Valencia, so much to discover
Valencia, terra firma, has an eternal charm of radiant light guiding the city towards the sea. Lying on a vast plain beside the Mediterranean, the city is a communications hub and cultural, social and commercial centre of a metropolitan expanse of one-and-a-half million inhabitants, constantly striving for diversity, expression, creativity and life. Valencia is fiercely committed to being a top-class destination.
Valencia is an all-year-round city: bursting with life in spring, fervent in summer, welcoming in autumn and pleasantly mild in winter. Its excellent climate – with over 300 days of sunshine per year and an average temperature of 19ºC – makes it an enticing destination which inspires you to discover its numerous cultural, gastronomic and leisure attractions.
Culture
Strolling around the city streets is like a journey through centuries of history and tradition, taking in architectural glories from the past and futuristic proposals from the present.
In Valencia there are still remains from ancient cultures and exceptional examples from all architectural periods imaginable. No visitor should leave the city without stepping foot in the old quarter, a living museum where each step leads you to a monument, a secluded square or a testament of history. Valencia cajoles you to explore the whole city and discover areas from the most classical to the most avant-garde, from the most historical to the most contemporary, from the imposing Cathedral to the ultramodern City of Arts and Science.
In recent years, Valencia has been endowed with modern transport, financial, cultural, scientific and leisure infrastructures which have thrust it into the limelight and made it a leading city in Spain and Europe. Its tireless rejuvenation is founded upon emblematic projects at the cutting-edge of architecture, such as the City of Arts and Science, which includes the spectacular Arts Palace and the Oceanarium, designed by Santiago Calatrava, and the Conference Centre, work of Sir Norman Foster. In addition, a multitude of museums, the Palau de la Música, the Ricardo Tormo Grand Prix track in Cheste and the remodelling of the Port for the America's Cup have all become landmarks for the city.
Leisure and Cuisine
Valencia's cuisine is just as varied as the diversity of its local produce and the creative talent of the city's restaurateurs. The fertile hinterland floods its cuisine with ingredients for fresh, traditional dishes. Not only the world-famous paella and a vast selection of rices, but also local recipes and international creations from Michelin-star restaurants.
Valencia is a city which pulsates 365 days a year with an enormous range of all types of activities. The famous Valencia nightlife can be enjoyed all across the city. Live music, cinema, theatre, opera, visual arts and countless bars and clubs in a city that never sleeps.
Sport is another leading player in the Valencia, be it golf, sailing or motor racing. Host to world-renowned events such as the Motorcycle Grand Prix, the 2008 World Indoor Athletics Championship, the Queen's Regatta and, of course, the 32nd America's Cup.
And for lovers of shopping, the city centre streets house shops selling traditional ware, designer studios, open-air markets, antique shops, luxury boutiques, department stores, the Rastro flea market and all the high-street names. In Valencia you'll definitely find what you're looking for.
Communications and Education
Valencia has ten international colleges recognised by the regional education council, as well as several bilingual schools. Among the best in Spain, they undoubtedly meet the ever-growing need for educational diversity akin to a cosmopolitan city like Valencia.
Its excellent geographical location makes Valencia an easily-accessible city which seems to cradle the visitor from the moment of arrival to the moment of departure.
By land, thanks to a extensive network of motorways and train lines which connect the city with the main destinations in Spain and the continent. The V-30 road links the Port of Valencia with the AP-7 motorway, which runs along the Spanish coast and joins up with all the main European highways. The A-3 dual carriageway is a direct non-stop route to Madrid. The city-centre North Station will soon offer high-speed trains which will whisk passengers to Madrid in a matter of two hours.
By sea, through one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean, just four hours from the Balearic Islands and less than twenty-four hours to the major superyacht ports of the Cote d'Azur, Corsica, Sardinia etc. In all, the city has over 170 sailing routes which communicate Valencia with more than 300 ports across the world.
By air, the international airport just five minutes from the city centre is currently being expanded to welcome intercontinental flights. Cities such as Berlin, Brussels, Paris, Dublin, Milan, Rome, London, Manchester or Geneva are just a short hop from Valencia thanks to the wealth of companies which fly to the city.
Valencia Yacht Base is designed to be a winter destination where yachts and crew can enjoy a welcoming city with unbeatable services.
