.

For modern Valencia you can visit the IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art), which is in our neighbourhood, and the amazing City of Arts and Science, which is only a 15 minute ride.

Valencia is also a city of gardens, among them the Botanical Garden, the gardens of Viveros, the charming gardens of Monforte and what we call the “río” (river, 5 minutes from our house), the old riverbed now turned into a huge garden. If you like running, that’s your place! It’s also a wonderful place for biking, walking or playing with the children in one of the playgrounds (like the one called Gulliver, which children adore!).

But if you are coming to Valencia we are sure that you will want to go to the beach. Malvarrosa, Las Arenas and Patacona beaches are just a 20 minute ride from our house. The beautiful beach of El Saler, with its dunes and next to the natural site of La Albufera (not to miss!), is also near.

Thanks to its central location, Valencia is a perfect base from where to explore the region. To the north, we recommend the roman theatre and the castle of Sagunto, the hot springs of Montanejos, the beaches and villas of Benicassim and the beautiful sea village of Peñíscola, with its old town and castle, which has been used as a location for Game of Thrones. There are also many beautiful hikes and villages in the mountains, in what is called the Maestrazgo, specially the medieval villages of Morella and Rubielos de Mora.

To the south, you can visit the castle of Játiva, the picturesque village of Altea, Calpe and its Peñón de Ifach, Dénia, the castle of Guadalest or the coves of Jávea. Near Benidorm you may also find Terra Mítica, an amusement park. All of them are easy daytrips.

If you have children, they will be happy to visit Bioparc, the city zoo, Dinopolis, a dino park , and Aquarama, a water park.

From Valencia you also have the possibility to visit Madrid and Barcelona thanks to the AVE (high speed train), which leaves you in these cities in less than two hours.

Last but not least, Valencia is home for las Fallas and the paella. The real one is only to be eaten here and, as we valencians say, the other ones are “yellow rice” but not paella!

Some interesting links about…

Valencia:
http://www.lovevalencia.com/en/
http://www.visitvalencia.com
https://www.timeout.com/valencia/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-valencia

Nearest beaches:
https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-most-beautiful-beaches-in-valencia/
http://www.isabellestravelguide.com/beaches-near-valencia.html

Day trips:

https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/the-best-day-trips-from-valencia/
http://www.skyscanner.es/noticias/los-15-lugares-mas-bonitos-de-la-comunidad-valenciana
https://www.thingstodovalencia.com/20-best-things-outside-valencia/