Valencia

Valencia

The city of Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is known for its cultural heritage, festivals, traditional Spanish cuisine, and sports, as well as for the dazzling City of Arts and Sciences, which includes museums, an aquarium, and other cultural and recreational centers.

BOOK NOW

History of Valencia

The history of the city of Valencia is rich and diverse, representing a fusion of influences from various cultures and eras. Here is a brief overview of the history of Valencia:

  • Roman Period: The area of Valencia was inhabited by the Romans around the 2nd century BC and was known as "Valentia Edetanorum." The Romans contributed to the development of the region and constructed aqueducts and other infrastructure.
  • Occupation by the Vandals and Byzantines: During the Early Middle Ages, the region was conquered by the Vandals and later by the Byzantines.
  • Muslim Rule: In the 8th century, Valencia was conquered by the Moors during the Arab conquest of the Iberian Peninsula. During this period, a rich Arabic cultural heritage flourished.
  • Reconquest by Christians: In the 13th century, the city was reclaimed by Christians during the Spanish Reconquista. Under Christian rule, Valencia became an important commercial and cultural center.
  • Discovery of the Americas: Valencia played a role in the expedition for the discovery of the Americas, with Christopher Columbus departing from the city's port in 1492.
  • Modern Era: During the modern era, Valencia evolved into an industrial city and a significant port. In the 20th century, the city was revitalized and developed as a cultural and tourist destination.
  • Contemporary Period: Today, Valencia is a dynamic city with a rich cultural heritage, beautiful landmarks, excellent cuisine, and a significant economic role in Spain. Valencia is also known for the Festival of Fire (Fallas), an annual event held in March that features spectacular parades, fireworks, and the burning of large paper statues (las Fallas) as a gesture of gratitude for protection from the Virgin of the Statues.

Sights in Valencia

  • The Church of Saint Thomas and Saint Philip: It is a beautiful example of Valencia's Mediterranean architectural style, with its impressive dome covered in blue tiles. It was built in 1725 and was recognized as a National Historic Monument in 1982. The church's facade is adorned with Baroque elements, while its architecture is influenced by the Church of Il Gesù in Rome. Inside, there is a spacious central nave with several chapels.
  • The City of Arts and Sciences: It is a complex of three buildings designed by the renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. It includes the Hemisfèric-Imax theater, where you can watch documentaries on a massive screen, the Science Museum that resembles a Star Trek spacecraft, and one of the best aquariums on the planet, housing tropical and Mediterranean fish. You can reach it by taking the metro to the Alameda station and then walking through the city's river park.
  • The Institute of Modern Art: The institute is housed in an impressive Space-Age building and is dedicated to pioneering art of the 20th century. The permanent collection covers various movements in contemporary art, such as Abstract and Pop Art, Informalism, and New Figurative. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.

Activities in Valencia

The city of Valencia offers many activities for visitors. Depending on your interests, you can enjoy the following:

  • Stroll along the Turia River: Enjoy a romantic walk along the Turia River and its parks and fountains.
  • Visit the Beach: Valencia has beautiful beaches where you can relax, swim, and soak up the Spanish sun.
  • Gastronomy: Try local delicacies and dishes such as paella, horchata, and tapas at local restaurants and taverns.
  • Visit the Reina Sofia Arts and Sciences Center: This museum houses 20th-century art collections, providing an opportunity to discover works by artists such as Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró.
  • Biking: Explore the city by bike as Valencia has an extensive network of bike lanes.
  • Visit the Turia Gardens: This beautiful garden is perfect for a relaxing stroll and features beautiful flowers and lakes.
  • Festivals and Events: Check the calendar for festivals, parades, and other events that may take place during your visit.

These are just some of the activities you can enjoy in Valencia. The city offers a wide range of activities to cater to various interests. As for traveling to/from Valencia, it depends on your location. You can consider options like flying into Valencia Airport, taking a train, or using other modes of transportation based on your starting point.

How to travel to / from Valencia?

Some popular ferry routes to Valencia are as follows:

  • Ferry Routes Palma de Mallorca - Valencia: The Palma de Mallorca - Valencia ferry routes are operated by the ferry companies Balearia and Grandi Navi Veloci daily. The duration of the journey is approximately 7-8 hours. The cost of the passenger ticket ranges from 15€ to 113€.
  • Ferry Routes Ibiza - Valencia Ferry Routes: The ferry company Balearia operates the Ibiza - Valencia route in a little over 4 hours with a passenger ticket cost of 113.64€.


How to Book Ferry Tickets to Valencia:

You can purchase ferry tickets to Valencia online through the booktickets platform with just a few clicks. Here, you will find all available routes with all available discounts for passengers and vehicles.