Visit Vibrant Valencia

March 27, 2020

“Wake up, breathe joy, inhale life in bloom.”
― Elena Paolino

Many of our buyers once they have settled in their dream homes here in the Costsa Blanca are not aware how close the city of Valencia is to them.  Once they visit they return often.

The Marina Alta is not only an enviable place to live, it is also a perfect base to explore the region of Valencia. To get your fix of Valencian culture and history what better place to go than the capital itself!

La Plaza

Less than an hour from the Jalon and Orba Valley is one of Europe’s most vivacious cities. It literally has something for everyone. With a long weekend (or even a short one) and a little bit of planning you are in for a treat. It is a pleasant drive, but it is also easy if you want to avoid driving and parking in the busy city. Most of us drive to Xeraco train station, park there (unlimited free parking) and jump on the Cercanias train which takes about 45 mins right in to Valencia Nord Station. This is also an excellent option if you are planning a trip to Barcelona.

The streets are buzzing and there is no shortage of fascinating historical sites. Its architecture ranges from Romanesque to Baroque, and there is an abundance of buildings and monuments that will stop you in your tracks. The city has an old town and a new contemporary centre for arts and sciences. The route between the two parts is a along a dry river bed. The river Turia was drained and rerouted in 1957 after a catastrophic flood.

Top 5 Things to see in Valencia

1. City of Arts and Sciences– An imposing building that houses the state- of-the-art centre for science and culture. Opened in 1998. Here you can find L´Hemisfèric (planetarium) with innovative lazer shows, a state-of-the-art cinema, the Science Museum and the Reina Sofia Art Museum.
2. The Oceanografic Aquarium– The largest aquarium in Europe. Here you can see dolphins, penguins, sea lions, walruses and beluga whales. There is an incredible underwater tunnel for viewing the stunning array of sea life and of course, the sharks!
3. The Silk Exchange– A 15th century Gothic trading exchange. A UNESCO heritage site. A stunning historical building of great architectural importance. Still has some of its original furnishings and the top two floors were used as prisons for the bad debtors.
4. The Central Market– One of the largest markets in Europe covering 8,000 square metres built in the Valencian Art Nouveau style. As well as a colourful selection of fresh produce you can buy souvenirs and Valencian trinkets. There are also some very good eateries.
5. Valencia Cathedral– Originally the site of an ancient Roman temple, later a mosque, this stunning Gothic building is now a Roman Catholic cathedral. Filled with valuable 13th century art and priceless treasures such as the Holy Chalice, a cup of polished agate, used by Jesus in the last supper.

Central Market

Needless to say there is so much more to see. It is worth remembering when you plan your trip that you need to spend at least half a day wandering around the old town. Valencia has its own atmosphere. When the sun goes down the streets come alive with locals and travellers alike. Valencia is a heady mix of old and new, cosmopolitan and chic but with a rich and fascinating history.

Oceanogràfic València