Valencia Information
Valencia is Spain's third-largest city with a population of some 740,000. It
lies on the Mediterranean coast some 350km south of Barcelona. Madrid is a
similar distance inland. Gastronomically, the region is home to paella, Spain's most famous dish.
Historically, it is believed that the Holy Grail resides in Valencia's cathedral
and it was
here that El Cid fought the Moors.
The Valencia climate tends to be mild all year round
and one of Spain's greatest festivals, Las Fallas, takes place every March when
revellers 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 now firmly established on the European
art circuit with galleries containing works by El Greco, Goya and Velázquez. The city
has undergone a facelift in recent times as it has hosted the America's Cup
sailing race on two occasions and is now home to the European Formula One Grand
Prix.
Accommodation during the Fallas
Festival is in short supply as many visitors book up a full year in advance.
This is also the case with the Formula One Grand Prix and the MotoGP when not
only the hotels but also the
Hostels in Valencia become fully booked.
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