Valencia
From our base in Alcossebre, Spain, we took the hour and a half drive for a day trip of sightseeing in Valencia.
Valencia is known for its unique blend of historic and futuristic architecture, delicious Mediterranean cuisine and beautiful beaches. Indeed, It offers a less crowded, more “authentic” Spanish experience compared to other major Spanish cities. Outside of the historic centre, it can feel a little gritty, and the rain didn’t help the look or the mood! Thankfully, most of the rain fell while we were driving and it cleared up for a walk around the old town.
Plans scuppered!
When parking up in a garage, the attendant luckily told us, we would have to leave the historic centre by 3pm, or we would be stuck there until 10pm when the roads would open again. The road closures around the centre were due to the community festival. Unfortunately, this meant we would have less than an hour to get some sightseeing done!
What to do in Valencia?
Fallas Museum (miniatures)
Only 2 euros in and free on a Sunday.
The fallas museum, displayed in an old lepers hospital, is certainly unique. Filled with interesting sculptures of different characters, all showcasing the wonderful personalities of humans and animals and the relationship with each other.
Address: Plaza Monteolivete, 4, 46006 Valencia.
Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday.
House of cats
Basically a tiny door on a blue wall in an entry.
We saw no live cats just a sculpture on the wall! Behind the wall is some derelict land that may or may not house some stray cats.
They even have their own tiny locks!
Address: Carrer del Museu, 11, 46003 València.
Important to know: Google maps doesn’t take you right to the house. You need to walk back down the street and around the corner to find it. Look for the CCCC (Centre del Carme Cultura Contemporània) and it’s almost directly opposite.
The narrowest house
Check out the narrowest home in europe- beside bar La Estrecha, which means, the narrow!
Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete
A historic cathedral said to house the Holy Grail, with the option to climb the Miguelete tower for panoramic views.
Torres de Serranos
An ancient gate that once formed part of the city walls, offering a historical glimpse into the past.
Construction began in 1392 by Pere Balaguer, and were designed to defend one of the most heavily used entrances to old Valencia. In 1865, the walls were demolished, leaving the towers free.
Turia Gardens (Jardí del Túria)
A large urban park located in the old riverbed, perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling. The market would also be held here for the festival, aswell as musicians. Again, unfortunately for us and with road closures, we would miss out on a stroll here and only managed to get a quick snap!
Plaza de la Virgen
A historic square, without traffic in the old town, offering a relaxing place with numerous restaurants to unwind in. As well as this, you will come across the famous Turia fountain. You will find the square right behind the cathedral.
Malvarrosa Beach (Playa de la Malvarrosa)
Festival
October 9th commemorates the date of the entry of King Jaume I into Valencia in the year 1238, which meant the end of Muslim rule and the birth of the Kingdom of Valencia. Since 1338, the city has remembered this historical event with processions and various events, so you can imagine that this date is the greatest symbol of Valencian identity.
Because the roads would be closed until 10pm, we missed out on it. Although we did hear the parade was cancelled anyway, due to ‘an orange alert’! The usual exaggeration from government for a bit of rain!
Valentine’s day Valencia style!
If the Valencia history isn’t up your street, then why not embrace yourself in the romance of 9th October Valentine’s. Too be honest there wasn’t much romance in the air that day due to all the running around!
Valencia CF
Even with no game to watch, a visit to Valencia’s Mestalla stadium was a must. Of course, we chose to arrive the weekend when all the local teams were playing away. On top of that, the week ran into international break. Therefore, no football to watch.
However, with the Rafa Benitez link, he won La liga among other trophies with Valencia before moving to bring champions League joy to Liverpool, it was a must for a quick stop and some photos.
Our recommendations for eating / drinking
We were spoilt for choice, when looking online for vegetarian/ vegan restaurants. But guess what? All were closed, or in the road closure zone, for siesta and the festival!
However, these yummy sounding restaurants, with terrific reviews online where our choices:
Copenhagen – Veg and Vegan restaurant – great choice and central Valencia
la LLuna – authentic spanish veggie restaurant – gets 5 star on happy cow but less on trip ad.
La Casa Viva ruzafa – great reviews and varied menu.
Les Maduixes – oldest vegetarian restaurant in Valencia. famed for using fresh local produce.
Would we recommend Valencia?
For a stay for a night or 2, yes. Parking is a nightmare in Valencia which adds to the stress, so staying over night in a hotel, free of a vehicle, and in your walking shoes, would be a more relaxed way to see the city.
