So this morning I returned from a little getaway to Valencia. Having spent the last few months working hard with my design work, I felt it was about time to find some sun, sangria and sea.. and of course relax.
Country - Spain
Language - Spanish
where to stay:
Home Youth Hostel - As we were a large group of students, half of us travelling around europe, the easiest, cheapest thing to do is the stay in a hostel. The hostel that we chose in total cost less than 70 euros for three nights, with rooms of four beds, lockers, and bedding. The hostel we stayed in was the best I've stayed in with a comfortable bed, a high-powered working shower and a warm hostel staff that aren't afraid to have fun. The Home Youth Hostel was also in one of the best areas in Valencia, with cafe's and restaurants just around the corner, and within walking distance of bars and a huge food market. The hostel also holds regular bar crawls that ends in free entry into a club of their choice (and can't forget a free shot on every entry into each bar).
What to do:
Malvarossa Beach - This was the one beach we visited during our stay. The beach is a natural sand beach (no rocks, I promise), with Spanish cuisine restaurants lining the sideline and a good few bars to get a beach beer or glass of Sangria. The trip to Malvarossa was approximately 20 minutes in a taxi (depending on what of the beach you chose) or 45 minutes by bike.
The City of Arts and Science Museum - Although we didn't manage to squeeze this one in (the weather was just too good to not be outside), the architecture of this building is incredible. It is highly recommended to check out, for those rainy tourist days, and with entry at just 6.20 euros for students, it's definitely worth trying to go, or even just visiting to see the architecture.
Bike Hire - This was my favourite part of the trip, the bike hire. At 12pm, we hired bikes for 9 euros for 24 hours, and cycled from the city centre to the beach, going through Valencia, past The city of Arts and Science Museum, to the beach. On a sunny day, this is perfect, with stopping at a small bar for Sangria being a perfect way to relax and take in the atmosphere. Do not forget to wear trainers.
Get lost in Valencia - one of the nicest things to do around the centre of Valencia was to walk down all the alley ways and discover the buildings and little bars that are tucked around the corners. The locals stay out drinking until the early hours of the morning, so it's not unusual to drop by a bar at 12am to get a glass of wine.
Valencia Cathedral - for lovers of architecture and history, the Valencia Catheral is also worth a visit. It is one of the holders of the holy grail, with a seperate chapel allowing viewings. With regular services, make sure to be respectful inside, as the atmosphere is one of religion and not of tourism. However, saying this, it is possible to embark upon the 207 steps to the top of the Cathedral in order to look over the entire City of Valencia, at only 2 euros.
Mya Club - For those that wish to also experience the nightlife, Mya Club is definitely the club of choice. Open until the late hours of the morning (6am finish anyone?), there is a total of three rooms to choose from, featuring house music, hip hop and of course latino. The drink prices are reasonable and the rooms are of good size, which makes going in a large group of friends perfect.
What to eat and drink:
Paella - A Spanish delicacy of rice, meat, fish and vegetables, served practically everywhere that serves food in Valencia. You cannot go to any Spanish city without trying Paella.
Tapas - another traditional Spanish food and that isn't quite the same when tried outside of spain. Order 3 or 4 dishes at 4 euros each, combining fish, vegetables and meat to really fill yourself up.
Sangria - Sun, Sea and Sangria. A sweet alternative to just wine, with slices of apple and orange, this is a specialist drink that the spaniards love to promote. A pit stop in tourist activities accompanied by a large glass of Sangria is definitely all you need.
Getting around
Taxi - The easiest way to get around Valencia is by Taxi. With no Uber working in this city, the Taxi prices are relatively cheap, with trips costing roughly around 3 euros each when there's a group of 4 of you in the car.
Metro - the metro stations and trains are very clean and not too confusing, with a pack of 10 tickets being able to be purchased for 9 euros.
Bikes - the city is small enough to be able to bike to pretty much get to any part you would like, and with a number of different bike hire shops places around the town, it's hard not to try it.
So, Valencia - make sure to tick that one of your list when you're thinking about Barcelona and Madrid. Definitely one of my favourite cities, and I'll definitely be back.
