Valencia is Spains third largest city. It lies on the Mediterranean coast some 350km south of Barcelona.
Formerly an industrial city, Valencia saw rapid development that started in the mid 1990s, expanding its cultural and touristy possibilities, which turned it into a vibrant city.
The major tourist attraction in Valencia is the amazing City of Arts and Sciences which attracts 4 million annual visitors and is equally fascinating to adults and children alike. The city is currently undergoing a facelift in preparation for the 2007 Americas Cup sailing race which will take place off the shore of Valencia. The cities football team is amongst the top teams in the country winning a league and UEFA cup double in 2005.
The region is home to paella, Spains most famous dish.
Valencia is famous for its vibrant nightlife.
Valencia is truly blessed with beaches. Fine sand, blue water, Mediterranean breeze and ever present Sun. The beaches within Valencia are as good as a city beach can possibly get, surprising all travellers.
The Valencia climate tends to be mild all year round and one of Spains greatest festivals, Las Fallas, takes place every March when revellers enjoy a week long party with fireworks and massive bonfires every night.
Valencia has two teams in the so called national categories, with their corresponding football fields. These teams are Valencia C F and Levante F C. Mestalla football field is the place where most of the history of Valencia C F has taken place. Great sports events have been held here, and it has been recently restructured. Up to 55.000 colourful and noisy supporters can see their team every Sunday.
In general, the possibilities in Valencia for all sorts of sports events are varied, both to practice and to attend as part of the audience. The old bed of the river Turia is a perfect sports complex to practice athletes, footing, cycling, football, rugby, baseball, and skating, mini golf and skate board.
Although Valencia has gained some popularity lately, this Mediterranean town is still not very popular among foreign visitors. Other major destinations in Spain steal the leading role. But if you are planning a trip to Spain, and have plenty of days, you definitely should dedicate, at least, a couple of days to this city.
The city has everything for a quality holiday plenty of sights. Over 2000 years of history, stunning ultra modern architecture projects, active cultural life, excellent local and international gastronomy, unique nightlife, good beaches, preserved traditional culture and well developed tourist infrastructure.
