A quintessential Spanish city, Valencia has loads to offer the traveller, with idyllic year-round temperatures, a charming old town to explore, thumping nightlife, culture in spades, delicious local specialities and the sizzling beaches of the Mediterranean. Now is a good time to head to this beautiful city. It now only takes 90 minutes to reach Valencia from Madrid thanks to the new AVE high-speed train.
Festival fever
The city is poised to mark the arrival of spring with the fabulous Las Fallas carnival, which takes place in March. The festival is famed for its pyrotechnics, bonfires and parade of giant papier-mache figures that satirise movie stars and politicians, are later burnt to cinders on March 19 in tribute to Saint Joseph.
Headline attraction
The City of Arts and Sciences is an architectural marvel and a centre for cultural entertainment in the Turia Gardens. Built on land reclaimed by the re-routing of the River Turia, the giant shell - shaped buildings include the Oceanographic Park, Europe's largest aquarium.
Best of the rest
Valencia's Mediterranean climate is perfect for enjoying the outdoors and a bike tour around the city is a great way to enjoy he cultural highlights. The Turia Gardens, which run through the city centre, offer a picturesque green route through the town, past star attractions such as the City of Arts and Sciences. The historic centre is also cyclist-friendly, offering a safe and relaxing plazas and architectural highlights on offer.
A touch of glamour
Valencia is fast becoming a magnet for world-class sporting events. As a result, Valencia's luxury marina has developed into one of the city's focal points. Visitors can take a boat tour around the America's Cup harbour, which hosted the competition in 2007 and 2010 or explore the Monaco-style Formula One street circuit, home of the European Grand Prix, which attracts thousands of spectators each year for a weekend of glamorous parties and racing.
Chow down
Paella, a delicious Spanish rice dish, originated in Valencia. The locals have certainly perfected it - especially seafood paella, cooked in a large flat frying pan with vegetables, saffron, olive oil, squid, prawns, mussels and fish stock, with a crispy caramelised bottom.