THE CITY OF VALENCIA
Valencia is a vibrant,
cosmopolitan city on the Mediterranean coast. Once the capital of
its own kingdom, it is now a regional capital and Spain’s third
largest city. Surrounded by orange orchards and sandy beaches, the
city enjoys year-round sunshine and has become a popular conference
centre.
The city was founded by
the Romans, taken by the Visigoths, and prospered under the Moors.
Each civilisation has left its mark and the historic centre includes
a 13th century cathedral (La Seo) with paintings by Goya, and a
splendid gothic 15th century silk exchange (La Lonja). However,
the city is looking to the future and is now home to one of Europe’s
most exciting urban development projects. Some $200m has been invested
in building an immense and futuristic Arts and Science Centre (
Ciutat de les
Arts I les Ciencies
) near the port area.
Valencia’s mild climate is another reason
to come for a stay. Its warm atmosphere is always inviting and hospitable.
Ready to be enjoyed. Valencia means commerce and culture, cinema,
theatre, museums, music and business. It is a centre for industrial
design and avant-garde movements.
During your stay in Valencia, you will
also be able to enjoy the peace and quiet of several exceptional
natural sites. Between the sea and the rice paddies, closed in by
two river mouths, the Albufera
Natural Park
is a paradise for migratory birds and a recreation area for the
city. Along the coast next to the Albufera are broad sandy beaches.
There are pleasant recreation areas where people come to enjoy the
sun and the sea.
No visit to Valencia would be complete
without a taste of its ample mediterranean cuisine based on a fertile
‘huerta’ or market garden, and fresh fish and shellfish. The queen
of local products is rice, served in an infinity of manners as the
internationally acclaimed Valencian paella.
For further details about the city, the
Comunidad Valenciana and Spain you can visit the following sites
(in English):
Agencia Valenciana de Turismo
Turismo Valencia Convention Bureau
The official website of
Tourspain
All about Spain
Map of the city centre
HOW
TO REACH THE CITY
BY PLANE
Getting to Valencia is easy and convenient. There are direct
flights from all major European cities, and from all over the
world via Madrid or Barcelona. You will have no problem checking
with your travel agent.
The airport is about 8
km from the city centre. A taxi from the airport to the city centre
will cost you around 12 EURO. A bus service is also available.
BY TRAIN
There are comfortable trains from Madrid and Barcelona. The train
station (Estacion del norte) is in the centre of the city. For
information about timetables and prices visit the site of
RENFE
.
BY CAR
If you decide to bring (or rent) your own car, there are two
major highways (motorways) leading to Valencia; one from Madrid,
the A-3; and the A-7 from Barcelona and the border with France.
USEFUL
INFORMATION
LANGUAGE
Few Spaniards speak another European language. However, you will
normally find somebody who can speak English or French in airports,
large hotels, etc.
Valencia has two official
languages – Spanish and Valencian.
CLIMATE
Valencia, with an average annual temperature of 20o
C (68oF), enjoys mild winters and hot summers. You
can check the weather
here
and the monthly average temperature and rainfall
here
.
SHOPPING HOURS
Shops are generally open from 10.00 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to
20.00 hours, Mondays through Saturdays. Department stores and malls
usually open from 10.00 to 21.00 and do not close for lunch.
BANKS
Banks open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 or 9.00 to 14.00 or
14.30 and some banks open certain afternoons in the week. Almost
every bank has a 24-hours cash machine.
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
An extensive public transportation network covers the whole of
Valencia, including four metro lines and public buses which travel
to any part of the city. As well as single tickets, which can be
bought at metro stations and on the buses, there are 3 and 5 day
travel passes.
RESTAURANTS
In most restaurants, the kitchen is open from 20.00-23.00h.
ELECTRICITY SUPPLY
Electricity is supplied at 220 V - 50 Hz AC with European norm
plugs.