 |
 |
 |
|
About ValenciaThe province of Valencia is the largest of the three which go to make up the Valencian community. It is situated in the centre of the spanish Mediterranean coastline. It overlooks the spacious Gulf of Valencia and is skirted at the back by a group of medium-high mountains and rolling plains leading to the lands of Aragon and Castile-La Mancha.
It is opposite the Balearic islands and equidistant from the country's two major decision-taking centres: Madrid and Barcelona. Valencia is identified with the Mediterranean Sea because the culture deriving from the old Mare Nostrum is manifest in its patterns of social behaviour.
Attractions The City of Arts and Sciences: This superb collection of buildings is fast becoming the definitive representation of Valencia throughout the world. Built directly on top of the dry riverbed of the old Túria. Designed by Valencia's beloved son Santiago Calatrava, the entire complex occupies some 350,000 square metres. It consists of four main sections: the Hemispheric, the Oceanographic, the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum and the Palace of Arts which houses the new concert hall.
Opening Hours: Everyday from 10am to 8pm.
Address: Avenida Autovía del Saler.
Museum of 'Casa de las Rocas': Purpose built in the 15th century to house the winning floats and chariots which paraded the city during Corpus Christi.These carriages were known as 'rocas' or rocks. Also housed within the museum are the ancient suits, costumes, headwear and banners of the floats.
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday from 10am to 2 pm.
Address: Calle Rocas, 3.
The Cathedral: Steeped in history, the main Cathedral in Valencia's plaza de la Virgen, was erected atop the site of a former Roman temple and Muslim mosque. Its present aspect dates from the 13th century and through the passing of the years it has adopted designs from styles as diverse as romanesque, gothic and baroque. It is the site of the Water Tribunal which is an ancient ritual during which the leaders decide the rates and distribution of water supply in Valencia.
 Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart: These towers formed the ancient gateways to the city when it was a walled fortress. They date from the 14th and 15th century and have witnessed many historic events. Over the years they have been used respectively as viewing posts, prisons and hideouts. The Torres de Serranos can be found where the street called Calle Serranos meets the Serranos bridge on the riverbed. The Torres de Quart sits at the junction of the street called Guillem de Castro and Calle Quart.
Restaurants & barsEating is serious business in Valencia. The locals take dining very seriously, from young to old. Owners of good restaurants are well known and respected. Restaurants are everywhere. Mainly, it is of course Spanish and Valencian cuisines - the Valencian cuisine having its own identity, and an obvious choice for you to try out.
Generally, tapas of some sort can be found just about anywhere in Valencia. However, some tapas bars are special.
 Tasca Angel - Famous for sardines, this place is a legend in Carmen, popular with the young, cosmopolitan crowd.
Las Cuevas - "The Caves". Probably the largest choice of tapas in Valencia, both traditional and creative, in spectacular underground catacombs lined with Valencian ceramics.
NightlifeThe province of Valencia is famous for its discotheques, where the music plays until dawn. They are situated on the outskirts of the city and on the Valencia - Cullera road, crossing numerous residential estates and beaches. A lot of bars and clubs are situated in 'Calle Juan Llorens'. Friday's and Saturday's are naturally the busiest days, with many people out. The atmosphere is always lively and usually rather hot too! It is a 'must do' - to go out after dining at El Carmen and or perhaps before you visit la Floridita down by the beach.
There is no other district here where you will find a punk bar, a reggae smoking den, a retro chill-out lounge, a jazz basement, an underground trance mix, an intelligencia meeting point, a goth dungeon, a gay bar, latino tunes, caribbean heat and a twisted bohemian art-cave, all within a short walk of each other.
Carmen is an amazing caleidoscope of cultures, subcultures, ambiences and personalities. It can be explored forever, like a continent.
 Radio City - One of the most popular and almost universally loved. Eclectic, international crowd in ecstasy to always special, extra easy and dancy, music. The DJs there really are a gem. Plus a pub area for hanging out.
Johny Maracas - A taste of Latino in Carmen. Easy-going and unpretentious, it is a place to have fun, not worry about your salsa dancing skills. All ages mix for an easy-listening of spanish pop, salsa etc and reggaeton.
ShoppingIf you intend to visit Valencia with the specific idea of having a shopping spree then you will be well rewarded. You are very much spoiled for choice when it comes to the range and diversity of shopping districts and possibilities in Valencia.
Whether it's just for a weekend trip, a long holiday or you want to move to Valencia to live, you are very well catered for. If money is not an issue, then shopping in Valencia will be a pleasure for you. Having said that, most people's tastes and pockets are looked after.
 So, in Valencia you can find anything from the latest designer outfits to the cheapest bric-a-brac at a market stall. Traditional markets and gypsy fairs are held weekly in Valencia. Most are like a movable market and set up their stalls in different parts of the city on different days of the week.
There are many fine Shopping Centres in Valencia, both in the city centre and in the suburbs. You will find all you need under one roof. Local supermarkets are plentiful, as are grocery shops and some shops which stay open 24 hour a day.
If you'd like to combine shopping with history and tourism, then the Mercado Central is your best bet. Here you will find an astonishing array of fresh produce and any number of curiosities.
Other things you should know The region of Valencia has a mainly Mediterranean climate: warm and dry summers, and mild winters. The rainy season is mainly in spring and in autumn. There are often torrential rainfalls. Inland in the higher reaches of the region the rainfall may turn to snow. The temperatures are pleasant all year round, with an average that does not fall below 15ºC, with the exception of the mountain areas, where temperatures can fall below freezing.
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
