Valencia

Valencia is Spain's third-largest city with a population of about three quarters of a million people. It is on the Mediterranean coast about 350km south of Barcelona, with Madrid being a similar distance inland.

Gastronomically, the region is the home of paella, being Spain's most famous dish.  Historically, it is believed that the Holy Grail resides in Valencia's cathedral and it was here in Valencia that El Cid fought the Moors.

Because of it's position, the climate in Valencia tends to be mild all year round and one of Spain's greatest festivals, Las Fallas, takes place every March when revelers enjoy a week long party with fireworks and massive bonfires every night.

The major tourist attraction in Valencia is the amazing City of Arts and Sciences which attracts 4 million annual visitors and is equally fascinating to adults and children alike. Valencia is firmly established on the European art circuit with galleries containing works by El Greco, Goya and Velazquez.

Few cities such as Valencia are able to combine so harmoniously the remains from remote periods, as far back as 138 B.C., with the most modern, avant-garde buildings to be erected in the new millennium.

Valencia encompasses commerce, culture, cinema, theatre, museums, music, business. It is a place for international and avant-garde design and one of the most attractive cities in Europe when it comes to fairs and conventions.

Thanks to its location half way down the east coast of Spain, Valencia has been the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, with the special charm that seaport cities have. The beaches are of fine sand and waters are crystal clear, the vastness of the open sea, and the proximity of the coastal mountain range lend the Valencian coast a unique appeal.

This is definitely a city to visit.