SPAIN Visiting the municipalities, towns and cities of the Valencia Region will allow you to escape to the most attractive and suggestive corners of its geography.
About 500 destinations that offer endless possibilities: traditional fishing villages, quaint charming rural villages and modern cosmopolitan cities, both on the coast or inland, to rest in
their natural areas or to enjoy its cuisine, its festivals, and lively nightlife. Full of culture and history, the towns and cities of the Valencia Region treasure an inestimable historic and
artistic heritage from Morella to Orihuela.
Valencia
There are few cities like Valencia, able to harmoniously combine the remnants of its farthest past, dating to the year 138 BC, with the most innovative and avant-garde buildings from the new millennium. Valencia is trade and culture, cinema, theatre, museums, magic, business. It is the centre of international and avant-garde design, and one of the most active cities in Europe regarding fairs and conferences. Thanks to its location, Valencia has historically been Spain’s Mediterranean port and has that special charm of cities that are also seaports. And the fine sand and clean water, the vastness of the sea and the closeness of the coastal mountains make the Valencian coast uniquely attractive. There are outstanding beaches and dunes at Canet d’En Berenguer, where the coastline becomes leisurely and residential, as it does to the north of the Valencian capital, where small tourist town (La Pobla de Farnals, Alboraya, and El Puig) have emerged where only a few years ago fruit and vegetables were grown. In addition, still within the city of Valencia, the beaches of La Malvarrosa and Levante offer a wide variety of places to dine and enjoy a quiet evening by the sea. To the south, nature becomes predominant at Saler Beach and in the L’Albufera Nature Reserve, where the sun can be enjoyed in unique surroundings. The beaches of Cullera, Gandía and Oliva combine beautiful landscapes with a number of sporting and recreational facilities. Interesting routes await you inland, such as the one defined by the course of the Turia River, or charming towns like Buñol, Requena and Xátiva.
Alicante
Located in the middle of the Costa Blanca, Alicante is one most important tourist destinations in the Spanish east coast. The many golf courses, along with the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea, are part of the appeal of this beautiful harbour city, which sits at the foot of the Castle of Santa Barbara, a silent witness to the numerous civilisations to have settled here. The historic quarter, at the foot of this fortress, conceals an interesting religious and civil architectural legacy, including the emblematic Explanada de España (Spain boulevard), a traditional recreational area to the local residents. In addition, along the coastline of Alicante are a dozen golf course with excellent views to the Mediterranean for the enjoyment of the enthusiasts of this sport. In Alicante there are numerous natural treasures that are very much worth a visit. Midway between Alcoi and Ibi, in Sierra of Menejador, is the Carrascal de la Font Roja Nature Reserve. Also of great environmental importance are the Nature Reserves of El Fondo, Mata and Torrevieja Lagoons, Montgó, Penyal d’Ifac, Santa Pola Salt Marshes and the Pego-Oliva Fen. In the interior of the province lies the city of Elche and its palm tree grove, declared World Heritage.However the visit would not be complete without trying the delicious rice dishes, cooked in many different, original ways around these parts: arroz a banda (rice with fish), arroz negro ("black rice", with cuttlefish), arroz al horno (baked rice), etc. Seafood is also incomparable. For dessert, nothing beats pan de higo (fig bread, a paste made of dried figs), turrón (a sweet similar to nougat, made of toasted almonds, honey and sugar) and Jijona ice cream. These dishes go very well with wines with Designation of Origin-Alicante, the prestigious seal of quality and origin, given in Spain to select wines and products and among which Fondillón stands out, an old fruit liqueur, excellent for dessert.
Castellón de la Plana
Castellón extends on a flat ground between the mountains and the sea. It is the capital of the second most mountainous province in the peninsula and is bathed by the Mediterranean. It's located on the 0 meridian, also called Greenwich, with the geographical diversity as its greatest attraction, which grows as we focus our sight on exact points. The city is experiencing an expansion process. It faces the sea and the new horizons provided by culture, which has always been, and is more and more established in its streets. Its unique landscapes and the white orange blossoms, which become oranges in autumn, turn this town into an indispensable stop to get to know the splendorous Valencian littoral.
Benidorm
Located in the Marina Baixa region in Alicante, Benidorm is one of the top tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca, thanks to its excellent beaches and its wide range of accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities. Its historic centre stands on a promontory, and contrasts with the broad avenues lined with buildings, shops and outdoor cafés which extend five kilometres along the coastline. Benidorm offers a whole range of possibilities: from strolling along the seafront promenade or swimming in the sea, to enjoying a range of water sports or taking a boat trip to the island of Benidorm. Not to mention the various local festivities, and its mouth-watering cuisine featuring rice and fish as its star ingredients. Benidorm is one of the most important tourist resorts on Alicante’s Costa Blanca. Its fine sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and outstanding year-round climate have made it justly famous, and it also has a full range of first rate infrastructures and services.
Calpe
Dominated by the imposing image of the Rock of Ifach, Calpe sits on the shores of the Mediterranean, surrounded by a beautiful landscape filled with mountains and vineyards. Many ancient civilisations settled in this town in the Marina Alta region of Alicante, a history narrated by the remains it preserves, which include the Roman baths "Baños de la Reina" (Queen's Baths). Deeply-rooted traditions harmoniously coexist with the tourist industry, making it one of the main destinations on the Costa Blanca. Eleven kilometres of beaches and coves, a marina and a beautiful natural environment are part of the immense appeal of the town. Including, of course, its astounding gastronomy, an authentic showcase of Alicante's cuisine. Calpe, a town with a long history and deeply-rooted traditions, is also one of the main tourist destinations on the Costa Blanca. The Marina, the promenade and eleven kilometres of coastline, marked by cliffs, beaches and coves, are some of the many attractions. Another attraction is one of the symbols of the town, the Rock of Ifach, a huge calcareous rock, 332 metres high, that penetrates the sea and gave the town its name. This region has been declared Nature Reserve, because of its botanicaland faunal diversity. The best views of Calpe and its coastline are seen from the top of the rock, accessible through guided tours at the park. The mild climate and the peculiar orography of the area make this town the ideal destination for everyone, from those seeking beaches and sun to fans of outdoor sports. Refreshment kiosks and equipment-hiring stands that offer windsurfing boards and jet-skis are located all along the beaches of La Fossa and Arenal, which have a beautiful promenade and offer all kinds of services. Among the many quiet coves in the bay is Les Bassetes, famous for its beautiful seabed and crystal waters. This cove rivals others such as La Manzanera and Les Urques in beauty, perfect for sailing and scuba diving. Lovers of outdoor sports can climb the Rock of Ifach or go potholing in the Barranc del Mascarat and the Oltá Mountain.
