Valencia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild winters. It is well known for it's orange groves and tourists flock to it's two main beaches. Valencia is also one of Spain's most densely populated cities. As you enter the city of Valencia, the roads become somewhat confusing and can be hard work. Once in the city, expect to spend time in traffic and parking is very difficult. That's why we decided to go there by train, it's just 2 hrs journey by Euromed from Tarragona.

Our main idea is to see the city of arts and science so we didn't have much time to see the whole of Valencia. However we still get to see the main city center.

One of the busiest areas of the city is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the new vital centre of the city. Here you will find the main post office and the City Council building. Not far from there you will find the North Station, built in 1906, arriving here by train you will find yourself in the heart of the central historical centre. The train station is really beautiful. Next to the station is the Plaza de Toros (Bullring). One of the largest and most beautiful in Spain. Seating over 16,000 people it was constructed in 1850. The old riverbed through the city has been drained and now houses various sports installations and parks.

When it comes to festivals, Valencia's calendar is full. Much of the city's festivities are marked by huge firework displays for which the city is famous. The most important celebration is that of the Fallas which lasts a whole week from the 15th-19th March. It coincides with the beginning of spring and throws Valencia into an eplosion of noise and colour. More than 300 huge Fallas (works of art) are erected around the city. Each is a symbol of malicious criticism and sarcasm. The climax is on March 19th when the Fallas are burned at midnight. And that's my aim for next year, to see the FALLAS!!!