Valencia is the capital of the region of the same name
on the east coast of central Spain.
It's the country's third
biggest city and although it boasts many great
historic,
cultural and
modern visitor
attractions
this is one of the least tourist-orientated cities to
be found in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula.
The outskirts consist of an unimpressive collection
of modern, sprawling
and industrialised
areas but the historic heart of Valencia is very beautiful
and still very Spanish, almost untouched by mass tourism.
This is the home of paella,
one of the most spectacular fiestas
in Spain and (reputedly) the Holy Grail from which Jesus
drank at the
Last Supper.
The city's international airport,
about 20 minutes drive north of the centre, has regular
schedule flights
from the major European capitals.
The package holiday masses fly into Alicante's El
Altet airport, 200 kilometres down the coast, for
holidays on Spain's beautiful
Costa Blanca (the white coast) south of Valencia.
Even if you're heading for a traditional sun and sea holiday
on the costa, take at least one day out from the beach
to explore the many delights of this fascinating
city.
It's awash with museums
and art galleries,
boasts some wonderful clothes
and ceramics shops
and is now home to the futuristic
Arts and Science Centre which is fast becoming
one of Spain's top visitor attractions.
