Welcome to Valencia!

Valencia (Spanish: Valencia) is the third largest city in Spain and the capital of the province of the same name. It is located on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, where the Turia River flows into the Mediterranean Sea. Together with Alicante and Castellon, it forms the Valencian Autonomous Community, a large region in the east of Spain, home to up to 10.63% of the country's total population. Translated from Latin, valencia (valentia) means "valor", "strength". The city received this name thanks to the Roman soldiers who inhabited Valencia in the 2nd century BC. Today, Valencians call it La Terreta (from Spanish – "land"), because it is the fertile soil that brings this corner of Spain a rich harvest of grapes, oranges and almonds. The area of Valencia is 628.81 km2, which makes it the 31st largest city in Spain . This territory is home to 792 thousand people, and the population of the entire Valencian agglomeration exceeds 1.58 million residents. Despite the crisis associated with the coronavirus pandemic, in recent years Valencia has seen a significant influx of immigrants. The average number of foreign citizens is 13.9% of the total number of residents. The largest percentage of visitors are immigrants from other countries of the European Union, mainly from Romania, Italy, Bulgaria. What attracts foreigners to Valencia, what this city of Spain lives and is famous for – we will tell you in our expert publication.

History of the city

The official date of foundation of Valencia is 138 BC. Initially, the city was located 4 km from the sea coast and was inhabited by Roman soldiers who fought under the consul Decimus Junius. The Romans called their colony "Valentia Edetanorum". Over time, this term was transformed into "Valencia". Over the next centuries, Valencia served as a bone of contention for many peoples. In 413, it was captured by the Visigoths, in 714 by the Moors, and in 1238, after passing into the hands of the Aragonese, it became the capital of the Kingdom of Valencia. The city flourished in the 14th century. At this time, mulberry trees began to be grown here and silk was produced, which made Valencia one of the largest suppliers of silk fabrics in Spain and Europe. The 14th century is often called the Golden Age of Valencia. The city was a thriving arts and culture city, with iconic landmarks such as the Silk Exchange and the Serranos Towers being built. The Kingdom of Valencia ceased to exist in 1707. The city came under the rule of the Bourbons and was completely subordinated to the Crown of Aragon. In the 19th century, Valencia had a lively trade in rice and citrus fruits. The steady income from agricultural sales allowed the authorities to allocate more funds for the construction of new houses. This changed the appearance of the city. In 1865, the ramparts were torn down, and Valencia began to expand beyond them.

Geographical location

Valencia is located in the eastern part of Spain, on the coast of the Iberian Peninsula. Its entire territory lies in the middle of a picturesque plain, which is formed by the beds of the Turia and Jucar rivers. The nearest mountain ranges of El Puig and Calderona are located at a distance of 12 and 25 km, respectively. Many buyers of real estate in Spain are attracted by the convenient location of Valencia on the Mediterranean coast. The proximity of beaches and healthy sea air make it an excellent place to live. The city is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Valencia and has a long coastline that stretches from the Albufera lagoon in the south to the municipality of Estivella in the north. In addition to the city itself, the province includes 266 more municipalities. The distance from Valencia to the largest of them, Paterna, is 10 km, to the popular tourist town of Sagunto – 30 km, to Chulilla – 63 km.

Weather and climate

Valencia is located in the zone of moderately warm subtropical climate. The average annual air temperature in its territory is +18.6 °C, relative humidity is 66%. The average number of rainy days is about 46 per year. Spring is considered the best time to visit the city. During this period, it is warm and comfortable, the thermometer stays at +20 … +23 °C, which allows guests and locals to walk a lot in the fresh air. Summer in the city is dry and warm, with almost no precipitation. The hottest month is August, when the air temperature rises to +30 … +33 °C. Fortunately, the daytime heat is slightly softened by sea breezes. Autumn is the most changeable season, since sunny days can suddenly give way to cloudy weather with short rains. At the beginning of November it is still warm, but by the end of the month the thermometer shows +15 °C. Winter in Valencia is mild, without snow and frost. Even in January, which is considered the coldest month of the year, the temperature rarely drops below +6 °C. Rain and cloudy days are more common compared to the summer season. Interesting! The weather in Valencia is influenced by the proximity of the sea. The city lies at the same latitude as Madrid, but the difference in temperatures can be up to 5-6 degrees . Winters on the coast are much warmer than in the Spanish capital, and summers are longer and milder. Water and air temperatures by month:

City districts

Administratively, Valencia is divided into 19 districts, which in turn include 88 neighborhoods. Each of them has its own pros and cons. If you are planning to move to Spain or want to invest in real estate, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the features of the Valencian districts in advance:

• Ciutat Vella is a central area with many old buildings and narrow streets. There are always many tourists here, so housing is bought mainly for rent.
• Eixample is the most prestigious and expensive district in the city. It consists of three microdistricts and has a well-developed infrastructure. The Rusafa quarter is considered especially popular among tourists, where homeowners can earn a good income from rent.
• Extramurs – is located close to the center, includes four quarters with high-rise buildings. In one of its quarters is the Northern Railway Station.
• Campanar is a comfortable suburb where people of different incomes live. It is located far from the sea, but is popular due to its proximity to the Turia Park.
• Saidia is a well-landscaped area with many parks and squares. It is perfect for those who prefer a quiet family life in Spain.
• Pla del Real is an area with expensive real estate that can be considered both for living and for rent. It is home to the University of Valencia and the Mestalla stadium.
• Olivereta is a large, not very safe area in the western part of the city. Many immigrants from poor countries, including African and Latin American ones, live here.
• Patras and Jesus are working-class areas with lots of warehouses, auto repair shops, gas stations. When buying real estate, it is worth choosing the street carefully.
• Cuatre Carreres – occupies a large area in the south-eastern part of Valencia. There are neighborhoods with new buildings and low-rise apartment buildings, and in the La Punta microdistrict you can buy a private house.
• Poblats Maritims is a coastal area with old buildings and fairly cheap apartments. Despite the proximity of the sea, the area has poor infrastructure.
• Kamins al Grau is a popular area among property buyers. The main advantages are the many luxury new buildings, good schools, shopping centers.
• Alhiros – attracts with its close location to the beaches. There are many educational institutions in the area, so students prefer to live here.
• Benimaclet is a rather poor area, dominated by old buildings. It is interesting from the point of view of renting out housing, as it is located close to the city's universities.
• Rascaña, Benicalap and Pobles del Nord are located on the northwestern outskirts of the city. They cannot boast of developed infrastructure and good transport accessibility, so they are rarely considered for buying real estate in Spain.
• Pobles de l'Oest – has affordable housing prices and comfortable living conditions. On its territory is the popular Benimamet area , where there are many shopping and entertainment centers.
• Pobles del Sud is a suburb with cheap real estate, belongs to a conservation area. Construction is prohibited here, so housing can only be bought in old houses.

Housing in suburban areas is in great demand among real estate buyers, which can be an excellent place to move to Spain . Many foreigners, when settling in the suburbs of Valencia, choose to live in the city of Paterna – the third largest municipality in the province with a population of over 70 thousand people. Also popular are Godella, Bétera, Torrente, La Ellana – fast-growing suburbs that are connected to Valencia by well-established transport links.

How to get there

The city can be reached by air, land or sea. The easiest way is to fly to Valencia Airport, which is located 8 km from the city centre. It is the 10th busiest in Spain and receives flights from over 20 countries. Over 8 million passengers pass through the airport terminal every year. There are several ways to get to Valencia Airport and back to the city:

• Bus number 150 – runs between the airport and the centre of Valencia, stopping in Mislata, Quart de Poblet and Manises. Tickets cost €1.45.
• Metrovalencia trains, lines 3 and 5, connect the airport with the city centre, the North Railway Station (Estación del Norte) and the port of Valencia.
• By taxi – they work at the city rate of €1.1 for each kilometer traveled. The minimum payment is €4, the surcharge for a trip to/from the airport is €5.4.

There are two railway stations in Valencia. The North Station serves mainly suburban routes, and the Joaquín Sorolla Station (Estación de Joaquín Sorolla) receives high-speed AVE trains from Madrid, Cuenca, Seville, Cordoba and other cities in Spain. The cruise port connects the city with the islands of the Balearic archipelago in Spain and some neighboring countries. From October to April, passenger services are carried out from the harbor to Marseille, Genoa, Rome, Palermo, and Ibiza. You can get to the port of Valencia from the center by taxi or city buses No. 4, 30, 95. Another convenient way to travel within Spain is by intercity buses. The cost of tickets depends on the distance and the carrier. For example, the road from Valencia to Torrevieja will cost from 15 to 45 €, and to Madrid – from 23 to 35 €. Intercity buses are served by the central bus station, located at Avenida Menéndez Pidal, 13. You can get to Valencia from nearby towns in Spain by car. The Mediterranean highway AP-7, which runs from north to south along the entire coast of the Spanish Levant, is a link with the European road network, the A-23 Sagunto-Somport highway and the A-3 Madrid-Valencia. The distance from Valencia to major cities and resorts in Spain by road:

• The distance from Valencia to Torrevieja is 214 km, the journey will take 2.5 hours.
• The distance to Madrid, the capital of Spain, is 354 km, travel time is about 4 hours.
• The distance between Valencia and Barcelona is 349 km, the journey takes almost 4 hours.
• The distance to Zaragoza is 309 km, the journey will take 3 hours.
• The distance between Malaga and Valencia is 629 km, the journey takes 6.5 hours.

Pros and Cons of Living in Valencia

Valencia is a great city to live in and move to Spain from other countries. Foreigners are attracted by the good climate, developed infrastructure, and wonderful conditions for summer holidays. Thanks to the large Russian-speaking community, people from the former Soviet Union can feel at home here. However, like any other city, Valencia has its pros and cons, which it is advisable to study before buying a home in Spain. It is worth living in Valencia for the following reasons:

• comfortable weather throughout the year – warm in winter, and cool breezes blow from the sea in summer;
• favorable environmental conditions, almost complete absence of industrial enterprises;
• more than 20 km of beaches, accessible on foot, by car or by public transport;
• high standard of living – people who move to Valencia have access to quality food, an effective system of social assistance and health care;
• friendly, hospitable population.

The downside of moving to Valencia is the need to learn Spanish. Although this disadvantage is also inherent in other cities in Spain. In addition, there are disadvantaged areas on its territory that should be avoided – especially alone. Another downside is that public transport does not work at night . Buses only carry passengers until 2:00, and the metro closes even earlier.

Cost of living and wages

According to a survey by the international portal InterNations , in 2023 Valencia was ranked among the top three cities in the world for expats to live. Its main advantages, according to many expats, are the availability of healthcare and a moderate cost of living. In addition, Valencia ranks among the top cities in Spain for ease of settlement, and 91% of expats are generally satisfied with their stay in the city. When compared with other cities, the cost of living index of Valencia is 42.3% cheaper than London and 29.8% cheaper than Berlin. Here is some useful information provided by the crowdsourced online database Numbeo :

• The average salary in Valencia (after taxes) is €2,036.53.
• Estimated monthly cost of living for a family of 4 (excluding rent) is €2,308.4.
• Estimated monthly expenses per person (excluding rent) – €651.6.
• Lunch for two in a mid-range restaurant – €45.
• Fitness club membership – €31.14 per adult per month.
• The cost of a one-way trip on public transport is €1.5.
• Utilities per month for an apartment of 85 m2 (electricity, water, heating, air conditioning, garbage removal) – €111.8.

Prices for renting and buying housing

In Valencia, you can find real estate for every taste. Comfortable city apartments, apartments on the seashore, luxury villas, cozy cottages in the countryside – each buyer will choose housing for moving to Spain according to their preferences. Prices depend on the area of the premises, location, characteristics of a particular property. Average cost of buying and renting residential real estate in 2023:

The most liquid housing options are presented in the historical center. But it is important to keep in mind that they are more expensive than real estate on the outskirts. For example, the price of an apartment in the Old Town is €3,814/m², and in the elite Eixample district – €3,962/m². More affordable offers are presented in the municipalities of the province. Thus, housing in Manises near the airport will cost €1,487/m².

City infrastructure

An important topic for people planning to go on holiday or relocate to Valencia is the level of comfort for life. In this regard, the city can give odds to many other settlements in Spain. There are many shops, markets, hotels, schools, and gastronomic establishments on its territory.

Restaurants, bars, cafes

Local restaurants and cafes can introduce tourists to traditional Valencian cuisine or offer more familiar European food. The most famous dish in Valencia is paella, which has more than 40 variations (with fish, squid and other ingredients). When visiting the city, it is worth visiting the following establishments:

• La Cuadra is a Mediterranean restaurant with open fire cooking. Its welcoming atmosphere is combined with first-class service and a good wine list.
• Arroceria Maribel is a Michelin-starred restaurant with a wide range of European and Spanish dishes. Here you can order the best paella in the city, as well as grilled fish, goat cheeses or homemade salads.
• Latte&Farina – located next to the cathedral and specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant makes seafood lasagne well and offers fantastic pizza from a wood-fired oven.
• El Porteno is a popular steakhouse in the city, serving authentic ribeye and juicy filet mignon. It has affordable prices and a large selection of wines.
• Fierro is another fine dining restaurant with a Michelin star. It serves Spanish cuisine including Valencian paella, fish steaks, beef medallions and salads.

Shopping

Valencia's shops offer products from both world-famous brands and Spanish mass-markets. You can go shopping at the nearest supermarket or on Poeta Querol Street, which is often called the "Golden Mile". A wide selection of furniture and home decor is presented in the IKEA store, which has branches not only in Valencia , but throughout Spain . The largest shopping centers in the city are:

• EL Soler;
• El Corte Inglés;
• Aqua Multispacio;
• Bonaire.

Please note! Most local shops are open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00. Some shops in the central areas are open on Sundays. Sales are held in the city from January 7 to the end of February and from July 1 to August 31. During this time, many products can be purchased at a big discount.

Markets

Valencia has many markets selling fresh food and handicrafts. The largest is the Central Market, located in Bruges Square and housed in a spectacular modernist building. Inside, there are over 1,200 stalls selling vegetables, fruit, cheese, wine and various delicacies. The market is open every day except Sunday from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm. Another large market, the Ruzafa Market, is located in the prestigious Ruzafa district of Valencia. Its over 160 stalls are housed in an original brutalist building built in 1962 by the architect Julio Bello Senenta. The market sells fish, seafood, poultry, game and seaweed. There are also some rather unusual offerings, such as edible insects and flowers. Mercado de Ruzafa welcomes customers from Monday to Saturday from 7:30 to 15:00.

Hotels

The local hotel stock is represented by hostels, B&B, hotels with different number of stars. If desired, you can stay in resort hotels that offer comfortable accommodation right on the coast. Three-star hotels:

• Cosmo Hotel & Bar is a hotel on Maria Cristina Street, within walking distance of the center. It offers standard, superior and family rooms with TV, Wi-Fi, and private bathroom. There is a restaurant with European cuisine on the ground floor.
• Ramirez Flats Valencia is a small aparthotel located 1 km from Turia Park. Guests can rent comfortable apartments with a kitchenette and air conditioning. Private parking is available on site.
• L'Esplai Valencia is a mini-hotel with Bed and Breakfast service. It is located next to the Valencia Cathedral and offers guests apartments or double rooms. Guests can use a storage room, rent a car or a bicycle.

Four star hotels:

• Helen Berger Boutique — welcomes guests 200 meters from the National Museum of Ceramics. Guests are provided with standard and loft rooms with a bathroom, TV, air conditioning. If necessary, you can use the food delivery to the room.
• Soho Boutique Turia – Conveniently located next to the Turia Gardens and St. Nicholas Church, it offers classic rooms with a safe, TV and free Wi-Fi. Facilities include a bar and a buffet breakfast.
• Melia Valencia — located near the Congress Palace, occupies the tallest building in the city. Guests have access to standard rooms, junior suites and premium rooms, as well as 22 conference rooms, a spa with a swimming pool and a gym.

Five star hotels:

• Palacio Vallier – operates near the Church of St. Nicholas, provides guests with standard rooms, junior suites, suites and presidential suites with a double bed. Guests have access to a restaurant, private parking and a business center for organizing business meetings.
• Only YOU Hotel is an international chain hotel located 700 meters from the Northern Railway Station. Guests can rent a standard room, suite or Homey suite with a living room. The hotel has a Mediterranean restaurant.
• Las Arenas Balneario Resort is a seaside resort with its own spa and indoor pool. Accommodation includes classic, executive and family rooms. The Sorolla restaurant serves European cuisine.

Schools

Foreign children can study in state (municipal) or private schools. Teaching is mainly in Valencian, but this can be a plus, since it will be easier for the child to enter the local university and find a job in the future. The following schools for children are considered the best in the city:

• CEIP Rodriguez Fornos;
• CEIP Lluis Vives;
• CEIP Cervantes;
• Colegio público Municipal de Benimaclet;
• CEIP Torrefiel.

If your child has difficulty with local languages, consider international schools that teach in English or German. There are no Russian educational institutions certified by the Spanish Ministry of Education in Valencia. To ensure your child does not forget their native language, you can use the services of Estrella del Norte and Slovo, which teach in Russian. Please note! All public schools in Valencia and other cities in Spain provide free secondary education for children aged 6 to 16. The school year begins in mid-September and consists of three semesters. After completing school, students, including foreigners, can enroll in any university in Spain. Valencia is among the top 100 best university destinations in the world according to QS Best Student . There are two public universities in the city – the University of Valencia and the Polytechnic University of Valencia , which has more than 50 faculties . You can only study at universities on a fee-paying basis. Tuition fees at the Polytechnic University range from €1,000 to €1,300 per year, at the University of Valencia – up to €1,200 for a budget course and up to €2,300 for a master’s degree.

Entertainment in Valencia

There is no time to get bored in Valencia, neither for tourists nor for locals. All year round, this lively city in Spain offers attractions, entertainment centers, and theme parks that attract visitors of all ages. The main attractions include:

• The Oceanographic Park of Valencia is the largest oceanarium in Spain and Europe, containing over 45,000 marine fish and animals. The inhabitants of the park live in nine underwater towers, which differ in the characteristics of the aquatic environment. One of the towers contains representatives of the fauna of the Mediterranean Sea, another – wetlands, the rest – the Red Sea, the Arctic, Antarctica, tropical seas. The main attraction of the park is an ocean tank with 7 million liters of water, inside which there is a glass tunnel for visitors.
• Gulliver Park is a children's entertainment center located in Turia Park. Almost its entire territory is occupied by a giant figure of a lying Gulliver, about 70 meters long, which is equipped with many stairs, ramps, slides, and climbing ropes. Children against its background turn into tiny Lilliputians and can fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the fairytale land of Lilliput.
• Bioparc Valencia is an African-themed zoo with an area of over 100,000 m2. It is located on the territory of the Cabecera Park and consists of four thematic zones – dry savannah, baobab forest, Madagascar island and wetlands. The zoo is home to about a thousand African animals, including elephants, lions, antelopes, hyenas, zebras, and rhinos.

The city is full of life not only during the day, but also at night. Night Valencia is all about discos, club parties, and a vibrant party atmosphere. Most of the nightclubs and bars are concentrated in the Plaza de la Nídora and the Carmen quarter. In the summer, the fun moves to the coast, where there are many beach clubs, including Marina Beach Club Valencia.

Attractions, excursions, interesting places

The historic center of the city is considered one of the largest not only in Spain, but also in Europe. On its territory and in the immediate vicinity you can find many parks, museums, architectural monuments that make life more intense and interesting. We will tell you where to go in Valencia and what to see at your leisure.

Museums

The city has more than 60 cultural spaces, including exhibitions and museums. Many of them are located in ancient buildings or, on the contrary, in ultra-modern houses that are no less worthy of attention than the ancient architecture of Spain. The best museums in Valencia :

• The Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia is the second largest art gallery in Spain, displaying works from the 15th to 19th centuries. The museum stands out for its rich collection of Renaissance paintings, as well as thematic rooms dedicated to the works of Francisco de Goya and Joaquín Sorolla.
• The Museum of the History of Valencia is located inside an old reservoir and introduces visitors to the rich past of the entire province. The permanent exhibition consists of 8 periods that cover the history from the foundation of the city to the present day. Here you can see archaeological finds, household items, toys, historical documents, works of art.
• The Institute of Contemporary Art of Valencia is the cultural flagship of the Valencian Community, founded in 1989 in the Carmen district. On an area of 18,200 m2 there are 8 galleries where you can see works by Julio González, Ignacio Pinazo and other contemporary Spanish artists. In one of the halls of the Museum of Contemporary Art there is a fragment of the 14th century Valencia fortress wall.
• The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex in the dried-up bed of the Turia River, consisting of 5 buildings in an avant-garde architectural style. Inside are the Science Museum, the Oceanarium, the Agora concert venue, the opera house and the Umbracle sculpture garden. The complex is surrounded by picturesque parks and swimming pools.

All the most interesting and best in Valencia can be seen with the València Tourist Card , which gives free access to museums and main attractions. Its cost depends on the period of use and ranges from 10.8 to 89.82 €.

Parks

If you don't know what to visit in the city, pay attention to the magnificent parks of Valencia . Local residents and visitors have access to about 2 million square meters of green areas, which are great for walking and relaxing with children. They are equipped with pedestrian and bicycle paths, playgrounds, attractions, cafes and restaurants. The best parks in the city are:

• "Turia" is one of the largest in Spain, with a length of about 9 km.
• Cabecera – borders Turia and is famous for its African-themed Biopark.
• The Viveros Gardens, which appeared during the Moorish rule, attract attention with their sculptures, gazebos and rose garden.
• The Botanical Garden is located at the University of Valencia and contains about 3 thousand plants from all over the world.

To see the truly virgin beauty of Spain, it is worth visiting the Albufera Natural Park. It is located south of Valencia and is a protected area where the Mediterranean ecosystem reigns over an area of more than 21 hectares. The heart of the park is a picturesque lake more than 30 km long, which was formed from a sea lagoon. Among other natural attractions, we can mention the caves near Valencia . Many of them are open to visitors and amaze the imagination with their monumental vaults, giant stalactites and stalagmites. The most interesting are Rui (Cueva del Rull) in Alicante and Don Juan (Cueva de Don Juan) in Jalance.

Attractions

You can explore the architectural monuments of Valencia on your own . Guides have been developed especially for guests of this city in Spain, which help you visit many interesting places in a short time. And it should be noted that there is much to see in Valencia. Medieval buildings, remains of ancient Roman structures, ancient cathedrals , temples and towers – all this vividly reminds us of the centuries-old history of Valencia . The main attractions of the city of Valencia and its environs:

• Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Santa María) is an architectural treasure and one of the oldest churches in Spain. Built in 1262 during the Visigothic rule, it rises between two squares – Queen's Square and Our Lady's Square. The walls of the cathedral contain a rich collection of Quattrocento paintings. The main relic of the temple is the Holy Grail , for which thousands of pilgrims come to Valencia .
• Queen's Square (Plaza de la Reina) – located next to the Valencia Cathedral , is a popular tourist destination. Several historical businesses are located here, as well as the zero kilometer of the Valencian radial roads.
• The Serranos Towers (Torres de Serranos) are the remains of the Valencia city walls built between 1392 and 1398. During the Middle Ages they served as the north-eastern gate of Valencia , and from the 16th century until 1887 they were a prison for the local nobility.
• The Queen Sofia Palace of the Arts (Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofía) is an opera house in Valencia , located in the City of Arts and Sciences. In English – Queen Sofia Palace of Arts. It is a building in modern architecture, 17 storeys high (14 above ground and 3 underground).
• The Church of Santa Catalina (Iglesia de Santa Catalina) is a Gothic church next door to the cathedral. It stands on a 13th-century foundation and attracts attention with its 56-metre Baroque bell tower.
• The Silk Exchange (Lonja de la Seda) is the most famous Gothic building in Valencia , where silk was traded in the 16th century. The building was built from 1482 to 1533. In 1996, it was added to the UNESCO list of sites.
• Our Lady's Square (Plaça de la Verge) is located on the site of the ancient Roman forum. Its main attractions are the Generalidad Palace and the Valencia Cathedral.
• The Town Hall Square (Plaça de l'Ajuntament) is the largest square in the city. At its western end is the Town Hall, and around its perimeter are many other architectural monuments, including the Post Office, the Consistorial Palace and the Ernest Ferrer House.
• The Columbus Market (Mercat de Colón) is a modernist building built in 1916. In the last century it was used as a traditional Spanish market, today it combines a market and an entertainment center with a concert venue.
• The Church of the Archangel Michael (Iglesia Ortodoxa Rusa San Miguel Arcangel) is located in the municipality of Altea, built in 2007 in the style of Russian wooden architecture. It is the first temple of the Russian Orthodox Church in Valencia and all of Spain.
• The Generalitat Palace (El Palau de la Generalitat) is an ancient building in the Valencian Gothic style with Renaissance elements. It was built in the 15th century for the tax service of the Crown of Aragon. It currently houses the government of the Valencian Autonomous Community.
• The Church of Saint Nicholas (Església de Sant Nicolau de Bari i Sant Pere Màrtir) is one of the oldest churches in the city, located in the square of the same name in the La Seu quarter. The first mentions date back to 1239. Inside you can see ancient frescoes painted in 1690-1693.

Beaches

The coastline of Valencia is about 20 km long. Clean beaches stretch along the coast, which are fully equipped for a comfortable holiday. Vacationers are offered sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and changing cabins. There is no fee for visiting, as in all of Spain. All beaches in Valencia are covered with golden sand. The entry into the water is mostly gentle, but in some places there is a rapid increase in depth. The best areas have been awarded the Blue Flag, a sign of quality and cleanliness of the territory. The coastline is conventionally divided into two parts – city beaches and beach areas located in the Albufera Natural Park.

City beaches

The most popular beaches for recreation on the coast are Cabanyal, Malvarrosa and Patacona. They start two steps from the center and stretch one after another for about 3.5 km. The beach areas are cleaned daily, so the sand here is always clean, without garbage. Between Cabanyal and Malvarrosa there is a wonderful embankment where you can walk and visit restaurants or cafes. For those who like not only sunbathing, but also play various sports, there are water equipment rental points and a beach volleyball complex. In the sea not far from the shore there is the Malvarrosa reef, where diving enthusiasts from all over Spain come to admire the picturesque underwater world.

Beaches of the Albufera Natural Park

Just 10 minutes' drive from Valencia, there are natural beaches that never cease to amaze tourists with their beauty. They are located on the territory of the Albufera Nature Reserve and represent 17 km of coastline with fine golden sand. The series of beaches begins with Pinedo, then Arbre del Gos and El Saler, and then the magnificent Garrofera, which is adjacent to a natural lake. A rare beach holiday in Valencia is complete without a trip to the most beautiful local beach – La Devesa. Its length is almost 5 km. When visiting this area, vacationers find themselves in a real kingdom of nature, where there is no housing, no roads, no resort infrastructure. The string ends with the urbanized beach of Perellonet, framed by rice fields.

Interesting facts about the city

Valencia never ceases to amaze with its rich history, ancient architectural monuments, and colorful way of life. We have tried to collect for you all the useful information about this city of Spain, but there are still some interesting facts about Valencia that you might not know:

• The famous paella, for which Spain is so famous, was first prepared in the village of El Palmarrayon near Lake Albufera. After the capture of Valencia in the 8th century, the Moors began to grow rice on the marshy banks of this reservoir, and the locals cooked a hearty porridge from the grain, adding mussels, shrimp, fish, poultry or rabbit.
• During the Spanish Civil War, the city briefly became the country's capital. From November 1936 to October 1937, it housed the Spanish government.
• According to historians, the city is the birthplace of the stepladder. An image of the ancestor of this ladder was found in one of the caves of Valencia – Spider. The drawing, created about 8 thousand years ago, depicts a man climbing to get honey from a beehive on a tree.
• The city's calling card is the non-alcoholic drink horchata. It is prepared using tubers of the ground almond – chufa, and then served with sweet farton buns. It is believed that the recipe for horchata was obtained during the Moorish presence in Spain in the 8th-13th centuries.
• Valencia is the leader in Spain in terms of the number of Blue Flag beaches. In this respect, the Valencian province surpasses even Catalonia.
• Every year the city hosts one of the largest festivals in Spain – the Fallas fire festival. For 5 days, throughout the Valencian Community, you can see colorful fireworks, processions with lanterns and colorful garlands. In 2016, Fallas was recognized as an intangible heritage site by UNESCO.

Webcams

Experience the dynamic life of the city with the help of live broadcast from online cameras of Valencia . Broadcasting is carried out in the following places:

• Valencia Sea Port – https://meteo365.es/livecams/valencia-puerto.php
• Malvarosa Beach – https://meteo365.es/livecams/valencia.php
• Town Hall Square – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CM4WF5sQrOI

The information below is not of a commercial nature and is provided for informational purposes only. Deniz Estate is a professional real estate agency that helps clients buy, sell and rent housing in Spain. We guarantee a large selection of liquid housing and are ready to take on full legal support for the transaction.