Valencia is known as the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean. It is the capital city of the autonomous community of Valencia in Spain and is found along the Mediterranean coast. Valencia was occupied by the Romans as far back as 140 BC. Since then, it has been occupied by the Visigoths, Moors and the Aragonese. The Holy Grail was believed to be housed in the Cathedral of Valencia.



There are many exciting sights and attractions to see in Valencia. The most popular attraction is the Valencia City of Arts and Sciences. Here you will see the largest aquarium in the world, an IMAX cinema, Palau de la Musica and Palau de les Arts. Another highlight of the City of Arts and Sciences is that is located within the Turia Gardens which is beautiful part of Valencia that all visitors to the area must see.

Be sure to visit the Old Quarter of Valencia. It is an historical area that is home to El Miguelet and the Cathedral where the Holy Grail was thought to be housed. Today, the old quarter is full of trendy Bohemian cafes and bars with an exciting nightlife that is worth a seeing. In fact, the nightlife throughout Valencia is famous it is full of cafes, bars, restaurants, discos and theaters.

If you are in Valencia during the time of the festivals you are in for a treat. They are exciting, lively and colorful. Make sure to find out what is happening during the festivals of Las Fallas, La Tomatina, Easter and Christmas. If you prefer to relax, in Valencia you can focus your holiday around one of the beautiful white sandy beaches. Situated on the coast of the Mediterranean, Valencia has miles of stunning beaches where you can swim, suntan or dine in one of the many restaurants and bars along the promenade. You can drive down the coast to see the vast expanses of orange groves that are part of what makes Valencia famous. If you have time to leave Valencia itself, you can take a ferry ride over to one of the three beautiful Balearic Islands or to Barcelona, Tenerife or Morocco.

For an injection of culture, you can visit one of the many museums or art galleries that Valencia offers. It is home to a natural science museum and a zoo that is based in a lovely park. It has a number of monuments and examples of modern architecture that are interesting to view.

There are a number of accommodation options that visitors to Valencia can choose from. You can stay in a hotel ranging from 2 to 5 stars. These can be found in various areas of the city, including the old quarter or near the beach and port. Alternatively, you can stay in a youth hostel. These are somewhat like guest houses and offer either private rooms for 2 to 3 people or dormitories for 8 to 10 people. A worthwhile option, particularly if you are planning to stay in Valencia for an extended time, is to rent a holiday apartment. These are available throughout the city.