Valencia

Plaça de la Mare de Déu and the Cathedral at the old city of Valencia.

Located on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula, Valencia is the third most populous city of Spain, after Madrid and Barcelona. The city has an extensive historical and monumental heritage, which together its diverse cultural scene makes it one of the most touristic cities of Spain. The Port of Valencia is the 5th busiest container port in Europe and the busiest container port on the Mediterranean Sea.

Valencia was founded as a Roman colony in 138 BC. The city is situated on the banks of the Túria, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, fronting the Gulf of Valencia on the Mediterranean Sea. Its historic centre is one of the largest in Spain. This heritage of ancient monuments, views and cultural attractions makes Valencia one of the country's most popular tourist destinations.

Valencia is very proud of its dedication to forward thinking architecture and cultural projects. The world famous City of Arts and Sciences has to be seen to be believed. It is a cultural centre stretching over 2 km and made up of buildings and open spaces that look like they are straight out of a science-fiction film.

Panoramic view of the City of Art ans Science, on the course of old river Túria.

The city is also a wonderful place to head if you fancy relaxing in the outdoors. Not only does it boast 13 km of golden sandy beaches, there are also parks and gardens throughout the city offering tranquility and beauty. The riverbed of the river Túria has been dried out and now offers 9 km of parks and botanical gardens that cut right through the heart of the city. The Valencia Bioparc is a zoo unlike any other, designed to feel as though you have been air-dropped into the heart of Africa.

La Malva-rosa, one of the most famous and crowded beaches of Valencia.

Thanks to its location, Valencia has historically been Spain’s Mediterranean port and has that special charm of cities that are also seaports. And the fine sand and clean water, the vastness of the sea and the closeness of the coastal mountains make the Valencian coast uniquely attractive.