Experience
Spain

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : VALENCIA

A city by the sea where tradition and modernity combine

Located on the east coast, facing the island of Majorca, Valencia surprises many visitors with the diversity of its architecture and the activities available. Stroll from the charm of cobbled streets in the Old Town to the impressive City of Arts and Sciences, where you’re immersed in an environment straight out of science fiction.

ON THE WATER IN THE ALBUFERA

Although Albufera Natural Park is just 10 kilometres from Valencia, it offers a complete change of scenery. Albufera comes from the Arabic al-buhayra (small sea). This little sea, a peaceful lagoon separated from the Mediterranean Sea by dunes, is a protected and unspoiled area.

The best way to explore this picture-perfect scenery is a trip on a traditional boat, known as an albufarenc. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover the various species of plants and animals that have taken refuge around this 2,100-hectare stretch of freshwater, sheltered from the hustle and bustle of Valencia. This includes the migratory birds who come to breed in tranquillity, including the black-winged stilt and the western marsh harrier. This idyllic setting indeed invites romance.

Don’t leave without trying the local paella! Originating from the Albufera, this dish combines the riches of the sea and the rice fields that punctuate this area. After your boat trip, which usually lasts 45 minutes, stop at El Palmar, a fishing village on the edge of the lake, to taste this unmissable local speciality.

Must-sees in Valencia

THE CITY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

This immense leisure complex is an iconic location in the city. Built on the former riverbed of the Turia river, The City of Arts and Sciences impresses with its size (a massive 350,000 square metres) and futuristic buildings. It includes a giant aquarium, a science museum, a hemispheric cinema and the Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts.

BIOPARC

In this zoo, the visitors fit in with the animals’ habitats and not the other way around. Leopards, giraffes, rhinoceros, hippos, zebras and elephants roam around without being confined between walls or fences. It’s an immersive experience that makes you forget the city is just outside the gates.

SAINT MARY’S CATHEDRAL

Built on the site of a former mosque in the 13^th century, it took several centuries to build Saint Mary’s Cathedral. The construction spans several centuries, which explains the mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles. The Holy Grail, the cup used by Jesus during the Last Supper, is believed to be inside. For panoramic views of the city, you must be brave and climb the 207 steps of the tower. You won’t regret it!

THE SILK EXCHANGE

In the Middle Ages, Valencia was a centre for silk trading. In the 15^thcentury, it was decided that the city should have a trading centre dedicated to this precious material, where the sellers could do business. Behind its crenellated façade, this impressive Gothic building hides a patio of orange trees and a unique hall of columns.

MALVARROSA BEACH

This large, fine sandy beach is loved for being close to the city and easy to reach. Its name, Malvarrosa, translates as hollyhocks. It came from the 19^th century when hollyhocks were planted in this former swampy area. Numerous shops line the shore for a spot of shopping after lounging in the sun.