Valencia - Spain

Valencia is a city I had never yet visited but always wanted to.  This time, I had a full day put aside to discover this place.  Christine suggested that we drive up from Calpe to the last town before Valencia and leave the car there: a much easier alternative than trying to find a parking spot in Valencia.

We took the train for the last leg of the trip and arrived at the Valencia North Railway station.  What a magnificent way to begin the discovery of this amazing city.  The station itself is breath-taking with its high ceilings, impressive architecture and decoration.

The Valencia North Railway Station in Valencia

As you step out of the station, you are greeted by large avenues going in different directions and on your right, the bullfight arena.

The Valencia Bullfight Arena Right next to the Railway Station

Valencia is one of the biggest and most dynamic cities in Spain, and one of the liveliest as well with a population of around 1.8 million people.  Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC.  Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain, with approximately 169 hectares of ancient monuments, views and cultural attractions.  It is located by the Mediterranean Sea where you will find magnificent beaches right on its doorstep.  If you are looking for beaches, together with ample culinary, cultural and historical offers, Valencia is definitely the place for you.

A Magnificent Building Not Far from the Railway Station

My first impression of Valencia and its population was one of sophistication, opulence, an appreciation of Architecture, the Arts and everything that is elegant and sophisticated. 

A Majestic Entrance Door



Another Magnificent Example of Valencian Architecture





We began our exploration of the city with a delicious Morning tea at one of the local Cafes lining the avenue leading to the Cathedral, located close to the city centre.

We Had Some of These Goodies for Morning Tea

Assorted Range of Fresh Sandwiches

More Goodies to Enjoy

More Sandwiches to Choose From

Breads of All Types are also Available for Customised Sandwiches

Who Could Ever Resist a Sandwich with Smoked Ham off the Bone?

The cathedral was our next stop.  As one would expect, this building was awe inspiring and once again, the feeling of Faith and Devotion was palpable all around us. 

The Impressive Entrance of the Valencia Cathedral

Inside the Valencia Cathedral

The Main Altar of the Valencia Cathedral

A Priest Giving Confession Inside the Cathedral
 

We decided to tackle the steep and narrow steps which led right to the top of the building and with a spectacular view of the city.

View of Valencia from the Top of the Cathedral

An Oasis of Green in the Centre of Valencia

Roof Tops in Valencia

The Historical and the Contemporary Living Side by side in Valencia

We then boarded a City Discovery bus service which took us on a tour of the city.  These open-top buses are equipped with a multi-language commentary device which delivers information on the various sites along the way.  One can hop on and off at anytime during the circuit.  Our first stop was the impressive Ciudad de los Artes y las Ciencias, the "City of Arts and Sciences", a newly constructed area of the city boasting extravagant architecture.  This is an absolute Must Visit when in Valencia.

Breath-Taking Architecture of the Valencia City of the Arts and Science

Each Building is More Impressive Than the Other

I Loved the Different Shades of Blue in this Particular Location

The Oceanographic Building

Water is an Important Part of the Whole Complex

Nature Walkway in the City of Arts and Science

As we began to feel hungry, we hopped back on the bus and headed towards the beach where an impressive number of hotels and restaurants line one of the most amazing beaches I have ever seen anywhere.

Hotel Las Arenas by the Beach in Valencia

Hotel El Coso - Not far from Las Arenas Hotel

Walk and Bikeway all Along the Beach at Valencia

The Immensity of the Beach in Valencia

I Had Never Seen Such a Large Beach and with Such Fine Sand

Sand Sculpture at the Beach

An Awful Lot of Work Went into this Project

The Detailed Work is Quite Impressive

We found a wide range of foods available in the many eating places lining the beach.  You must of course try Spain's most famous food precisely where it was born.  I’m talking about the "Paella Valenciana".  Having already eaten quite a bit of Paella, we went instead for some fresh fish.  It was delicious.

Tuna Steak with Ratatouille and Fries at the El Coso Hotel Restaurant

Pan-fried Fillet of Fish with Ratatouille, Fries and a Butter Sauce

After a delicious lunch, we hopped back on the bus and completed the rest of the circuit with on offer, exceptional examples of the local architecture and a myriad of historical sites and buildings retracing the history of this gracious, vibrant and sophisticated city. 

Valencia is of course the city where "El Cid", Spain's national hero, fought against the Moors.  Popular festivals in the city and many villages around still remind of that era.  In recent years, important international sports events like the America's Cup and the Formula 1 Grand Prix on a street circuit along the harbour have put Valencia more than ever on the world map.