Valencia is Spain's third-largest city, known for its mix of arts and sciences. It's got beautiful architecture, a cool museum, and nice beaches. You can take a tuk-tuk ride around and enjoy the sights, maybe even go dancing at a salsa club. And don't forget to catch a glimpse of the Spanish Elvis!

VALENCIA INFORMATION AND PICTURES BELOW

Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain.  It is called the City of Arts and Sciences.

Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 130 BC.  Islamic rule began in the 8th century .  The Christian conquest took place in 1238.

Valencia is the biggest container port in the Mediterranean.

The train station

Estacion del Nord is a stunning train station with lots of ceramic tile artwork all over the walls, ceilings and floors.  It was declared “Good of Culture” in 1987.

Plaza de Toros de Valencia.

The bull ring of Valencia is right next to the train station and is one of the biggest in Spain.  You can visit when there aren’t any bullfights on and check out the inside.  There are a lot of colourful memorabilia all around the inside of the bull ring. 

It was built from 1850 – 1859 and was inspired by the Colosseum in Rome. It is a 48-sided polygon and has 384 arches on the outside.  No wonder it looks so impressive inside and out.

The Silk Exchange

The Silk Exchange buildings, which include the trading hall, a bank and of course a church are one of the most stunning in Valencia.

The Exchange was built between 1482 and 1533.  It is a masterpiece a late Gothic architecture.

The main room was decorated with three main aisles and has helical (spiral) pillars almost 16m high.

The complex also has some lovely courtyards and gardens within the perimeter.

Tuk Tuk Tour

City Gates – Serrano Towers

The city gates were built in 1392.  The Serrano gates were built only for the royal family to use.  There were 11 other gates for the common folk.  The 12 sets of gates and towers make up part of the city wall.

The Serrano towers were used from 1586 – 1887 as a prison for nobles.

The Flower Bridge

It was built in 2002 and takes you from the old city to the new part of town over a bridge that is covered on both sides by bright colourful flowers.  Actually, 27,000 different flowers are on the bridge and they are changed every season.  It is a lovely bridge to drive over.

City of Arts and Sciences

The design of the building resembles and eyelid that opens to the surrounding pool which contains statues of local artists. The bottom of the pool is glass and you can now hire a boat to row around the pool.

The building contains an interactive science museum – Museo De Las Ciences Principe Felipe which is over two levels.

There is a planetarium that is a half sphere that is 110 metres long and 55 metres wide.

You can see one of the best tours of Valencia including the Arts and Sciences complex by clicking the button below.

An Oceanarium is in the complex as well and is home of 45,000 animals including, sharks, penguins, dolphins and reptiles.

You can walk around the Walk of Sculptures and Gardens in the outdoor gallery. 

It is a very popular tourist attraction and is well known all over the world.

The Port of America’s Cup Marina

This area was built for the 2007 America’s Cup.  Valencia is a windy city and that is why it was chosen to host this world sporting event.  You can walk along the viewing platform and check out the marina full of boats and yachts and wander around the shops and restaurants below.

It is a nice view of the beach area of Valencia as well.

Valencia Cathedral

The tuk tuk tour finished at the Cathedral of Valencia.  It was consecrated in 1238.

It is situated in a large plaza in the old town.  There is always lots of entertainment and activity around the cathedral. 

Legend has it that the Holy Grail (the Chalise) that was used at the Last Supper is locked away in the Valencia Cathedral.

Day trip from Valencia

Port Saplaya

We were lucky to meet some friends of friends in Valencia who took us out on a great day trip.

Port Saplaya is a short drive from Valencia.  It is a beach city with canals and pretty colourful houses.  There are many restaurants, shops and tropical gardens and it is known as Valencia’s little Venice.

Albufera Natural Park. 

This is a lovely area green park area around a fresh water lagoon.  We took a very pleasant boat trip around the large lagoon.  It is has rice fields, fish and other local fauna and flora.

El Playa Saler (Saler Beach)

This beach is a adjacent to the natural park and is a 6km long windswept natural beach.

Lyle and Elom decided they were going to swim at the beach.  Lyle braved the surf first and after he went into the rough water, I lost sight of him for about 30 seconds. 

Next thing you know he is rolling up the sand in the waves about 100m down from where he went in.

I thought it was hilarious, he didn’t and needless to say Elom decided not to go in.

Akuarela Beach Salsa Club

Our friends took us to this Salsa club at Akuarela Beach.  It is where all the locals go to learn, practice and dance salsa. 

The club was full of people of all ages just enjoying salsa dancing.  They were pretty good at it as well.  It was really interesting and fun to watch everybody looking for dance partners, not because they wanted to hook up, they wanted to dance with the best dancers.

Lyle and I had crack at dancing (we had had a couple of lessons before we left) and we did ok, but nothing on the dancers around us.  They were absolutely incredible and when we weren’t dancing we were happily watching everyone else dance.

There was also a night club at Akuarela Beach as well as markets all along the walkway – so definitely a must visit if in Valencia.

We finished our night with a drink and some paella in the plaza outside our apartment in the old town.  There was a guy there who we called “Spain’s Elvis”.  He had a red outfit on, a black hat and sideburns to die for.  He wasn’t the best Elvis impersonator, but he was having fun and we had a nice time.

Favourite place to have a wine in Valencia

Lyle’s favourite place to have wine was …… The Akuarela Beach Salsa Club.

Leanne’s was at the plaza watching the Spanish Elvis, so much fun.

Want to see more including videos of all the fun we had above, then go to Instagram @beachtravelwine and the story highlights and swipe across to Valencia and watch all the fun.

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