Belle’s Guide To Essential Valencia
The port city of Valencia on Spain’s southeastern coast offers everything you need for a fun, sun and culture-filled weekend away. From soaking in culture to soaking up the sun, there’s so much to do in this historic and beautiful epicentre of Spanish life. Grown from a former Roman colony, the name Valencia is taken from Valentia meaning strength. And strength, vibrance and life burst from every pore of the ancient city. Here are Belle’s Must-Dos for this Must-Go destination…
Mercado Central – A rainbow greets you the second you enter the bustling food market found centrally in the city, just behind the cathedral. Located across from the Llotja de la Seda and the church of the Juanes in central Valencia, it is one of the main works of the Valencian Art Nouveau. Expect exotic fruits and artisan delicasies. Don’t expect to leave hungry.
Marina Beach Club – The place to be seen, the Marina Beach Club is set between the port and the beach offering spectacular views of both, as well as out to see and back onto the mainland. Book in advance for the restaurant which sells the freshest catches of the day possible, plucked straight from the Med to be served on your plate. Pull up a stool at the central bar, or grab a table on the deck ready for late night partying into the early hours. The vibe is Ibiza (and so are the prices) and the onnly way to leave is by dragging yourself away when your feet just can’t dance any more.
City of the Arts & Sciences – A cultural and architectural marvel, this avant-garde complex has been cited as the most important modern tourist destination in the city, and one of the 12 Treasures of Spain. Designed by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela, the impressive building houses a Science Museum, IMAX cinema, Planetarium and Opera House, amongst many other leisure, arts and educational facilities. Dedicate a whole day to exploring the site, and book an all-in-one ticket to make the most of what’s on at the time.
Walk The River – The old Turia river bed was at one time a wide and powerful river that bisected the city in the same manner as the Thames separates the north and south London. It ran through the middle of Valencia and out to the sea, but in the mid 50’s an horrendous storm and high tide saw the river burst its banks, and it flooded the centre of the city. A plan was created during the massive clean-up afterwards to divert the river from its present course to ensure that this kind of flooding never happened again. The upside is that this project created a beautiful park in the dry river bed which leads you right to the centre of the city from the coast.
Spa Circuit at Barcelo Valencia – Located perfectly equidistant between the culture-rich town and tourist-drawing beach and marina, and just a minute’s walk from the City of Arts and Sciences, The Barceló Valencia hotel oozes urbanism and modernity. The 4-star hotel boasts fantastic views of the city from a rooftop bar and spa. Home to a small pool, you can also wash away toxins and get your bloody circulating with a full water circuit comprising a Finnish sauna, an ice room, a footbath, hydromassage beds, pressure jets, an activation shower, aromatic central shower and Turkish bath.
Oceanographic Aquarium – A true tribute to the seas and oceans of the planet, the Aquarium contains large aquariums which faithfully reproduce the most important marine ecosystems. Located at the tail end of the Arts & Science complex, the Oceanographic is the largest complex of its type in Europeand houses a 26,000,000-litre dolphinarium and a 7,000,000-litre ocean tank with sharks, rays and other fish. There are 45,000 animals of 500 different species including fish, mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates. A walk around the grounds is a great way to conclude a busy day’s sightseeing and kids will love exploring the different habitat sections.
Agua de Valencia – The city’s signature cocktail is both delicious and dangerous. Sweet as honey, this blend of Cava, orange juice, vodka and gin is impossible to put down. Served in goldfish-bowl-sized cocktail glasses, three of these will render you speechless, in more ways than one. Made using local fruits, the fresh flavours are mouthwatering and no self-respecting Belle should consider leaving this city wthout experiencing one.
Belle’s Tip: For a flying visit, invest in a Three Day Tourist Ticket which allows you unlimited rides on transport around the city from the centre down to the beach and everywhere in between. Separate your days into City, Coastal, and Arts & Sciences complex. Dine in the city or on the riverbed, and party by the sea. See the Visit Valencia website for more tips and suggestions of what to see and do during your stay.
