Valencia is truly a unique mix of the old Spanish charm and some of the most avant-garde architecture that you can find in Spain. It is located on the Gulf of the same name on the eastern Mediterranean Coast of Spain with a group of medium-high mountains as its backdrop and rolling plains that lead to the lands of Aragon and Castile-la Mancha. It has Barcelona on its north and Madrid on its west, and both cities are 350 km/217 miles away.
The Balearic Islands are to the east across the Mediterranean Sea.
This third largest city in Spain attracts tourists with its wealthy culture, sound infrastructure, the network of accommodations on its clean beaches, the natural reserves and rich gastronomy.
It’s also famous for its City of Arts and Sciences complex designed by the well known architects Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela.
Peniscola Port, Valencia
The locals converse in Spanish and Valenciano. The winters are mild and summers are dry and warm, making it a favorite tourist destination throughout the year, especially in winter.
A Little Bit of History
The Iberians were the first inhabitants at this location and the later settlers were the Greeks, Romans, Visigoths and Muslims. The Roman civilization had a great influence on the history of this city.
It was under the Moors from the 8th century to the 13th century, however there was a short interruption during this period by El Cid. The influence of the Muslims was greater and most of the population was Muslim.
Saint Mary’s Cathedral (Valencia Cathedral)
The golden age of this unique city was during the 15th century, when it was granted political autonomy by James I, the Aragonese king.
The boom in silk trade, the Mediterranean ambitions of its rulers and nobles, and the literary audacity of its writers and poets made Valencia into an unquestionable power during this period.
The Moors were expelled in 1609, and in 1930, during the Spanish Civil War, Franco’s forces captured the city.
Las Fellas Festival is very famous here – it is quite a unique and crazy festival, during which huge puppets of plaster, paper-mache, wood and cardboard are destroyed.
Most of these puppets are several stories high and the entire extravaganza is to poke fun at Spanish politicians and celebrities.
Benidorm beach close to Valencia
The city also celebrates the National Day of their autonomous region, Valencia July Fair, Festival of the Mediterranean, Cinema Jove International Youth Film Festival, Palau de la Musica Jazz Festival, Sueca International Mime Festival, Our Lady of the Forsaken Festival, San Vicente Ferrer Festival and Corpus Christi Festival (phew! That’s a lot of festivals…!).
Valencia is famous for its ceramics and earthenware potteries, handmade glassware and craft work in wood.
The oldest International Trade Fair in Spain was founded here in 1917 and now there are 50 different shows held in the city to promote furniture, ceramics, textiles, toys, market gardening, and children’s fashion and jewelry.
Where is Valencia?
- 217.4 miles/ 350 km from Barcelona, Spain
- 160.3 miles/ 258 km from Tarragona, Spain
- 170.8 miles/ 275 km from Cartagena, Spain
- 114.9 miles/ 185 km from Ibiza, Spain
- 406.3 miles/ 654 km from Seville, Spain
- 6.1 miles/ 9.9 km from Valencia Airport, Spain
Things to See
- Plaza del Mercado
- Torres de Serranos
- La Cathedral
- City of Arts and Sciences
- Inglesia de San Juan del Hospital
- Museo de Bellas Artes San Pio V
- Museo Nacional de Ceramica Gonzalez Marti
- Bioparc Valencia
Beaches
- Levante / Malvarrosa Beach
- Pineda Beach
- Saler Beach
- Devesa Beach
- Perellonet / El Recati Beach
- Some of the other beaches are: L’Ahuir Beach, Rafalcaid Beach, Norte de Gandia Beach, Miramar Beach.
Excursions
- North Coast of Valencia
- Lake of La Albufera
- La Safor
Valencia is famous for its nightlife, architecture and Las Fallas spring festival. Tourists love its beaches and the international resorts.
It is a harmonious combination of the remains of the past and the most innovative present.
We wish you a fantastic Mediterranean cruise!
