Valencia - the city of tranquility and common sense
By Daria
My knowledge about Spain was at ground zero, however I was always very excited about the country itself. Picasso and Dali, Gaudi and El Greco, flamenco, siesta, tapas, and finally Rosalia – those words were essentially in my mind when I was dreaming about my upcoming journey to Spain. Together with my husband we were about to travel to Valencia.
Valencia is the third largest city in Spain by population after Madrid and Barcelona, located on the Mediterranean coast. Plenty of information about the city is available online, and nowadays you can google everything, which I did before coming. But as it often happens, I wasn’t even close to get how adorable Valencia is. Valencia is perfect for those loving tranquility and willing to enjoy life.
The main vibe of the city – calm and reasonable. It has convenient public transport system, including a well-developed cycling infrastructure. Overall, the city is a mix of well-known Spanish urbanization together with rich history and cultural heritage to soak up and unique spirit of freedom and passion.
Literally full of “green colors” and well-earned the European Green Capital 2024 title, Valencia has an amazing 9 kilometers long Turia Park which runs through the whole city, authentic neighborhoods, lots of students, as the city is home to several famous universities with massive campus life, great climate and atmosphere of safe and balanced living.
The city is definitely worth exploring, and I personally think in order to feel the vibe you should just walk its streets. It always works, just choose the district and saunter.
The Old Town
The Old Town or Ciutat Vella will welcome you with its small streets like Carrer del Músic Peydró or Carrer de la Corretgeria with local businesses and spacious areas. On the last you will find La Postalera - a souvenir shop with local ceramics and crafted postcards. You can choose and send it afterwards right at the shop (which is extremely convenient). For some time, it has been my tradition to send such love cards to my dear ones from abroad and it is also an indescribable joy to get such as well. Attention is the easiest way to declare love.
In the same neighbor you will find Bodegas Baviera, the vine store which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2020. It is the oldest bodega with a fabulous selection of local wines. Try vine from some regional grape like Bobal or Merseguera, if you want something unusual and authentic. Not far you will find Taberna La Sénia, a perfect place to step by for traditional tapas. There you just relax, watch passersby through the huge windows and try all the traditional dishes. The place has been recommended by the Michelin Guide for several years in a row. Or you can visit Central Bar by Ricard Camarena located just in the heart of main city market - Mercat Central de València. Both are must visits.
For those coffee addicted just go to The Coffee right next to Museu Nacional de Cerámica i de les Art based in an sophisticated 18th century palace. Take a breath and relax in the Centre Cultural La Nau - Universitat de València (Cultural Centre La Nau). It is the oldest facility of the Universitat de València, which was declared Asset of Cultural interest in 1981, is now open for public and includes very cozy cafe, library and open exhibitions.
While walking do not forget to stop at amazing churches, historical buildings and monuments, museums, cultural centers, plazas, palaces and markets.
The beach and El Cabanyal-Canyamelar
My personal favorite – the El Cabanyal district. Historically a fishing village, El Cabanyal being actively gentrified nowadays and attracts visitors from all around the world. Life truly flows at a different pace there. Go and drown in the streets which have a unique buildings’ layout, spend some time walking to feel how different it is from the rest of the city, find the giant gates at Teatre El Musical and take a break in Anyora or Casa Montanya. It is something you have to experience yourself, just ask for a recommendation and enjoy your meal. The last is also one of the oldest taverns in the city.
Another gems are Restaurante Erizo de Mar and Celler l'Aldeana 1927, have a classic tapas and a glass of cava or house vine and then go straight to the beach to enjoy the sound and the smell of the sea. An important reminder: like all the good spots the restaurants has their specific working hours and days, so make sure to make a reservation and be aware of the opening hours.
The beach is another place to experience. Just imagine wide sandy and clean area, with enough space for sports activities and intimate calm, if you wish to just lay and relax. Almost 4 km long all for you to walk, or swim, or just lay under the sun. Also there near the Patacona beach you will find one of the best paella place in the city. If you wish to try authentic Paella Valenciana, the taste of original paella – just go to Casa Carmela (and don’t forget to pre-order it in advance). Thank me later!
