Valencia is the capital of the Spanish autonomous community of Valencia and its province. It is the third largest city in Spain and an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar in Spain. Its port is one of the busiest on the Mediterranean coast. The city is best known as the city El Cid, the great Spanish leader, took from the Muslims in the late 11th Century.

One of the biggest cities in Spain, and among the most liveliest. It is located on the Mediterranean sea. During the summer-months it is heavily visited by tourists

The Valencian paella, made with rice, rabbit chicken, and greens, is the typical dish in Valencian gastronomy.

After the floods of 1957, the course of the river Turia was artificially diverted south of the city. The old river bed therefore dried up and was turned into a series of differently-designed gardens and a new focal point for the city at the same time.

Valencia has over 2.8 km of beaches, all with excellent facilities and services. The Malvarrosa and Arenas beaches are just minutes from the city centre and easily reached via bus by bicycle using the cycle path, on the metro, or on foot. Next to Malvarrosa and Arenas is the Paseo Maritimo, a magnificent sea-front promenade, where you can enjoy walking, jogging, roller skating, sun bathing or stop at a restaurant for a delicious paella and a glass of wine.

The centre of the nightlife is the Barrio del Carmen, it is in the heart of the old town. There are quiet cafes that invite you to sit and contemplate life, lively open-air patios, and all sorts of bars and discos for listening to the latest sounds or dancing the night away. More good night life areas are to be found in and around the Plaza de Canovasthe, Avenida de Aragon, and the university zone of Avenida Blasco Ibanez, Plaza de Honduras, Plaza Xuquer and Juan Llorens.

A visit to the Plaza Redonda on Sunday morningsis a must, its hustle and bustle take you back to 19th century Valencia, an open-air flea market with paintings, animals, books, plants, leather goods and music. Also on a Sunday, stamp collectors and numismatists gather in the Lonja de la Seda for their ritual of exchange and barter.

The Valencia zoo is not to be missed with 150 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. The Aquarium displays fresh and saltwater ecosystems. The Animals of the Night exhibition brings us closer to the nocturnal creatures and the Toca-Toca introduces us to the world of tropical insects, snakes and iguanas.