This is largely due to the fact that it was founded by the Romans in 137 BC and was later a Roman military port. Two of the city's original gates still stand today, but the city has expanded somewhat since those stones were laid.



Santiago Calatrava, among the world's most sought-after architects, constructed the city of arts and science project for his hometown. It's a spectacular, hemispheric complex with a glimmering reflection pool. Don't miss the chance to see an outdoor concert here at night while the whole "city" is perfectly lit. There are 5 different sections: an arts pavilion, europe's largest aquarium, an interactive science centre, a planetarium/ imax dome and a botanical garden.

Barrio del Carmen, the city's historic quarter, is made up of winding, maze-like streets perfect for exploring and strolling. Around here you'll find the sights typical to any ancient spanish city: the cathedral, city hall, and numerous plazas now set up with outdoor cafes.

One of the best things about Valencia is that you're right on the beach. The most lively city beaches, Las Arenas and Malvarrosa, are connected by a busy boardwalk full of restaurants and cafes.

Thanks to its privileged location on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea Valencia attracts visitors anxious to get to know the city's interesting attractions, sport and entertainment facilities, beaches, food, great weather and friendly people.

The nearby mountains, only 20 kilometers away, are a wonderful, rich area of natural beauty with an amazing variety of plants and wildlife to wow the visitors.

Valencia is not like most cities and the extravagantly decorated main railway station is a must see - a shining example of the ceramics industry that 500 years ago, Valencianos began developing into fine art.

There are more wonderful examples of ceramics artistry through the ages at the nearby Palacio del Marques dos Aguas, an ornately decorated 15th century palace housing the national museum of ceramics. There are stunningly beautiful ceramics dating back to the 13th century, produced in the town of Paterna and picasso-like pieces from the 18th century, made in Manises where active potteries still exist and are well worth visiting.

A large student community ensures that the city has not turned into a museum and provides a very lively and pleasant environment.

Valencia is a city with a lot of energy and it has undertaken a whole range of spectacular developments such as the city of arts and sciences, the new aquarium and has now started to redevelop the harbour that will redefine Valencia's relationship with the sea.

Recently the 32nd America's Cup Regatta was held in Valencia which attracted huge interest, and even more recently the Formula One Grand Prix teams descended on the city to race around the newly designed street circuit near the port.

This welcoming cosmopolitan city, which historically has been a place where different civilizations have converged and today continues to be a link between the north of Europe and the Mediterranean countries, via its efficient communication network.

With a population of 800,000, Valencia has a modern transportation network, which makes the city easily accessible by land, sea and air. The number of European flights has greatly increased over the last few years, thanks to Manises International Airport. The airport, which was built recently and is only 8 kms. From the city, links Valencia to the main Spanish and European cities.

Valencia is poised to become Europe's "it" city. Valencia seems to have subscribed to the "if you build it, they will come" theory of tourism, which worked out so well for Bilbao after the construction of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum.

In Valencia, Santiago Calatrava has designed a dazzling complex of buildings, parks, and pools that look as if they could take flight at a moment's notice. With their sweeping arcs, jazzy angles, and shiny surfaces, Calatrava's creations seem more like sculptures than architecture, charismatic works of art that will inspire even the most jaded viewers to whip out their digital cameras and begin clicking away.

Calatrava has said that his designs were inspired by natural forms. For example, the peaks of his science museum suggest birds with open beaks while the hemispheric planetarium resembles the human eye and can even blink.

The shimmering quality of the facades is enhanced by Calatrava's use of trencadis, shards of the region"s famous ceramic tile that are fitted together to form a gleaming white whole that refracts the brilliant mediterranean sunlight.

So if you are looking for a holiday destination that is unlike any other than put Valencia near the top of your list, you won't regret it.