Dear Ger,
Late last night, my "Barcelona Photography Project" got me scrolling down a google map of Spain's east coast.
When I got to Valencia (near the southeast corner of the peninsula), I noticed several long stretches of coast where roadways did not run along the shore but some considerable distance inland. This fact caused me to pause and take a closer look at this great city -- originally a Roman colony -- and its hinterland. (The name Valencia derives from the Latin word for "valor." In Spanish, "valor" means both "valor" and "value.")
With a population of 2.5 million -- compared to Barcelona's 5.5 million and Madrid 6.5 million, "greater" Valencia is Spain's third largest city.
https://en.wikipedia.org/
https://en.wikipedia.org/
Excerpt: "In its long history, Valencia has acquired many local traditions and festivals, among them the Falles (paella festivals), which were declared Celebrations of International Tourist Interest (Festes de Interés Turístic Internacional) on 25 January 1965 and UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage of humanity list on 30 November 2016." Alan: Valencia is the city that invented paella.
"The 15 Cheapest Cities In Europe" lists Valencia at #5.
https://handluggageonly.co.uk/
Clearly, human opinion ranges across a full spectrum, and there are people (as Hitler famously pointed out) who think "Hell is Heaven and Heaven Hell."
However, one online reviewer who clearly realizes that Barcelona is a great city, was equally clear that he enjoys Valencia even more.
An Aside: Valencia's beaches are low key, almost "kitsch-free" and offer good, inexpensive eateries -- in the heartland of paella!
And!!!
Valencia gets more sunshine than any other European city.
REVIEW: I just spent 4 days in Valencia (October) and really enjoyed it. Four days wasn't enough to do all the things I would have liked to do so I'm planning to go back with my son who is a Valencia football fan.
Getting around the city is very easy. From the airport the metro goes to the centre of town and cost only e1.90 (plus e1 for a rechargeable ticket). Metro trips around town are e1.40, but a ten trip ticket is e6.55. Xativa is the stop closest to the centre.
We stayed at "50 flats" which I would recommend, the same company has similar accommodation in the city. https://www.tripadvisor.
Getting around the city is very easy. From the airport the metro goes to the centre of town and cost only e1.90 (plus e1 for a rechargeable ticket). Metro trips around town are e1.40, but a ten trip ticket is e6.55. Xativa is the stop closest to the centre.
We stayed at "50 flats" which I would recommend, the same company has similar accommodation in the city. https://www.tripadvisor.
The old town is very compact and flat and can be walked easily.
The Mercado Central is a fruit and meat market, as interesting for the presentation of the food as for the building itself. La Lonja is just across the road and has a shady courtyard.
My favourite place in town was the Plaza Ayumiento with fantastic buildings all around. The post office has a spectacular domed glass roof (no photos allowed). Alan: In addition to the enjoyable "Old Town," Valencia is famous for its fantastic modern architecture.
The tower of the cathedral gives good views from the top, up and down is controlled by a traffic light. Tip, don't sit under the bell when you are waiting to come down.
The beachside is not like Spanish resorts. Quite a few low-key restaurants/bars, no souvenir shops. The beach is fantastic for walking along, firm fine sand, no shingle and no crowds. In good weather in October it was nearly empty. The beach can be reached by the metro to Maratim Serreria, which connects to the tram to Neptu (all one ticket). Alan: There is also a high-quality "primitive" beach nearby.
61 Things to do in Valencia
20 Best Things To Do Outside Valencia
Pax et amore
Alan
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