Valencia: An Increasingly Popular Destination

Deciding where to go on holiday can be a struggle. However, in recent years, Spain has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for European tourists.

Valencia has always been a tourist magnet, located on the east coast, bordering La Costa Del Azahar and El Mar Balearico, there are plenty of things to see and do in Valencia. Whether you are a person who enjoys sun, sea and sand or history, culture and science, Valencia has something to offer you.  The Spain TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards voted Valencia as one of the top 10 destinations in 2012. Below are some recommendations of things to see and do in Valencia…

It is a must to visit the City of Arts and Sciences located on the former bed of the River Turia. It is a huge complex including an aquarium, a science museum, parks and theatres. The spectacular architecture by Santiago Calatrava and Félix Candela makes this building distinctive. One of the biggest attractions of the complex is L'Oceanogràfic (a marine park) which is the perfect place for children to learn about biology and nature. Museums are very important in Valencia. For example, the Ceramics Museum is situated in the extravagant Palacio Del Marqués de Dos Aguas. There are 5 works of art on display here that Picasso made especially for the palace.

Lonja de la Seda is a late gothic style building located in the centre of Valencia City.  In 1996, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. Las Fallas (The Fires) is a traditionally Valencian festival which takes place between the 15th and the 19th March. It is a unique and exciting Spanish fiesta based on creating and destroying Ninots (puppets or dolls made of wood or plaster). On the last day of the festival (La Cremá) all Ninots are burned and everyone enjoys the sight of flames and the smell of gunpowder. The Museum of Las Fallas has all the Ninots from previous years’ festivities on display.