An emerald thread of parkland wends its way through Spain's third-largest city, Valencia. Its life-giving river has been diverted to the city outskirts, where it supports a thriving farm-to-table dining scene. With dreamlike districts such as the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a clutch of world-class museums and a sprawling beach, Valencia has it all.
Package holidays in Valencia proffer UNESCO-protected buildings and some of Spain's greatest art collections. Dig into local delicacies at the Central Market or stock up on delicate mementoes of Valencia's once-roaring silk trade. Meanwhile, Valencia's happening nightlife proves that Spanish city breaks aren't all about Barcelona.
Flights and hotels in Valencia are easy to come by, with flights from Dublin running as regularly as flights from Cork. The city is just one hour ahead of London so it couldn't be simpler to glide into your weekend in Valencia. Catalan is spoken by most locals, though Spanish and English are also well understood. The currency is the euro.
April and May are often regarded as the best times to visit Valencia. Blessed with balmy weather and lower visitor numbers than the summer, these months promise relaxation. Generally, Valencia's Mediterranean temperatures can reach highs in the thirties and dip to the single digits in the winter.
A flight to and hotel in Valencia open the door to myriad exciting cultural and culinary attractions. An opulent palace is the setting for the Museo National de Ceramica, which traces the history of pottery from the Baroque period on. The city's lavish interiors are a visual feast. Inside a Renaissance courtyard, the Museo del Patriarca showcases masterpieces by the masters, including Caravaggio, El Greco, and Jose de Ribera. After all that history and culture, head to the beach. Sun yourself on La Malvarrosa Beach, close to the city. Lined with palms, bars and seafood restaurants, the beach is the ideal accompaniment to city tours.
Families can take a world tour in this world-class city. Valencia's Bioparc is home to a Noah's ark of animals housed in innovative enclosures. Encounter aardvarks, leopards and hippos up close at this cutting-edge animal park.
Weekends in Valencia are all about stunning architecture and exquisite art. Here are the UNESCO highlights and masterpieces you need to see on city breaks in Valencia:
Package holidays in Valencia proffer a tempting array of fresh foods. Valencia's huerta region burgeons with fresh produce straight from its market gardens. Tuck into paella and the plenitude of other rice dishes for which the region is known. Restaurants of special note include Navarro, a family-run restaurant combining al fresco dining with a menu of perfected classics. The Mercado Central stands tall among the Modernista marvels that define the city's skyline. The 1920s market, a temple to the city's limitless enthusiasm for fresh produce, boasts hundreds of stalls purveying all manner of local crustacea, meats and vegetables. Join the locals congregating under the star-shaped ceiling for top-notch tapas and Valencian wine.
Once you've filled your suitcase with edible joy from the Central Market, there's plenty more to remember your weekend in Valencia by. A major stop on the Silk Route, Valencia is the place to stock up on silk items. Head to the Ruzafa neighbourhood and stop in at Abanicos Carbonell to purchase a traditional fan. If you're more of a sports fan, pick up the local football team's jersey at the Megastore near City Hall. If you happen to be here in May, check out the Escureata market on Plaza de la Reina for exquisite, locally produced homeware.