TOP Festivals in Valencia

Festivals in Valencia and all over Spain are full of fireworks,  fun and the magic and the passion Spain is so famous for.

As in most Mediterranean countries festivals are an integral part of the culture and always have a religious, pagan or agricultural significance to them.

It’s also worth knowing when the National holidays in Spain are as many shops closed.

FESTIVALS IN VALENCIA

January

Everyone lets their hair down and eats the obligatory 12 grapes at the count of 12 midnight ~  Read More – New Year in Valencia  >>

Kings Day >>

The Christmas festivities are brought to a close with Kings Day – (Epiphany).

Spanish children receive their Christmas presents from the Three Kings and the streets are full of processions and fun.

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22 January

San Vicente Martir

The celebration of San Vicente Martir (one of the Patron Saints of Valencia) is on 22 January.

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March 15 – 19

Las Fallas

Las Fallas is held every year and the main dates of the event are between 15 – 19 March.

It is an amazing pyrotechnic orgy of fireworks, burning satirical figures and having fun.

This is one of the top festivals in Valencia and not to be missed.

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March / April

Easter in Valencia (Semana Santa)

Semana Santa  is held in the Poblados Marítimos (Maritime Villages) of La Malvarrosa and Cabanyal. Solemn ‘romerias’ (processions) take place during Holy Week.

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May

Festival of ‘The Crosses of May’

On 3 May is the festival of ‘The Crosses of May’ when all the streets are decorated with crosses made of flowers.

Fiesta de la Mare de Deu de Valencia

On the second Sunday in May is the festival of Virgin de los Desamparados (Virgin of the Helpless), Patron Saint of the City.

Once a year the virgin is carried in a procession of flower petals from the Basilica in Plaza de la Virgin to the Cathedral and at the end of the festival the entire square is a blanket of flowers.

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Festival of Corpus Christi

The festival of Corpus Christi  (Body of Christ) is celebrated throughout Spain. The date is not fixed and falls on the first Thursday after Trinity Sunday (60 days after Easter).

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23 June 

Festival of Sant Joan

The festival of Sant Joan (San Juan in Castillian), is a pagan festival which is celebrated all over Spain. The festival coincides with the summer solstice and to celebrate the longest night of the year huge bonfires are lit on the beach.

It’s customary to have lots of food and drinks and there’s much singing and dancing and jumping over bonfires.

International Film Festival in Valencia

The Cinema Jove takes place every year and has launched the careers of many talented young people.

Top Festivals in Valencia

July – September

July Fair

The Feria de Julio (July Fair) is a month long festival full of concerts, theatrical events, sports and firework displays on the beach when ends with the famous battle of flowers.

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Festival of Films

Filmoteca de Verano, Turia Gardens – July – September.

The Festival of Films is held during the summer vacations and is a celebration of films at reasonable prices. Tickets are around €3.00 for one session and 10 sessions cost €20.

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Benicassim Music Festival

The Benicassim festival is held every year in July and attracts some of the top names in rock. Four days of concerts along with the weeks extra-musical activities make for a great experience.

The journey from Valencia Nord station takes approx 45-50 mins and train tickets are from £16 return.

Read More >>

August

La Tomatina

On the last Wednesday in the month of August is one of the most bizarre and enjoyable of festivals in Valencia. It’s held every year in the town of Buñol.

La Tomatina is internationally famous. Every year people flock from all over the world to take part in the yearly ‘Battle of Tomatoes’.

Read More Info >>

9 October

National Day & San Donis Day

The 9 October is the National Day of the Region of Valencia. It is also San Dionís (similar to St Valentine’s) day and one of the most romantic festivals in Valencia.

Read More  >>

1 November 

Todos Los Santos – All Saints’ Day

Todos Los Santos – All Saints’ Day is celebrated throughout Spain.

Families make their way to cemeteries, light candles and remember their loved ones who have died.

DECEMBER

Christmas (Navidad)

Last but by no means least is the most exciting festival of all. This is when people over Spain really excel in celebrating the oldest and most joyous festival of all.

Christmas lights are switched on from the 1st December until 7th January and the whole city comes alive with the magic of Christmas.

Things to do at Christmas in Valencia. 

Monthly Events in Valencia

Valencia Accommodation

What is the Best Way To Learn Spanish?

One of the best way to learn Spanish is by studying Spanish in Spain or living in Spain.  We can immerse ourselves in the culture and lifestyle of the country and easily pick up  the language naturally.

This is great if you are lucky enough to live in Spain but unfortunately we don’t all live in Spain so must find another way of learning the language.

Best Way To Learn Spanish

Some people enjoy learning visually with books or online whilst others pefer learning by listening to tapes.

It all depends on the method you are comfortable with but one of the fastest ways to learn is with the Michel Thomas method.  You don’t read or write, just listen and speak.

My daughter studied this course at home and thinks it’s the best way to learn Spanish.

As well as using the Michel Thomas DVDs she watched a lot of Spanish TV and films and listened to Spanish music.

• Learning the lyrics of a song you like is a very important part of learning the language.

• Once you know all the words just sing along with the song and you’ll soon be singing in Spanish.

It  works, it’s fun and you also get to have a good accent .  Many others have also learnt Spanish with this method and have reviewed this course with the following comments.

“A unique and perfectly brilliant way of learning languages” — Stephen Fry

“The most extraordinary experience of my life” — Emma Thompson

“I never thought I could learn Spanish, but using the Michel Thomas Method has made me realise there is hope…” — Bruce Parry

“The nearest thing to painless learning” — The Times

 Best Way To Learn Spanish Online

Another great way to learn is online and you even get some free lessons to give you a taste of what’s to come.

Learning like this is quick and effective and much more fun than learning from a book.

Try it and you’ll be surprised how easy it is.

• You are learning in an enjoyable way which makes it easier to absorb and in no time at all you will be speaking like a native.

• The secret to learning a language is to be consistent and learn a little every day.

Best Way To Learn Spanish

The Rosetta Stone Spanish language course is another popular way to learn.

All you have to do is start. Not tomorrow but NOW.

Good Luck! – ¡Buena Suerte!

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Mortgages in Spain for your Property in Valencia

Is it a good idea to get mortgages in Spain or the country you are living in when buying a property in Valencia ? Many advise having the property and mortgage in the same currency so you don’t have to worry about fluctuations in currency exchange. Also interest rates on Spanish mortgages are currently lower than those on UK mortgages. As stated in the Guardian on 8 June 2012…

‘All the major Spanish banks have opened real estate websites (each translated into English to appeal to British buyers) to offload the new and repossessed homes on their books, promising discounts of as much as 60% off asking prices. But many experts think that prices in Spain still have further to fall and that asking prices remain a long way from reality’ – Guardian

So, does this mean if you take out a Spanish mortgage, your monthly interest payments will be lower ?

Getting Mortgages in Spain

The normal time to repay a mortgage in Spain used to be between 10 and 15 year.

However, due to the recent increase in people wishing to buy Valencia homes, many banks are now offering 95% mortgages spread over 30 years. In Spain the maximum age to take out a mortgage is 70.

So if you want to spread the mortgage over 30 years (and you’re over forty), you’ll need to buy the property with someone under forty. Once you’ve found that property you’re looking for it will take between 4 – 5 weeks (sometimes shorter) to arrange the mortgage.

What you need : Employed:

• photocopy of passport
• photocopy of NIE Number
• 3 months bank statements
• P60
• proof of other income
• bank reference

Self-Employed:

• photocopy of passport
• photocopy of NIE Number
• 3 months bank statements
• 2 years company accounts (tax returns)
• proof of other income

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Lawyer In Valencia …

Finding a good lawyer in Valencia is the first step when buying a property and getting one you can trust is essential.  Not taking detailed account of the legal implications can be time consuming and costly.

Lawyer in Valencia & Real Estate Agents

Many real estate agents will offer to do the legal work for you.  However, it is advisable to find a lawyer who is not referred to you by the estate agent.

This is because the priority of most estate agents is to sell the property so finding an independent lawyer is essential.

Lawyer in Valencia ~ Getting Legal Advice

In Spain the word for lawyer, solicitor or attorney is abogado.  You can contact your Consulate in Valencia and they will provide you with a list of lawyers who speak your language.  The British Embassy is in Madrid at Torre Espacio, Paseo de la Castellana 259D, 28046 Madrid, Tel: 902 109 356.

Another option is to ask people you know who have already purchased a property in the area.

 Lawyer in Valencia ~ How Much Will It Cost?

This is at the top of most people’s list. It’s normally 1% of the sale price but some lawyers charge a fee instead so ask before you get the ball rolling.

• Some lawyers charge a fee on top of this and others charge an hourly fee.
• Most offer an initial consultation which is free (confirm when making appointment).
• You can then discuss their charges and other information you need.

The Colegio de Abogados publish a booklet each year with approximate/minimum fees so it’s worth getting a copy of this.

Looking For A Lawyer In Valencia?

Some years ago a lawyer assisted a couple who were buying a property on the UK program ‘A Place in the Sun’ and were happy with the service she provided.  This lawyer has the

Qualifications & Work Experience:  Admitted to the Valencian Bar in 1998, she has worked as a lawyer in both Spain and England and specializes in residential and commercial property conveyancing, and inheritance law for residents and non residents.

• With an international background of legal experience, she works to assist the needs of investors, second home owners and expatriates in Spain.
• People who wish to purchase or sell properties in Spain and who may also need assistance with related transactions, inheritance and other legal matters.
• Fees are not based on a percentage of the sale price, as is so often the case, but on the service provided. Fees charged are based on the recommended fees by the Valencia Law Society.

Expertise is in the following areas:

• Property law
• Inheritance law: Last will and testament and estate transfer to heirs.
• Legal translations

Provides an independent legal advise with the following procedures:

• Checking ownership at the Land Registry
• Contract negotiation
• Bilingual assistance at Notary
• Balancing the payable taxes
• Utility contract name changes and direct debit establishment
• Tenancy agreements

CONTACT LAWYER?

Complete the form below and the lawyer will get back to you as soon as possible.

BENEFITS OF BUYING A PROPERTY IN VALENCIA …

There are many benefits of buying property in Valencia.

• The climate is good and cost of living is much cheaper than many northern European countries.
• Prices are much lower than they used to be.

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Cost of Buying a House in Valencia

Thinking of Buying A House in Valencia?

At the moment there are many bargains to be found in Spain and that includes the city of Valencia.  The days of the pound hitting 1.40+  are long gone. Now BREXIT has put the dampers on the rate of exchange and you’ll be lucky to get 1.16.

The cost of buying a house in Valencia is much more than it used to be.

Property tax was raised from 8% to a whopping 10% (it used to be 7%),  so the cost of buying a property in Valencia is now roughly 12% of the asking price.  This is a lot when compared to other regions of Spain.

In January (2014) Madrid cut ITP from 7%  to 6% making it easier to buy a property in Madrid.

 Benefits of Buying a House in Valencia

In Spain there’s no such thing as leasehold (only for business and commercial), everything else is FREEHOLD.

One of the reasons Valencia  is very attractive is because the city is still relatively undiscovered and very Spanish.

• For a long time property prices have been much lower than those of neighboring cities such as Barcelona and Madrid and those on the Costa Blanca.

• The transport in Valencia is good and there are fast trains to Barcelona and Madrid.

Costs Involved When Buying A House In Valencia

• In Spain transfer tax on resale properties,  known as ITP (Impuesto Sobre Transmisiones de Bienes Inmuebles) is set by regional rather than central government.
• For example,  in 2013, Valencia and Catalunya increased ITP from 8% to its present 10%  and in January (2014) Madrid cut ITP from 7%  to 6% making it easier for people to buy property.
• Stamp duty is 0.3 – 1% of the value of the property.
• Notary fees – Approximately 500 euros.
  (A notary’s job is to confirm that the mortgage and the sale of the house are within the law)
• Property registration fees – Approximately 150 euros.
• Valuation of property by bank.

Buying A House in Valencia  ~ Estate Agents in Valencia City

The majority of estate agents in Valencia charge 3% commission and charge both the seller and the buyer.  Some charge more but never less and if they don’t charge a fee the commission is normally included in the price.

Many people in Spain bypass the estate agents and buy via word of mouth so it’s a good idea to get to know the people where you are interested in buying. Check out your local pub, cafe or restaurant and get friendly with the locals.

Cost involved when buying a house in the region of Valencia ?

If you are looking to buy in the region of Valencia in one of the popular resorts such as Denia, Benidorm, Altea, Javea and Calpe, most estate agents only charge the seller (always check with the agent first).

This area is very easy to reach via train or bus from Valencia (see Valencia Transport).  If you don’t speak Spanish it’s best to have an English speaking lawyer and essentially one you have found independently.

• A point worth noting is that most Spanish people don’t have a property surveyed before they buy it. To obtain a mortgage a bank (or lender) does a legal survey which focuses mainly on the property as a security for the loan.
• Most important to remember is that the previous owners personal debts fall not on them but on the property, so be sure to check otherwise you may inherit the previous owners bills!
• As mentioned earlier, it is now a buyer’s market with many great bargains and there are many non-Spanish people hoping to take advantage of the low price of property in Valencia.  However, due to the economic situation in Spain,  not many local people can afford to buy property.

When you have found your property in Valencia you will need to pay the deposit in cash or by bank transfer.

This is necessary as it secures the property for you. The amount required is normally 3,OOO euro.

The next step is to get independent legal advice otherwise you may regret ever buying a house in Valencia.

If Spanish isn’t your first language and you have no experience of buying property in Spain, you will need an English Speaking Lawyer who is fluent in English and can provide a reliable service.

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Advertise Your Property ?

• Do you have a property to sell or rent ?

• Fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Valencia Property in the City & Surrounding Areas

Valencia Property

Now is a great time to buy a Valencia property in the city or the surrounding area of this region of Spain.  Not so long ago it was a seller’s market with property prices rising by 30% or more but all that has changed.

Now it’s a buyers market so a very good time to buy that place in the sun you’ve been dreaming about for the past few years.

One of the many benefits of buying an apartment in Valencia is that there’s no such thing as leasehold (only for business and commercial).

Everything else is FREEHOLD… so when you buy your apartment you have it for life!

It used to be very easy to get mortgages in Spain but not so easy now unless it’s a repossesion in which case you will often get a 100% mortgage.

There are many fantastic apartments and villas to buy in the surround areas,  so if you’re looking for a city pad or a villa by the sea this is definitely the time to buy.  For more information check out Buying a House in Valencia

Valencia Property ~ Try Before You Buy

To ‘dip your toe in the water’  is to try something before you buy and this is very true when buying property in Valencia.

It’s always a good idea to try living in the area for a few weeks so as to get to know what it’s really like.  Much better to do this than have regrets after buying the town-house, villa or apartment of your dreams.

There are many lovely apartments to rent in the city or by the sea.  If you rent for a month on a long let it will work out much cheaper than only staying for a week especially if it’s a one bedroom apartment.  You’ll also have more time to really get to know the place.

Where To Stay?

You can find hotels and apartments in Valencia and the surrounding areas by using this link to Booking.com. 

You book online and then pay when you get here.

Advertise Your Valencia Property With Us?

If you  have a property you want to sell or rent  in Valencia just fill in the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Valencia Map ~ Getting Around …

It’s well worth investing in a Valencia map of the streets which in Spanish is called a ‘callejero’ (street map).

It’s always a good idea to buy one of these online before you arrive as you may not find one in the shops and you won’t get lost if you have one of these tucked away in your pocket or bag.

The first time we came we invested in a map and would have been lost without it.

The Librería Patagonia bookshop specializes in Valencia maps and you’ll find this little shop near the metro stop at Pont de Fusta not far from the Turia Gardens.

Address: Librería Patagonia
Calle Santa Amalia, 2
Valencia, 46009

If you’re exploring the city for the first time every minute counts.  Don’t waste valuable time trying to find your way back to your hotel or apartment. Come prepared and don’t forget your map.

Valencia Map from Valencia Tourist Offices

You can buy maps online or in any one of the El Corte Ingles department stores or get one free from one of the many Valencia Tourism Offices which are all over the city.

These offices are chock a block with information.

Valencia Map at El Corte Inglés

The most central El Corte Inglés store is in the middle of Calle Colón. These stores are located all over the city and have everything you need plus they also sell English newspapers and magazines.

Supermarkets are usually in the basement. On the upper floors you’ll find a good selection of CDs, DVDs, books, videos and fashion and beauty departments.

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TOP Spanish School Valencia

… Want to learn Spanish in Valencia?

Learn at the Spanish School Valencia!

Not only are you living in the lovely city of Valencia but you will also be learning how to communicate with the local people.

• You will also get a good Spanish accent and make lots of new friends.
• Enjoy socializing with each other by discovering all the local tapas bars, cafes and mix with the local people.
• Immerse yourself in the culture and live like a local and very soon you will talking like a local.

Spanish School Valencia Video …

If you do decide to learn this exciting language in Valencia then you are sure to have a good time. Check out the video below and you will see why studying here is so popular.

don Quijote Valencia

Spanish School Valencia

The school is located in the center of the university area of the city on the campus of the Polytechnic University.

Set in a lovely location close to a variety of sports facilities and within easy reach of the city center and beach.

Spanish School Valencia

Classrooms & Facilities

The school has 14 spacious classrooms and the academic area surrounds a central common zone which is equipped with computers, snack vending machine, a coffee machine, and an area to relax.

Spanish School Valencia

Accommodation

Accommodation is an integral part of the study experience. You will learn the language much quicker by staying in a Spanish home stay, student flat or residence as you will have practice in speaking the language.

There are several buses and also a tram which will take you to the beach.

You can easily travel to the beach in 5 minutes and Plaza Mayor in 15 minutes.

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Where to Eat … Restaurants in Valencia

Easy Recipes of Spain Patatas Bravas

As well as being  one of the most well known Spanish tapas,  Patatas Bravas (brave potatoes) are also very easy to make.

There are many variations of Spanish patatas bravas but  they are usually always spicy, and very tasty .

Recipes of Spain Patatas Bravas

Ingredients

• 5 medium sized potatoes
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1-2 dried chillies
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Method

1. Wash and peel potatoes and cut into small or medium sized cubes and then fry until golden (leave in pan as you add the sauce later).
2. Crush garlic, chillies, cumin and paprika together (a mortar and pestle are great for this) and then add the red wine vinegar.
3. Add to frying pan and cook for a few more minutes.
4. Sprinkle with salt and enjoy.

¡Buen Provecho!

 Spanish Tortilla is one of the most famous Spanish tapas. It can also be eaten as a main dish with a fresh salad and crunchy bread. Washed down with ice cold beer or your favorite drink it’s very enjoyable.

Tapas Tour in Valencia

Visit 3 restaurants in Valencia on a guided tapas tour of the city.

Over the course of 3 hours, stop off in various spots to share tapas and drinks.  Along the way, learn more about the food you are tasting, and see monuments as you walk through the city.

More Valencia Tours  >>

Tapas & Paella
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Tapas Valencia

Tapas and Paella in Valencia

Fast food has always been around in Mediterranean countries and unlike other ‘fast foods’, Mediterranean food is not only healthy but very affordable.

The best tapas and paella are always made with the freshest and tastiest ingredients which in Valencia are available from the amazing Mercado Central in the Old Town.

Paella Valenciana

No visit to Valencia is complete without trying the delicious Paella Valenciana.

The Albufera in Valencia is the birthplace of paella and there are many little fishing villages in the area.

The village of El Palmar is full of wonderful restaurants and famous for making the best paella in Valencia.

Beach-side Paella Restaurants

A selection of lovely restaurants line the promenade of Las Arenas beach which are amongst the best Valencia. They are very well established and very famous for their fresh seafood and paella dishes.

La Pepica restaurant on Paseo Neptuno is one of the best restaurants in town for paella and also famous for having Hemingway and many other well-known people sample the tasty cuisine.  Other excellent restaurants along this stretch include …

La Marcelina at Paseo de Neptuno, 8… Tel: 963 71 20 25

Sol i Lluna at Calle del Mar, 29… Tel: 962 92 22 16

La Perla at Av. Neptuno, 24… Tel: 963 71 77 67

La Lonja del Pescado Frito at Calle Eugenia Viñes, 243… Tel: 963 55 35 35.

Mercado Central is in the old quarter of Valencia and inside and out are affordable bars selling paella and other local dishes .

Tapas in Valencia

There are many lovely places to eat tapas and paella in Valencia.  The  tapas typically include serrano ham and cheese such as Manchego together with olives which are the basic ingredients of many tapas. However,  there are many more and the following recipes are just some of the many you can easily make at home – Calamares / Anchovies / Tortilla / Patatas Bravas / Empanadillas

Sin Domir (without sleep) as the name suggests stays open all night and as it’s in such a great location on the promenade facing the beach  this is very easy to do!

Fish and seafoods straight from the sea are used in many tapas.The freshest of parsley, garlic, cheese, olives, olive oil, serrano ham and of course saffron are integral to the delicious cuisine of Valencia and Spain.  Traditional tapas include the following and there are many more to wet your appetite.

Read More >>

Your Valencia Tapas Bar Crawl …

Many people enjoy going from bar to bar and have a great variety of dishes to choose from.

There are many popular tapas bars in Valencia such as La Taberna Reina, Cerveceria 100 Montaditos and Vintara in Plaza de la Reina  in the center of town.

Another popular place to go whilst in Valencia is Bar Pilar. Known locally as the mussel-eaters cathedral, it’s located in the trendy area of Barrio del Carmen.

3-Hour Tapas Tour in Valencia

On this 3-Hour Tapas Tour you will visit 3 restaurants in Valencia on a guided tapas tour of the city.

Stop off in various spots to share tapas and drinks and along the way,  learn more about the food you are tasting,  and see the stunning monuments as you walk through the city.

Book Your 3-Hour Tapas Tour in Valencia >>

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