A sea breeze in my hair, the scent of salt and long days at the beach in my nostrils. Valencia’s effect is immediate, with the grime from the plane and train cleansed in the cool night air. I was only meant to be here for a day to break up the journey, but already knew it would be difficult to leave. You could say it was love at first sight but don’t I say that about every city in Spain.

 

From the colourful cluster of bars and cafe’s that lines the beach promenade, to the bustling hub of its centre, there is always something happening in Valencia. Yet tranquillity is never far, found basking under the shade of its famed orange trees. Neither too big nor too small, everything seems just right in Spain’s Goldilocks city.

The Green Belt

 

What struck me most about Valencia was how green and fresh it all felt. After diverting the river in the mid 19th century, the remaining riverbed exploded into a force of verdant greenery that now runs through a nine kilometre stretch of the city. This green artery links the clockwork of the city centre to its throbbing heart of itsthe fertile coast, pumping its people through fields of flowers and the wafting citric notes of oranges blooming in the spring.

While by far the easiest and most refreshing way to get from the city to the beach, the greenbelt has become a destination in itself. With people from all walks of life, coming to recline on a bench and escape the city’s bustle.

Hit The Beach

A vast expanse of sand nestles against the crashing waves of the mediterranean sea. Even at its most crowded, space is at the premium along Valencia’s main beach, with the coastline stretching off into the horizon. The water’s clean and if the conditions are right, you try your hand at surfing with one of the local schools. I’d recommend to walk (or ride) further up the palm lined promenade as the ubiquitous sunglasses salesmen and oversized and overcrowded restaurants give way to the pastel hues of Spanish summer houses

Valencia’s Old Town

While Valencia lacks the intimidating grandeur of its cousins Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia’s old town is well worth exploring. The gates portcullis pictured above, smooth stone floors crowded with tourists and locals alike led out Saint Mary’s Cathedral, whose delicate stone arches seem on the verge of crumbling into antiquity. 

 

Valencia’s trendy bars El Carmen lies right next to the old town, bringing an eclectic mix of the old and new, as old stone streets are splayed with the bright coloured graffiti. This is a great spot to come for dinner or after tapas drinks.

Try Some Paella

Paella, often misrepresented as one of Spain’s national dishes, is actually a regional speciality of Valencia. Meat and Vegetables or seafood are cooked as a broth within a shallow double pan called a Paellera, which is then soaked up by the rice, creating rich flavours that are to be served and enjoyed straight from the Paellera.

 

Plan Your Holiday to Valencia

 

Flights:  Valencia has its own airport, with flights coming in directly from many major European airports

Train:  Valencia is a scenic three and a half hour train ride from Barcelona. Make sure you sit on the left side to get a view of the coast or enjoy the standing bar. The cheapest tickets can usually be found directly from  Renfe’s home website. Make sure you arrive at least half an hour early as you will have to check in, similar to a plane. Out of all the trains in Europe I’ve taken, this route has been the best.

Bus: Bus routes can be found directly at Alsa’s home site.