Category Archives: Valencia

Event Online Tickets

Event Online Tickets

Formula 1, Festivals, Football & Concerts …

There are many fantastic events ranging from the most amazing football matches to exciting rock and pop concerts and they can all be ordered online.

Benicassim Rock Concert ~ Event Online Tickets

Artists who have appeared at this popular festival before include Amy Winehouse, Arctic Monkeys, Iggy & the Stooges, The Hives, The Human League, The Magic Numbers, Animal Collective, Cansei De Ser Sexy, !!! (chk chk chk)

The festival is set in the most idyllic location by the beach in Benicassim, Castellon Valencia.

Event Online Tickets

Valencia F1

Valencia Grand PrixLast year on 24 June 2012, local boy Fernando Alonso of Ferrari won the European Grand Prix in Valencia.

He said it was probably his best win and felt very emotional and proud especially as Spain were also through to the European Football semi finals.

The streets were full of red and yellow flags as the crowds cheered on their champion who was born here. The event lasts for 3 days and culminates in the Grand Prix of Europe

There will only be one event in Spain from 2013 and although the Valencia Grand Prix was the venue for the European Grand Prix it has now been dropped from the calendar.

From this year the race will be alternating with Barcelona to host the Spanish Grand Prix.


Buy Event Online Tickets for La Tomatina Festival

The annual La Tomatina festival in Bunol is held on the last Wednesday of August. People come from the surrounding villages (and around the world) to be involved in the sludge and fun of this day which involves throwing tomatoes.

The big day is the culmination of a week long festival which begins with a large soapy pole being erected in the middle of town. On the top is a leg of ham, the prize for anyone brave enough, or silly enough to try and scale the pole.

Valencia FC
Festivals in Valencia
Music of Valencia

valenciatourism
Valencia Tourism

valencia city
Valencia City

valenciabeach
Valencia Beach

Paella

Paella ~ National Dish of Spain!

This popular dish originates from Albufera just a short journey from the center of Valencia.  This is where the rice fields of Valencia are located and where many  traditional restaurants are located.

The restaurants which line the beach of Valencia City are famous for serving some of the best paella in town.

paellavalencianaSpanish families often cook this dish on Sundays when the family are together.

It’s also cooked for special occasions and is rarely eaten for dinner.

In Valencia it’s customary to use orange and pine branches for the fuel and as Valencia is famous for its vast orange groves,  there is always plenty of fuel.

In present day Valencia ingredients for this famous dish include chicken, rabbit, butter beans, runner beans, tomatoes, garlic and saffron which gives it that very special taste.

There are a variety of dishes which always include an ample supply of seafood which come form the coastal towns and villages in Spain. One of the most popular ingredients still used today are eels,  which the Albufera in Valencia is famous for.

Arroz a la Marinera

arroz a la marineraThis is a popular dish from Valencia made with crustaceans and shellfish.

¡Buen Provecho!


Sueca Paella Festival

Famous since the early 60s the festival takes place in the town of Sueca in the South of Valencia during the first fortnight in September ~ (See Valencia Monthly Events).

Spanish festivals wouldn’t be complete without marching bands, fireworks and the traditional dish of Spain which everyone enjoys.

Train Travel in Spain >>

zenit hotel valencia - old town accommodation
Old Town Hotels >>


Things to Do >>

Music of Spain

Romantic Spanish Music

The music of Spain incorporates various influences from other types of music.

For example Nuevo Flamenco (New Flamenco) is the name given to a new style of flamenco.

The music appeals to all lovers of Spanish music and especially to a younger generation of fans.

Other musical genres incorporated into Nuevo Flamenco are rumba, salsa and pop and Jose Mercé and Niña Pastori are very popular singers of this style of music.


Nuevo Flamenco – Jose Mercé

José Mercé is the number one Nuevo-Flamenco singer in Spain today – he collaborates with Spanish guitarist Moraíto Chico.

Some of his most recent CDs are:

  • Lío – 2002
  • Aire – 2000
  • Del Amanecer – 1998
    Nina Pastori

    Niña Pastori – CD ‘Maria’

    Niña Pastori has an authentic husky flamenco-style voice, so mature you might not believe she’s in her 20s! Every song on this album is great, but the ones that stand out are “Amor de San Juan”, “De boca en boca” and “Tu dime”. This type of music fills your heart with joy and the popular music scene is one of the best in Europe.


    Spanish Pop Music

    Spanish pop music includes romance, excitement and has some amazing Spanish singers. When I watch music programs on Spanish TV I’m totally in awe at the maturity of the singers voices and their style of delivery.The following are just a few of the many popular singers in Spain today:

    Alejandro Sanz

    ALEJANDRO SANZ – ‘Mas’

    Alejandro Sanz is possibly the most popular and respected of all Spanish pop singers. He’s a singer, songwriter and producer and winner of numerous awards (including a Latin Grammy).He’s been around for over a decade and has collaborated with artists such as flamenco artist Paco de Lucia and Latin diva Shakira. His music is a fusion of pop, rock and flamenco.

    “Mas” (1997) is the album that launched him internationally – it features classic tracks such as “Corazon partio”, “Y, si fuera ella?” and “Amiga mia”.

    His songs are so imbedded in the Spanish psyche that practically every Spanish person knows the lyrics to these songs!

    David Bisbal

    DAVID BISBAL – ‘Buleria’

    David Bisbal, nicknamed the “Showman”, is the man of the moment. Shortly after releasing his debut album, he won a Latin Grammy and a World Music Award – now that’s not bad!‘Buleria’ is his second album and was the number one album of 2004. Bisbal has an amazing voice and is a very emotional performer. His music is a blend of Latin pop, salsa and flamenco.

    All the songs released from this album have become instant hits, including the addictive title track, “Buleria”. This album is a combination of rhythmic uptempo tracks and haunting ballads and is a perfect example of the fantastic music of Spain. Also, check out his debut album, “Corazon Latino”.

    Nuria Fergo

    NURIA FERGO – ‘Brisa de esperanza’

    Nuria Fergo is a very popular singer and has released three albums so far of which “Brisa de esperanza” (Breeze of Hope) is her first.Even though she sings uptempo tracks with an infectious beat, her music has a soft, relaxing quality to it. This may be because she has a beautiful velvet Andalucian voice that washes over you like the Spanish sun (corny, but true!).

    Such is the music of Spain, if you’re not in Spain, just listening to this album will transport you there!

    Chenoa

    CHENOA – ‘Soy Mujer’

    Chenoa is a pop princess, but not of the Britney Spears variety. She has a strong, mature character and has a gutsy voice to match. ‘Soy Mujer’, although a pop album, is quite eclectic.
    For example ‘En tu cruz me clavaste’ has an infectious, Arabic sound, whilst ‘Soy lo que me das’ has a cabaret-Big Band sound.


    You may also like:

    Music of Valencia
    Valencia Opera House
    Flamenco in Valencia

Clubs in Valencia

Best Clubs in Valencia …

There are many exciting clubs in Valencia and late night bars.

You can also enjoy flamenco and tapas plus the famous drink –  Agua de Valencia.

Clubs in Valencia

Clubs in Barrio del Carmen >>
Clubs by the Beach >>

L’Umbracle Terraza in the City of Arts and Sciences

Terrace Club, Nightclub, Disco
Music: house, dance, pop

Address: Avda. del Saler 5, City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
Tel: 671 668 000, 607 659 705
www.umbracleterraza.com

lumbracle city of arts valenciaThe Umbracle was built as an entrance to the City of Arts and Sciences with a car park below.

During the day this is an outdoor gallery with sculptures from artists such as Miquel from Navarre and Yoko Ono and others.

The club is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 23:00 – 07:30.

Situated on two levels with a relaxing terrace under the stars with lounge and huge dance floor.

Downstairs is the Mya club. Price: €15 covers both venues and includes a drink.

Old Quarter

Some of the most popular clubs in this area:

Café Madrid

Abadía San Martín, 10
Very Bohemian – next to St Martin’s church – this is where the famous ‘Agua de Valencia’ was invented (orange juice with cava).

Buzzing with life and people of all ages will enjoy this lovely disco bar.
Mon-Thur 7pm-2am & Fri, Sat 7pm-3.30pm (Closed Sunday)

La Indiana

Calle San Vicente Mártir, 97
Ultra modern club on three floors – from funk to salsa.


Roxy Club

San Vicente, 200
46007
One of the largest clubs in Valencia and also the best venue for live concerts with international and national groups.


Clubs in Barrio del Carmen >>

barriodelcarmenstreetsFor a great night out take stroll down Calle Cabelleros in Barrio del Carmen.

  • This is one of the most lively areas of the city especially on Friday and Saturday evenings.
  • The clubs, bars and restaurants are overflowing with people sitting on terraces and enjoying a great night out.
  • An excellent place to start your night is with a few drinks at the popular la Bolsería in Calle Bolsería, 41.

This is one of the most trendy bars / clubs with live music from jazz to hip-hop.


Joan Llorenç

This area is about a fifteen minute walk from Barrio del Carmen and mainly full of trendy locals and is a smaller version of Covent Garden in London.

The street (Carrer de Joan Llorenç) consists of two rows of disco-bars full of life until 4am.

The late night Havana Valencia is on the same street and open until 7am.


View Larger Map


Clubs in the University Area

From Barrio del Carmen it’s just a short journey over the Turìa Gardens   (old riverbed) to the University area where things can get very lively.

Many of the best pubs, bars and clubs are around Avenida Blasco Ibàñez and Avenida del Aragón.


Cafe del Duende

Calle Turìa, 62
This is a very popular cafè/club which has live Flamenco every Thursday. For details of what’s on check out their website www.cafedelduende.com


Black Note Club

Polo y Peyrolón, 15
TeL: 963 933 663
Great for live concerts… pop, jazz, funk, celtic music and much more…website


Warhol

Blasco Ibañéz, 111
Very, very popular – starts late, goes on until the madrugada (dawn).


Wah-Wah

Campoamor, 52
(Off Blasco Ibáñez)
Underground and up and coming bands.


Clubs by the Beach >>

Valencia Beach
During the hot summer months the city of Valencia comes alive with open-air clubs and restaurants.

Some of the best places to go are close to the beaches of Malvarrosa and Las Arenas.

There are many trendy open-air clubs and bars.

 You may also like:

Ten Best Things To Do
Valencia Accommodation

Clubs in Barrio del Carmen

BEST Clubs in Barrio del Carmen

This is one of the most trendy areas of Valencia and especially at night.  Many of the clubs in  Barrio del Carmen are in or around Calle Caballeros which is overflowing with bars, clubs and restaurants.

Bolsería
Calle Bolsería, 41
One of the most popular and trendy bars/clubs – live music from jazz to hip-hop.

Cafe Lisboa
Plaza Dr Collado, 9
9am-1.30am
Open all day till very late this is one of the most popular cafes in Valencia and is a great place to start your night out. Have a drink on the terrace under the lovely old oak tree and enjoy a variety of tapas and salads.

Cafe Oasis
Roteros, 26
Tue-Sun 7pm-1.30am (closed Mondays)
Very bohemian small cafe/bar which attracts an artistic and intellectual crowd.

The Lounge/Irish Pub/Bar
Estameria Vieja, 2
Everyday from lunchtime 1.30am/Sat opens 5-6pm
Happy Hours 8.30pm-9.30pm Mon-Fri (Internet access & wirelss)
Great place to meet up with friends of all nationalities. Small, cosy Irish pub.

Calcutta
Reloj Viejo, 6
Late night club which goes on all night with a mixture of age groups.

Carmen Suis Generis
Calle Caballeros, 38
Very up-market trendy bar and one of the best clubs in Barrio del Carmen which is spread over three floors.

Cafe Negrito – Night Cafe
Plaza de Negrito
Every day from 3pm-3.30am
Welcoming ambience where you can enjoy a drink and chat until late in the morning.

Johnny Maracas
Calle Caballeros, 39
One of the most popular clubs in Barrio del Carmen. It has everything from flamenco to Spanish pop.

Radio City
Santa Teresa, 19
Very popular and friendly – two bars, pool table and darts + live music! Flamenco on Tuesday and disco at weekends.

Cafe Glace
Calle Angel Custodio, 1
Saturday & Sunday morning
Small club for those who want to stay up all night and keep going. Opens 8am-2pm.
Entrance 10 euros, includes one drink. Underground house, electro, trance.

La Lluna Roja
Calle Alta, 30
Very trendy and popular.

Fox Congo
Cabelleros, 35
House, R & B ang Garage at week-ends.

La Marxa
Cocinas, 5
Situated on 3 floors La Marxa is just off Calle de Caballeros and Calle de Serranos. Very popular nightclub with loud music and good atmosphere.

Cafè Infanta
Plaza Tossal, 3
Relaxing cafè and bar.

New Orlean’s Cafe
Bolseria, 20
Popular cafe which is open all day until 11.30am-midnight weekdays and 12.30-1.00.am weekends.

Music Box
C/ Pintor Zariñena nº 16
46003 Valencia

Free Entry, Except Friday and Saturday € 10 / cons. * 8 € / cons. discount.

The Music Box at the heart of Barrio del Carmen, Valencia. A club where musical eclecticism becomes the protagonist. The Music Box, is a blend of styles and periods of infinite sounds, where classical, avant-garde and pop come together. For music lovers who dance until dawn.

TIP! If you want a hotel or apartment with everthing on your doorstep this is one of the best areas to stay in Valencia.

You may also like

Valencia Town Center
10 Best Things to do in Valencia
Valencia Beaches
Things to do at Night
Valencia Accommodation

Working in Spain

Working in Spain

There are many TV programs  highlighting  how the majority of people who head for sunnier shores have no regrets with many wishing they had only done it sooner.

Even if it means not making so much money, the long sunny days and cheaper standard of living all add to the appeal of living in Spain.  However, since the economic downturn it’s not so easy to find work in Spain.

JOBS AT RYAN AIR

Ryan Air are looking to expand the payroll by 3,550 over the course of 2017 –  1,000 pilots, 250 aircraft engineers and 2,000 cabin crew members.

Cabin crew will be fully trained by Ryan Air (no previous experience required). The package includes major travel perks – register via the website Crewlink.ie or in person at the following times.  Valencia on 25 May and Madrid or Barcelona on 26 May  2017.  Find out more ~  Ryan Air Careers


Working in Spain ~ Summer Jobs

For single people it used to be much easier to find work in Spain as there are no family commitments. However, since the economic downturn these jobs are difficult to find so make sure you have enough money to tide you over for a couple of months.

The initial expense is to buy a cheap ticket to Spain, stay in a cheap hotel and look for work.

The best time to do this is during the summer as you may find work in the hospitality business eg hotel and catering


Families – Working In Spain

Those with families will try to secure a job before they arrive but many arrive in Spain with just enough money to keep them going for a few months.

The lucky ones find jobs but many find it very diffcult especially if they don’t speak Spanish.

Learning the language is important as it helps you integrate into society and really enjoy the benefits of living and working in Spain. The Spanish government offer affordable courses to learn Spanish in most towns and cities.

The construction industry was often the first port of call for many people looking for work but with the economic downturn affecting Spain as well as many other countries, the housing market is not what it used to be.

There are no prospects at the moment for those wanting to work in the construction industry in Spain so many people are choosing to work in bars or similar jobs.

Working in Spain ~ Self Employed ?

If you have enough capital you can always set up your own business, however, this can also be very risky.

You need to have done your research well and are able to offer something unique and not just another bar, of which there are many especially in the South of Spain.

Many families dream of becoming self-sufficient and living off the land.

Grow oranges and olives, write books and have weekly newspaper columns to supplement their income just as the family who moved to Catalunya did in the TV program and book No Going Back: Journey to Mother’s Garden.

Many other books such as the hugely successful A Year in Provence offer a lot of tips for those wishing to pursue this idyllic way of life but times are much harder now than they used to be.

Nonetheless, many of us still want to escape the gloomy grey skies of northern European countries and if you want to work in Spain you’ll find the majority of qualifications from EU countries are recognized.

Many people get jobs teaching English (TEFL) in Spain and if you don’t have a qualification there are many excellent short courses you can take whilst living in Spain. You can learn Spanish online or at the Spanish School in Valencia.

Buying A House In Valencia
Valencia Property

valencia tourist bus
Tourist Buses


Accommodation


Things to Do

Denia Hotels

TOP Denia Hotels

The lovely town of Denia is has access to the ferry crossing for Majorca and Ibiza.

This is ideal if you would like to spend a couple of days on one of these beautiful Balearic islands.  The town is exactly half way between Alicante and Valencia airport so you have two options of getting here.

Hotels get booked very quickly during the summer months especially in early July when there is a festival and bull run.

3 Star Denia Hotels

Hotel Noguera Mar

Hotel Noguera Mar DeniaThe 3 star beach-front Hotel Noguera Mar is in a great location overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Features include free WiFi in all areas, restaurant, bar, snack bar and free parking.

Rates and Reviews : Hotel Noguera Mar


Art Boutique Hotel Chamarel

hotel chamarel deniaThe 3 star Art Boutique Hotel Chamarel is a 19th-century town house featuring Art Nouveau décor.

Art Boutique Hotel Chamarel DeniaJust a short walk to Denia Castle and close to restaurants, shops and cafes.

Each room is individually decorated and features include free Wi-Fi access, air conditioning, TV and continental breakfast.

Rates and Reviews :  Art Boutique Hotel Chamarel


Aparthotel Ona Ogisaka Garden

Aparthotel Ona Ogisaka Garden3 Star Aparthotel Ona Ogisaka Garden is just 200 meters from Denia’s Marineta Beach and a 5 minute walk from the harbor.

These air-conditioned apartments include a welcome pack of food. Features include 2 outdoor pools and a spa which includes a sauna, hot tub and fitness center. There is also an indoor swimming pool. The restaurant serves classic Mediterranean and Valencian dishes.

Apartments come with a balcony and kitchenette with fridge and microwave. Living areas and bedrooms have flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Cleaning is included.

Rates & Reviews : Aparthotel Ona Ogisaka Garden


4 Star Denia Hotels

Les Rotes Hotel

les rotes deniaLovely 4 star boutique hotel just a short walk from the beach.

The hotel features a swimming pool (free towels), garden and extensive patio.

Free use of Quad bikes and bicycles and minibar stocked with cold drinks is free.

Rates and Reviews : Les Rotes Hotel


Hotel los Angeles

hote llos angeles denia hotelsFamily-run hotel on the beach in an idyllic location with stunning views and large terraces overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Features include free WiFi in public areas,  restaurant with sea views,  swimming pool, beach bar and pergola overlooking the sea and many of the rooms have balconies and views.

Rates and Reviews : Hotel los Angeles


Hotel El Rasat

hotel el rasat deniaThis small boutique hotel is ideally located near the port  and harbor.

Just a 5 minute walk to the beach and surrounded by restaurants. The hotel features security safe, Plasma T.V. with satellite and free wi-fi.

Rates and Reviews : Hotel El Raset


La Posada del Mar

la posada del mar deniaLa Posada del Mar is situated at the foot of the Dénia Castle with sea and harbor views.  Just a short walk  from the hotel are restaurants and the beach is 200 meters away.

Features include a gym and sauna and TV lounge. Rooms are air-conditioned and come with sea views, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, a minibar, safe and coffee maker.

Rates and Reviews : La Posada del Mar

CLICK HERE for more Hotels & Apartments in Denia  >>

Hostal Mi Campaña

Hostal Mi Campaña restaurantSet in attractive gardens 100 meters from Dénia’s Bovetes Beach and a 5 minute walk from the center of Dénia and the marina.

Features include an à la carte restaurant with a pretty terrace where guests can enjoy a continental breakfast and traditional Hostal Mi Campaña roomValencian and Spanish dishes for lunch and dinner.

Rooms come with balconies and are simply decorated, air-conditioned with a flat-screen TV and private bathroom.

Free WiFi is available in public areas and free private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed).

Rates & Reviews : Hostal Mi Campaña


Back to Costa Blanca Hotels >>

Denia Villas

Alicante Airport
Flights to Alicante
Valencia Airport
Cheap Flights to Valencia

alteastepstosea

Altea

playdelevantebenidorm

Benidorm

alicante

Alicante

 

Things To Do At Christmas In Valencia

Christmas in Valencia

Things to do…

New Year in Valencia
Kings Day in Valencia

The weather in Valencia is excellent at this time of year, with temperatures often in the 20s. Enjoy the mild sunny days to explore the city and do some Christmas shopping.

A few weeks before Christmas, there’s a real buzz in the streets of Valencia. Shops are ablaze with lights, seasonal decorations and nativity scenes (nacimientos/belénes) line the streets—they’re on display throughout the city. You can feel the joy of Christmas vibrating from the friendly people in the bustling streets of Valencia.

To top it all in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, there’s a nativity scene, an enormous Christmas tree and the popular ice skating rink for you to enjoy right in the center of town.

Fairs and Circuses

One of the most exciting things to do at Christmas in Valencia is to visit the fairs and circuses. This is great fun for all the family with trapeze artists, clowns, acrobats, and many more surprises.



City of Arts & Sciences

The City of Arts & Sciences Christmas events include a huge ice skating rink, Christmas market, children’s workshops and much more.

 


TOP Things To Do At Christmas In Valencia

Christmas Shopping in Valencia 

There are so many things to do at Christmas in Valencia and shopping  is an enjoyable experience as the weather is usually very mild and sunny during the day.

  • Seasonal foods are on display in shops all over the city and the aroma of hot chestnuts is in the air.
  • Marzipans, cakes and turróns piled high in shops and in Christmas market in Plaza de la Reina.

el corte ingles valenciaHigh street shops, trendy boutiques and El Corte Inglès department stores sparkle like Aladdin’s caves.

All are overflowing with festive treats for all the family and that’s why shopping is one of the most exciting things to do at Christmas in Valencia.

You can buy the latest fashions at Mango and Zara and stock up with seasonal foods and gifts.

When you feel like a break stop at one of the many delicious Places to Eat in Valencia and enjoy a tasty snack or meal.


The Spanish Christmas Lottery we all want to win!

el-gordoEl Gordo (The Fat One) 22 December

Excitement in Spain is at fever-pitch in expectation of the annual El Gordo Navidad lottery draw.

This is the most famous lottery draw in the world,  and you have until 21 December to play, the draw is on the 22 December.  What a fantastic Christmas present… who will be the lucky ones this year? Good Luck!

Read More >>


Things To Do At Christmas In Valencia

Christmas Eve – Nochebuena

Christmas-tree2As in many other Mediterranean countries,  Christmas Eve is the time when families gather together to enjoy Christmas dinner at home.  During the day markets are stocked high with fresh seafoods and fish and roast lamb (sometimes turkey) are the traditional dishes for Christmas.

Shops and stores are full of seasonal goodies –  turrón (nougat made of toasted sweet almonds) and chocolate,  polvorone,  rosquillas, Spanish Cava and lots more.  If you feel like doing some baking,  these tasty shortbread bites will go down a treat  ~  Recipe for Rosquillas de Vino  >>

24 December ~ Christmas Eve In Valencia

merry christmasMany families watch Christmas and flamenco TV shows until past mid-night and then enjoy a traditional night-cap of hot chocolate and churros (see Flamenco in Valencia).

Others go to mid-night mass at Valencia Cathedral. The Nativity scene at the Cathedral is definitely a must to see.

Some children do receive gifts on Christmas Eve, however, the main presents are still given on Kings Day (Epiphany) 6 January.

25 December ~ Christmas Day in Valencia

christmas stockingOn Christmas morning many attend the beautiful Cathedral in the old quarter of Valencia.

In the evening another mouth-watering meal is enjoyed at home or at one of the many restaurants, bars or clubs in Valencia.


Things To Do At Christmas In Valencia

28 December ~ Holy Innocent’s Day ~ El día de Los Santos Inocentes

El día de Los Santos Inocentes on the 28 December is the day when people play pranks on each other.

The Spanish equivalent of April Fool’s day on 1 April.

31 December ~ New Year’s Eve



Have your New Year in Valencia…

Celebrate the New Year in style in Valencia!

Read More >>



Kings Day in Valencia

The 5 January is famous for the celebrations and street parades for Kings Day when the children of Spain traditionally receive their Christmas presents.

Read More >>


Book your hotel in Valencia…

bookingThere are many hotels, apartments in the center of town and you can find villas in the surrounding areas by using this link to Booking.com.

The reviews and photos will help when choosing a place to stay. You book online and then pay when you get here.

Feliz Navidad!  (Happy Christmas)

Cheap Flights To Valencia
Valencia Accommodation
Valencia Events

Train Travel in Spain

zenit hotel valencia - old town accommodation
Old Town Hotels

valenciabeach

Valencia Beach

History of Valencia Spain

A Brief History of Valencia Spain

This makes for exciting and essential reading if you want to really understand and appreciate this beautiful Spanish city.

Valencia Flag

Valencia itself was founded by the Romans in 138 BC and given the name ‘Valentia’.

It has been inhabited by the Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths, Byzantines and in the 8th century the Moors occupied Valencia for 500 years.

The Moors brought with them oranges, olives, silk, rice and ceramics which are still an integral part of Valencia. Most importantly they introduced the highly beneficial irrigation system which is still in use today.

In 1094 Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar, better known as El Cid (The Boss), conquered Valencia. This was shortlived as King Jaime I of Aragón took the city in 1238 and made Valencia a kingdom.


The Golden Age of Valencia

The 15th Century was Valencia’s Golden Age and the history of Valencia Spain illustrates just how prosperous and advanced Valencia really was.

This was the era in which many of Valencia’s famous buildings such as La Lonja (the silk exchange),  El Miguelete (bell tower),  Palau de la Generalitat (the Valencian Community Government Palace)  and Torres de Quart (Quart Towers)  were constructed.

Valencia was one of the most cultured and important trading powers in the Mediterranean.

At this time arts and culture flourished and the history of Valencia illustrates how many famous Valencianos such as the novelist Joanot Martorell contributed to the culture of Valencia by writing the first European novel, ‘Tirant lo Blanch’ (The White Knight).


After the War of Succession (1701-1714) Valencia

With the victory of the Bourbon Philip V, Valencia was stripped of the special privileges and autonomy (Fueros) which the city had enjoyed since the reign of King Jaime.

The French Bourbons ruled Spain until the War of Independence (1808-1813) when Napoleon sent troops into Spain and established his brother, Joseph Bonaparte as king.

This triggered violent uprisings in Valencia as well as other Spanish cities and the French finally withdrew in 1813.


Valencia in the 19th Century

The early 19th century gave birth to what is referred to as the Renaixenca (Renaissance). This was the time when the Valenciano language (a form of Catalan) was rediscovered as part of the national heritage.

In the late 19th century Valencia’s city walls were demolished in order for the city to expand.

Nonetheless, you still get the feeling that the wall is still there as major landmarks such as Torres de Quart and Torres de Serranos still remain.

The river Turia had often flooded the nearby Old Quarter of Valencia and in 1957 the floods killed many Valencians so the river was re-routed. During the 1990s the original dry riverbed was converted into the beautiful Turia Gardens we now enjoy today.


Valencia Today

Today Valencia is a major center of arts and culture and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (designed by Valenciano architect Santiago Calatrava and situated at the end of the Turia Gardens, is definitely the icing on the cake.

You may also like:

National Day of the Region and Valencia’s Valentine’s Day
Valencia Map

Valencia Taxis

Valencia Taxis

Getting a taxi in Valencia is easy and relatively affordable.  Taxis can usually be found near Estacion del Norte or Plaza del Ayuntamiento in the center of the city.

When staying in a hotel a taxi can be booked from the hotel reception or you can hail one down in the street.

Valencia Taxis at the Airport

On arriving at the airport in Valencia you can hire a taxi from the taxi rank opposite the arrivals hall of the terminal building.

As with most taxis they run on a meter so before your journey starts check that the driver turns the meter on and ask how much the journey will cost before the journey begins.

Valencia Taxi Fares

The price of a taxi from the airport to the center of Valencia is usually about 18 – 20€  depending on the time of day and where you are going.

  • For example, going to the beach will cost a little more and take a little longer.
  • The taxi service is run by city taxis from Valencia and Manises.
  • The airport is located in fare zone B and the journey from the airport has a supplement of 4.95€.

Valencia Taxis Contact Numbers

Taxco: 902 024 972
Taxi Valencia: 961 119 977
Radio Taxi Manises: 961 521 155
Radio Taxi Valencia: 963 703 333

More information can be found on the airport website

We have never experienced any problems with taxis in Valencia but if you do have a problem you can address your complaint to the following and don’t forget to keep a receipt of the amount you paid for the journey.

FEDERACIÓN SINDICAL DEL TAXI DE VALENCIA Y PROVINCIA
CARABELA, 3 – Bj.
46009 VALENCIA
Teléfono: 96.347.93.60


Valencia Travel

Valencia Airport

Hotels

Train Travel in Spain >>

zenit hotel valencia - old town accommodation
Old Town Hotels >>


Things to Do >>