Many Spanish travel itineraries often overlook this fascinating Spanish town in favour of Barcelona and Madrid. However, Valencia is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain.
It is authentic and filled with thousands of years of history. So, if you want to immerse in the authentic Spanish culture, then plan your trip to Valencia! This fascinating Spanish town will immediately blow your mind away.
Brief History Of Valencia
Valencia is a Spanish city which is the centre of the province of the same name. In terms of population, Valencia ranks third after Barcelona and Madrid. The city is located at the point where the river Turia flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
The history of Valencia begins in the second century BC. The town was founded by the Romans, although there were already settlements there. A little later, the territory was occupied by the Lusitanians, who almost destroyed all the buildings. However, the Roman consul rebuilt the settlement and named it Valentia.
Climate Of Valencia
The climate of Valencia is subtropical, belonging to the Mediterranean type. The sun shines here almost all year round, so if you come here, you will find yourself in a sunny paradise and get an even dark tan. In the summer months, the thermometer rises to 28-30 degrees Celsius. At night, it gets even cooler at around 17-20 degrees. Winter in Valencia is mild and not cold.
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Top 7 Amazing Sights To Visit In Valencia
Since gorgeous Valencia has many amazing historical sights and other places to visit, completing the Valencia bucket list is quite tough. To make it a little easier for you, we have listed some must-visit attractions in Valencia.
- The Cathedral of Valencia, also known as St. Mary’s Cathedral, is a famous landmark of Valencia. It is located in the historical centre of Valencia. This architectural gem dates back to the 13th-14th centuries. It is an eclectic building that is a blend of several architectural styles. One of the highlights of the cathedral is the bell tower, Torre del Miguelete Tower, which has 207 steps. Be sure to climb to its observation deck to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of Valencia.
- The City of Arts and Sciences. Located at the heart of the old town of Valencia, the City of Arts and Sciences is a huge entertainment and cultural complex. Built-in the 1990s, this complex includes an interactive science museum (Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe), an opera house, an oceanographic park (Oceanogràfic), an IMAX cinema, an opera house (Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía), and a botanical garden. You have to come here for the whole day to get the most out of this great place to visit.
- The Albufera National Park is a beautiful nature reserve that is located just 10 kilometres from the city of Valencia. This is the largest freshwater lagoon in Spain and a natural marvel. Here, you can rest, enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sunsets, and just relax and unwind.
- The Turia Gardens. Connoisseurs of aesthetics and beauty should visit the magnificent Turia Gardens, also known as Turia Park. After the big flooding in 1957 of the river Turia, the city government rerouted the river and transformed it into the largest city park in Valencia.
- The Serranos Tower. Pay attention to the Serranos watchtowers. A city with a 2000-year history, Valencia once had three defensive walls and more than ten gates. The Serranos Tower is one of the few remaining parts of Valencia’s city walls. It dates back to the end of the 14th century.
- The Ceramic Museum of Valencia. Established in 1947, the Ceramic Museum in Valencia has many interesting and luxurious ceramics. Since the culture of Valencia is a mix of Roman, Greek, and Arab cultures, you can admire in the museum the porcelain from different ages and of different cultures.
- The Lonja de la Seda. There is a group of buildings used for silk exchange. One of them is the incredible Gothic building, Lonja de la Seda. It dates back to the 15th century (1482-1533), and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This group of Gothic-style buildings is one of the must-visit places in Valencia.
If you plan a longer trip to Valencia, consider adding to your bucket list also the Valencia City Hall, Museum Of Fine Arts in Valencia, Central Market of Valencia, Bullring (Plaza de Toros), Bioparc Valencia, Pope Luna’s Castle, and The Ruzafa neighbourhood. Don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the Valencian sunny atmosphere on one of the city beaches, for example, La Malvarrosa Beach.
City Of Las Fallas Festival, Bustling Nightlife, And Paella
Those travellers who want not only to visit Valencia’s main attractions but also get a unique cultural experience should visit the annual Las Fallas festival in Valencia. This festival takes place in Valencia in March and lasts almost three weeks. This is a real celebration of fun and fire with parades, fireworks, and bullfighting shows. If you’re into clubbing and gambling (playing casino games and placing bet on sports), visit the clubs and bars in the Ruzafa neighbourhood, as well as the casino Cirsa.
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Since Valencia is the birthplace of paella, you should also try an authentic and delicious paella Valenciana with rabbit or chicken, as well as the milky drink Horchata and the alcoholic drink Agua de Valencia. The last one is an interesting and refreshing mix of wine and orange juice. And this drink perfectly captivates the essence of Valencia: It is sunny, colourful, and worth trying! If you are lucky enough to visit Valencia, enjoy the beauty and diverse life of this city for a new, unforgettable experience.