1. El Saler Beach
El Saler Beach is one of the finest beaches in Valencia. It’s located just a short drive or cycle from the city but is completely worth the short excursion.
With an endless stretch of fine white sand backed with wild natural sand dunes, it’s a wonderful place to decamp for a few hours and enjoy peaceful strolls along the kilometres of empty beach lapped by warm Mediterranean waters with the fresh, clean, sea breeze on your face.
2. Casco Historico
Valencia’s old town has a myriad of plaza’s where you can stroll or simply hang out with the Valencian community. Most plaza’s have features and quaint outdoor seating areas where you can take a cortado and simply watch the world pass by. Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen (photo above) are my favourites but I would encourage you to stroll around and discover the rest which are equally stunning.
3. El Miguelete
El Miguelete, the Cathedral bell tower, was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, in gothic style by Andrés Juliá; it has an octagonal base and a height of nearly 51 metres and offers some of the most stunning views of the entire city from the top of it’s ancient spiral staircase. Head over at sundown to see magnificent sunsets over the city. It’s located next to the Baroque Puerta de Hierros (The Iron Gate).
4. La Lonja De La Seda (Silk Market)
The Lonja, as it is affectionately known, is an emblematic building of the city and one of the most famous civil Gothic monuments in Europe. It was declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument in July 1931 and was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1996. You can find La Lonja in the centre of the city, in front of the Central Market and the Temple of Santos Juanes.
5. Turia River Park
The Turia River Park is one of the largest urban parks in Spain. It stretches through the city along nine kilometres of green space boasting foot paths, leisure and sports areas, and romantic spots where you can unwind. From Cabecera Park to the City of Arts and Sciences, the Turia River Park is the perfect place for runners, cyclists, families and nature enthusiasts. Crossed by 18 bridges full of history, the former riverbed passes by the city’s main museums and monuments on either bank.
6. Torres De Serranos
The Torres de Serranos (or Serranos Towers) are believed to be the largest Gothic city gateway in Europe, and were constructed at the end of the 14th century by Pere Balaguer as part of the city’s fortification. They provisionally housed prison cells and served as a triumphal arch on many festive and solemn occasions. You can enjoy superb views of the old town and the river Turia from its’ terraces.
7. City of Arts and Sciences
If you come to València during the low season, a visit to the City of Arts and Sciences is a must. Work of the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava, several of its buildings have become icons in the city. It is a scientific and cultural leisure complex which can be enjoyed with family or friends, covering around two kilometres of the former riverbed of the River Turia.
What do you think? Do you agree with our 7 Icons of Valencia or have we missed something special? Let us know your thoughts!
