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This Autonomous Community is a prototypical example of the "Mediterranean
Spain", with a fantastic climate and more than 500 kilometers of coast. It
is decidedly one of the country's most tourist areas. If you want to discover more than just sun and sand, you will find
remains of most remote civilizations, Phoenicians, Greeks, Iberians and
Romans. The Moorish legacy is still present in traditional artisan and
agriculture with its praised oranges as well as rice. The conquests of Jaime
de Aragon led to the foundation of the kingdom of Valencia, more or less at
the territory of today's Community.
Major Tourist attractions:
Valencia
The region of Valencia is located on the east of Spain and is well known
for its ceramics, fans and wicker-work. The Valencian coast consists of many
beautiful resorts with golden beaches and towns full of history. Inland, the
soil is fertile and the region has adopted the nickname 'the bread-basket of
Spain'. Valencia is a region rich in history and its popular coastal resorts
make an excellent holiday destination.
See also Gastronomy Valencia
The capital of the region of Valencia is Valencia city.
 Valencia is well connected within the road network, namely by the N340 to
Barcelona and Alicante, the NIII to Castille La Mancha and Madrid and the A7
motorway which links Valencia to the European network.
Valencia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild
winters. It is well known for its orange groves and tourists flock to its
two main beaches. Valencia is also one of Spain's most densely populated
cities. As you enter the city of Valencia, the roads become somewhat
confusing and can be hard work. Once in the city, expect to spend time in
traffic and parking is very difficult.
To see the historical centre of Valencia you would do well to make your
way to the Plaza de la Virgen. This is the heart of old
Valencia and once the location for the Roman Forum. This area was once
surrounded like an island by the tributaries of the River Turia. This is now
illustrated by the fountain in the square which consists of a central figure
representing the river, surrounded by seven maidens, representing the
tributaries. Today the square is a popular resting place and is constantly
full of life. Around this square you will find many important buildings such
as the Cathedral, the Basilica and the Palacio de la Generalitat.
The Cathedral, stands on ground once occupied by a
Muslim Mosque and an earlier church. The current building is of
Gothic-Cistercian design and dates from 1262. It wasn't actually completed
until the 18th century. This is illustrated by the many differing designs
incorporated. There is an imposing tower which can be climbed using the 200
steps. You will be rewarded at the top with spectacular panoramic views of
the city. Purchase a ticket inside the Cathedral (costs approx. 1.50€). You
can also purchase books and city guides inside the Cathedral.
Pictured left is the view from the tower over the beautifully laid out
gardens. Next to the Cathedral you will find the Basilica de la Virgen, a
temple dedicated to the Valencian Patroness. At the altar you will find a
beautiful Gothic statue. The Basilica was built between 1652 and 1667
following a style that is considered Prebaroque. The building is of oval
shape with a beautiful painted dome. It is not of great proportions and the
building often struggles to cope with the number of worshipers. The City's
patron is celebrated on the second Sunday in May when the statue is carried
to the Cathedral and back. In a noisy and emotional ceremony, the statue is
passed person to person without touching the ground. The evening procession
is accompanied by rose petals thrown from the balconies and huge floral
displays being built.
Pictured right is another important construction in the city. The Torres
de Quart is the work of Pere Bonfill and dates from 1444. The walls are
pitted with holes caused by French shelling during the War of Independence.
The building receives its name because it was once the gateway to Quart de
Poblet, an old settlement on the Valencian plains. The towers once formed
part of the old city walls, destroyed in 1865 to allow the city to expand.
There is another tower in Valencia, called the Torres de Serranos, a
massive and bold construction opened in 1400 and still standing strong to
this day.
Another area of the city worthy of exploration is the market district.
Here you will find the Lonja, pictured left. This ancient building was
constructed as the market or exchange for silks and other merchants. The
building has been described as one of the best civil Gothic buildings in
Europe, a fact recognized by UNESCO who declared the Lonja 'Heritage of
Humanity', the only building in Valencia to enjoy this title.
If you have time to explore the Lonja you will be rewarded with fantastic
architecture, a wonderful plaza and some of the finest ceilings in Spain.
In the same area you will find the Central Market. Up until 1928 the
market was held in the streets. This ceased when the new building was
completed. Having a surface area of more than 8,000 square metres, it is one
of the largest in Europe. It houses thousands of stalls.
All in all, Valencia is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of plazas and
gardens in which to rest, a wide variety of historical buildings to explore,
dotted around the city and blending in with the modern constructions and the
added bonus of a thriving port, marina and long beaches.
One of the busiest areas of the city is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the
new vital centre of the city. Here you will find the main post office and
the City Council building. Not far from here you will find the North
Station, built in 1906, arriving here by train you will find yourself in the
heart of the central historical centre. Next to the station is the Plaza de
Toros (Bullring). One of the largest and most beautiful in Spain. Seating
over 16,000 people it was constructed in 1850. The old riverbed through the
city has been drained and now houses various sports installations and parks.
When it comes to festivals, Valencia's calendar is full. Much of the
city's festivities are marked by huge firework displays for which the city
is famous. The most important celebration is that of the Fallas which lasts
a whole week from the 15th-19th March. It coincides with the beginning of
spring and throws Valencia into an explosion of noise and colour. More than
300 huge Fallas (works of art) are erected around the city. Each is a symbol
of malicious criticism and sarcasm. The climax is on March 19th when the
Fallas are burned at midnight. Easter week (Semana Santa) is also celebrated
in fine style in Valencia, especially around the fishing centre.
Valencia also offers a cultural experience never forgotten. There are
ample theatres, cinemas, dance halls and entertainment venues. The nightlife
pulsates until the early hours of the morning. There are venues to suit
every age and taste.
The coast of Valencia
It may be said that the Valencian coast consists of just one long beach,
interrupted only by a few small cliffs at Cullera. Of the 14 municipalities
of Valencia, only four have a coastal strip. In the north you find El Camp
de Morvedre with its capital Sagunto. The 57,000 inhabitants are spread
between the port area and the old city. The famous castle looks over the old
city on a hill, one kilometre long. Sagunto has a Roman theatre dating from
the 2nd century, the first such monument to receive official protection. The
upper part of the town is very picturesque and should be visited on foot.
Explore the narrow streets in the Jewish Quarter. There are also several
important monasteries and churches worthy of a visit. Along the south coast
is La Ribera Baja, an area dominated by its capital, Sueca. Described as the
'Rice Town' it lies on a huge plain. Its coastal area is a booming tourist
centre. The wide Bahia de los Naranjos (Orange Grove Bay) is one of the most
attractive areas along the whole coast. The population swells to over
100,000 during the summer. The district of Oliva marks the boundary of the
region in the south. It has a magnificent beach and a great deal of history
to explore.
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Hotels Valencia
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Last Minute Hotels Valencia
| Hotels with Special Hot Deals in
Valencia |
 Sidi
Saler Hotel Valencia 
This hotel is situated in the Playa El Saler which is 12
kilometres from the city centre. The bedrooms are large and all
face the sea, offering some superb views. All are furnished with high
quality modern furnishings and fittings. The bathrooms are also large.
The hotel has 2 restaurants and a piano bar. The grill restaurant offers
grilled meats and fish. The other offers a more sophisticated international
and traditional menu. The decoration of both restaurants is very luxurious. Manises International Airport is just 22 km from the Hotel
Sidi Saler
The hotel offers a suttle service right into the city at no extra charge,
with the possibility of stopping at the "Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias"
(Arts and Science Museum). This return service uses the hotel's own bus and
runs from morning to night.
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Airport or Port
Transfer Valencia |
Alicante
 Located
in the middle of the Costa Blanca, Alicante is one most important tourist
destinations in the Spanish east coast. The many golf courses, along with
the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea, are part of the appeal of this
beautiful harbour city, which sits at the foot of the Castle of Santa
Barbara, a silent witness to the numerous civilisations to have settled
here.
The historic quarter, at the foot of this fortress, conceals an
interesting religious and civil architectural legacy, including the
emblematic Explanada de España (Spain boulevard), a traditional recreational
area to the local residents.
Alicante is also a land of deeply-rooted traditions, such as the Moors
and Christians festivities and the Night of San Juan. When it comes to
Alicante's delicious cuisine, rice takes the central stage, cooked in a
million different ways.
Costa Blanca
 The
Costa Blanca is the coastline that stretches 170 miles along Spain's east
coast centred on Alicante and running from Valencia in the north to La Manga
in the south. It is famous for the resort of Benidorm which has a reputation
for being a unique family resort. The countryside at the north end of the
Costa Blanca is attractively mountainous and rocky. All the resorts have
plenty to offer for tourists and have a wide selection of accommodation both
near the beach and rising up the hillside.
The area is well serviced by Alicante airport. Alicante is a holiday
resort in itself and offers a wonderful city with great shopping. Just south
of the airport lies the resort of Torrevieja with its sandy beach and lively
market, several golf courses and wonderful accommodation. Near Cartegena is
the well known sports and golf complex of La Manga.
Inland from the beaches lies one of Spain's most fertile areas, well
known for the citrus trees that supply fruit worldwide, almond trees that
blanket the ground with rich blossom and date palms in massive forests.
The Costa Blanca is one of those resorts where everyone can find their
place in the sun, from cosmopolitan towns where life goes on 24 hours a day
to sleepy little villages where the peace and tranquillity is unique.
Costa Azahar
The "Orange-Blossom-Coast", in the north of Valencia, not only offers
great beaches but as well beautiful towns as Peñiscola with its great
medieval castle or Oropesa, which conserves the 16th century Tower of the
King, erected as a defense against pirates. A true pearl is the enchanting
Morella with its narrow lanes, enclosed by 14th century walls.
Castellon
 To
the south of the Costa Dorada lies a relatively undeveloped Costa Del Azahar.
Running down to Valencia and beyond to Gandia. It is mostly flat area
dominated by groves of orange trees. The beaches are flat and sandy and
unusually uncrowded. The country inland becomes hilly making it ideal for
the individual developments that are taking place there. There are flights
to Valencia airport but most people fly into Alicante Airport in the north
where choice is greater.
One of the provinces along this coast is Castellon. It benefits from the
120km of coast between Tarragona and Valencia. The beaches along this coast
are among the best in the country and the waters are clear and warm. The
interior landscape is awesome and offers all manner of outdoor activities.
 AC Castellon Hotel
The modern and functional decoration of the AC Castellon Hotel creates a
cosmopolitan atmosphere, which helps guests to relax and enjoy their stay. The
property is located right in the centre of the city, next to the Fadrell Square.
The excellent location enables you to enjoy immediate access to shopping and
business districts. The A-7 highway provides access to Castellon, the superb
nearby beaches and the El Grao Marina. The hotel offers 81 guestrooms that are
well equipped with modern amenities to make your stay comfortable. The onsite
restaurant has a definite Mediterranean flair and large selection of the best
D.O. Spanish. The stylish design provides a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere.
There is a buffet breakfast and a la carte lunch and dinner available for the
guests. For hosting meetings and business conferences, the hotel offers 4 rooms
that can hold up to 60 people. During leisure, guests can indulge in workout at
the onsite fitness centre.
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