valenica

Since I can’t travel at the moment, I thought I’d share my trip to Valenica when I travelled there two years ago!

Although before my trip I’d never heard of the city, by the end I was wishing to be able to stay just that little bit longer. If you are looking for a short or long break to a non-touristy part of Spain, Valenica is the place for you.

Valencia is the third most populated city in Spain. Known for art and science, it also has several beaches, parks and gardens. The When researching for this post, I discovered that there is actually two official languages spoken in Valenica: Español and Valencian (a Catalan dialect).

The flight from London Gatwick is around two hours. I believe that you can now fly directly from London Heathrow, our closest airport, but that wasn’t possible at the time.

For the duration of our visit, we stayed at TRYP Valencia Oceanic. It had everything you needed from a hotel and the staff were really helpful. There was a bus stop close by to get to the old town and it was in walking distance of the science park which is one of the main tourist attractions! In terms of transport, we either took the bus or just walked. The only time we used a taxi was to get to and from the airport, but I believe there are alternative methods to do so.

An attraction I could not recommend enough was The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias or City of Arts and Sciences. Designed by Santiago Calatrava, it is the number one tourist attraction in Valenica. It was within walking distance of our hotel and even if you don’t go inside, like us, there’s still so much to see. Taking photos of the stunning buildings doesn’t cost anything! The architecture is almost un-earthly (if that’s a word.) Strangely enough, it doesn’t look that out of place and blends in well with the rest of the area.

Like many other European cities, the old and historic parts are usually the most beautiful. Beauty resides amongst the cobble-stone streets and beautiful buildings whose walls could tell masses of stories from centuries before.

Valencia’s old town really is incredibly beautiful and very well-preserved. There is no shortage of sights to stop at and is perfect for a lazy afternoon stroll.

Once part of the long-since destroyed city walls, Torres de Serranos marked the start of the old town. It is perfect for providing views across the whole of Valencia. You can see the remains of the old moat and the river Turia from its terraces. The entry fee is 2 euros and the small amount is worth the experience!

Valenica has no shortage of beautiful cathedrals and churches. The most iconic is probably the cathedral, housed in the historic centre. Nearby to the cathedral is an area known as Plaza de Reina. You’ll be able to see one side of the cathedral and the stunning bell tower.

You have to visit the Colon Market for a Valenican delicacy: horcata and fartons. I thoroughly enjoyed mine!  Originally a market for garden produce, fish and meat, it is now filled with chic restaurants and flower stalls. It’s perfect for a quick meal or drink.

Casa de las Rocas houses wooden ceremonial carts used in the Hábeas procession. The history of the festival is really fascinating. The museum covers the Corpus Christi celebrations in Valencia, with carriage-floats of the Ark of the Covenant, giants, giant puppets and the “Las Rocas.” These are all used in the procession.

We visited a few art galleries during our time in Valenica.

Centre del Carme Art Gallery has a range of exhibitions from local artists. Featuring contemporary and regional art, it is a great place to discover both recent and old Valenican artists.

IVAM was really interesting and had an exhibition for everyone. The pop art I especially enjoyed. It is Spain’s oldest centre of modern art, with over 10,000 pieces of art and photography from the 20th century. Temporary exhibitions are housed in the basement – once part of the city’s medieval fortifications.

For older and renaissance art, try Museu de Belles Arts de València. This renovated art museum houses 2,000 works, most dating from the 14th-17th centuries. Art works by Goya, Velázquez, José Ribera and Sorolla cover its red, peach and green walls. Even if you aren’t particuarly interested in the art, the building itself is incredible.

Valenica is perfect for any foodie. There is no limit of different cuisines, you just need to know where to look. We were definitely spoilt for choice – here are some of my favourites!

• La Bothéca (Italian)
• Refugio (Mediterranean)
• Almalibre Açaí Bar (Vegan Bar Food)
• Ice Wave (Ice Cream)

A notable spot is the Jardi Botantic. Home to every species of cacti imaginable, this is a breath of fresh air without stepping out of the city walls.

El Carmen is infamous for its street art. Treat it as as an outside art gallery! It’s definitely worth spending a calm afternoon, walking round and discovering some hidden gems.

Llotja de la Seda, a 15th century silk exchange. One of the best eamples of Gothic civil architecutre in Europe  a UNESCO World Heritage site with history in its very walls. The building was stunning, especially the floors.

Two main structures flank a citrus-studded courtyard: the Sala de Contratación, a cathedral with twisted pillars, and the Consulado del Mar, where a maritime tribunal sat. The top floor boasts a coffered ceiling brought here from another building.

If you are looking for a unique break for any time of year, Valencia is the place.