Valencia has an average temperature of 16.7C and a Mediterranean climate, along with over 100 km of coastline and great beaches this makes a perfect family destination.
Valencia is both a coastal city and a province, an amalgamation of languages and culture that makes it unique.
History
Valencia was a prosperous area during the Roman era, it was then taken over by Visigoths in the 5th century and Moors in the 8th century. The Muslims established an independent kingdom and left their legacy of beautiful buildings and farming techniques.
They successfully grew oranges, dates, rice, almonds and rice which they exported to North Africa. When the lands were lost to the Catholic Kings in the Reconquest, Valencia had already become a very wealthy city.
What to Visit in Valencia
- The City of Arts and Science, now comprises four different buildings: L’Hemisferic, the Museum of Science Principe Felipe, the Oceanographic Park and the Palace of Arts. This is a must-do trip. A combined ticket can be bought which enables access over three days so all may be enjoyed.
- The Basilica de la Virgen de Los Desamparados – a glorious baroque church in the old part of the city – it’s connected to the cathedral by a gothic arch.
- The Cathedral began in the XIII and wasn’t finished until XV century , when another set of major renovation works began in XVIII. There is now three entrances: via Palau street and its Romanesque door, Plaza de la Virgen for a Gothic entrance or the Plaza de Zaragoza for a Baroque welcome.
- The Botanical Gardens has around 3,000 plant species and 7,000 palm trees, exotic trees and shrubs. It is said to be the best Botanical Garden in Europe.
Fiestas and Ferias in Valencia
- The most famous of all Valencian festivities is Las Fallas A week long fiesta from 15th – 19th March, a celebration of light, colour and fireworks that begins with 700 fallas or enormous wooden figures paraded into town. The on the Nit del Foc or Fire Night along with millions of fireworks they are set alight.
- Semana Santa or Holy Week is sometimes called Sailor’s Holy Week here along the coast. Many processions take place, often one from each church or chapel parade the streets. Often processions take place in the sea or foot or in boats.
- Noche de San Juan which takes place on 23rd June is also known as The Night of The Witches. It traditional to dip your feet into the sea and proclaim your wishes. This is followed by bonfires and feasting on the beaches.
- The Lladro Factoryis an enormous complex where you can see the beautiful Lladro porcelain figures being produced, visit the ceramic museum and find yourself a bargain at one of their factory shops.
Getting around Valencia
The underground metro enables easy access into the city centre, once in the city the more accessible tram system travels around the city and out to the beaches – by far the best method of getting to where you want to go.
For a tourist route bus ride take The Bus Turstic, you can hop on and off wherever you like throughout a 24-hour period. Another choice is the Albufera Bus Turistic which runs from Plaza de la Reina out to the Albufera National Park, the ticket includes a boat ride to see the local flora and fauna – depending on the time of year you might see herons, storks and flamingos.
