Valencia’s Best: Beaches, Bites, and Beyond
If you love the sea, nice weather, and delicious food, then you must visit Valencia, Spain. Apart from enjoying the beach, Valencia offers so much more for everyone’s taste. It’s the city where you can experience the authentic Spanish lifestyle.
Valencia got its name from the Latin word “Valentia, “which, in broad translation, means strength and courage. Due to its phenomenal geographic location, the harbor, and the large number of sunny days throughout the year, people have always fought for the city on the banks of the Turia River.
Here are the top attractions to visit in Valencia.
The City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences was founded after a horrible natural catastrophe in 1957. The Turia River has grown due to the significant rains in the mountains and has taken many lives. The local parliament has come to a decision to move the riverbed, and in its former place to build an object which will forever change the city’s looks.
In “The City Arts and Sciences “you can visit the largest oceanography museum in the world. It is also a home for “El Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia, “where operas, ballets, and concerts are held.
Another brilliant thing in the establishment is “L’Hemisferic “. It is an authentic building built in the shape of a human eye. Visitors can enjoy laser shows, IMAX cinema, and many other things ” L’Hemisferic ” offers.
Central Market
One of the most beautiful markets in Europe was destroyed and rebuilt many times throughout history. Apart from buying local food and wine, you can also enjoy the scenery as this market is a sight you will always remember.
La Tomatina
If you want to experience an unforgettable adventure, this is something that you shouldn’t miss. The La Tomatina festival occurs every last Wednesday of August. The festival began in 1945 when the two groups of locals started a food fight. The point of a festival is to throw soft, rotten tomatoes at the other opposing group.
The Holy Grail
La Tomatina isn’t the only place where you can experience the adventure. The Valencia Cathedral is home to The Holy Grail. A chalice was believed to be used by Jesus Christ during the Last Supper. The government decided to limit access to the cathedral in 2002, making the story about The Holy Grail more believable but also shrouded by the cloak of mystery.
Bioparc Valencia
Located in the former riverbed of the Turia River, Valencia’s Bioparc is home to over 150 animal species originating in Africa. The park is divided into 4 parts, each with its animal type.
Enjoy the Spanish cuisine
Can you imagine going to Spain and not trying all the different specialties of Spanish cuisine? Just imagine yourself sitting in a beach restaurant while sipping local wine and snacking on a homemade Paella. Once you are done, you can treat yourself with a Sangria! If this isn’t enough to convince you to visit Valencia, we don’t know what is.
Albufera Natural Park
If you want to escape the city crowds, this is a place for you. The natural park is located outside the city center, and you can enjoy the surreal views while you are in it. Also, you can take a boat, bike, or walk around the park. The Albufera is home to a large number of birds and other animals, so you will always hear the soothing sound of birds chirping.
Walk on the beaches
Valencia has over 320 sunny days per year. Considering that, you can always go swimming no matter the time of the year. Valencia has all sorts of beaches, from the regular, nude, or party ones. We suggest a 5-mile sandy beach called Norte de Peniscole Beach.
La LonJa de la Seda
UNESCO itself protects this architectural jewel. The object represents the golden age of Valencia and is built exclusively in the Gothic style of architecture. In it, you can see the relics from Valencia’s ancient history.
The Fallas Museum
There is a local festival in Valencia that occurs every March. The locals build dolls from different materials and call them Fallas. The festival and the dolls represent Valencia’s day-to-day happenings, politics, and local culture. On the 19th of March, the dolls are burned. The last 2 Fallas that survive the burning are stored at the Fallas Museum and are open for the public to see.
Institut Valencià d’Art Modern
The Museum of Modern Arts in Valencia was opened in 1986. It showcases many paintings sculptures but also other forms of modern art. It is also home to a large number of artworks by Julio Gonzalez, who was a close friend of Pablo Picasso.
El Carmen
El Carmen is a district in Valencia famous for its cafes and restaurants. It feels separated from the city as it gives away an edgy and unorthodox vibe. It is also considered the most LGBT-friendly place in the city.