Attractions
To the south of the Costa Dorada lies a relatively
undeveloped Costa Del Azahar. Running down to Valencia and beyond to Gandia. It
is mostly flat area dominated by groves of orange trees. The beaches are flat
and sandy and unusually uncrowded.
The country inland becomes hilly making it ideal for the individual developments that are taking place there.
There are flights to Valencia airport but most people fly into Alicante Airport in the
north where choice is greater.
One of the provinces along this coast is Castellon. It benefits from the 120km of coast between Tarragona and Valencia.
The beaches along this coast are among the best in the country and the waters
are clear and warm.
The interior landscape is awesome and offers all manner of
outdoor activities.
Valencia
The region of Valencia is located on the
east of Spain and is well known for it's ceramics, fans and wicker-work. The
Valencian coast consists of many beautiful resorts with golden beaches and towns
full of history. Inland, the soil is fertile and the region has adopted the
nickname 'the bread-basket of Spain'.
Valencia is a region rich in history and its popular coastal resorts make an excellent holiday destination. The area is
served by Valencia airport and to the south, Alicante airport. The capital of
the region of Valencia is Valencia city.
Valencia is well connected within the road network, namely by the N340 to Barcelona and Alicante, the NIII to Castille
La Mancha and Madrid and the A7 motorway which links Valencia to the European
network. 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 winding and can
be challenging. Once in the city, expect to spend time in traffic and parking is
limited.
To see the historical centre of Valencia you would do well to
make your way to the Plaza de la Virgen. This is the heart of old Valencia and
once the location for the Roman Forum. This area was once surrounded like an
island by the tributaries of the River Turia. This is now illustrated by the
fountain in the square which consists of a central figure representing the
river, surrounded by seven maidens, representing the tributaries. Today the
square is a popular resting place and is constantly full of life.
Around this square you will find many important buildings such as the Cathedral, the
Basilica and the Palacio de la Generalitat. The Cathedral stands on ground once
occupied by a Muslim Mosque and an earlier church. The current building is of
Gothic-Cistercian design and dates from 1262. It wasn't actually completed until
the 18th century. This is illustrated by the many differing designs
incorporated. There is an imposing tower which can be climbed using the 200
steps. You will be rewarded at the top with spectacular panoramic views of the
city. Purchase a ticket inside the Cathedral. You can also purchase books and
city guides inside the Cathedral. The cathedral has beautifully laid out
gardens.
Next to the Cathedral you will find the Basilica de la Virgen, a temple
dedicated to the Valencian Patroness. At the altar you will find a beautiful
Gothic statue. The Basilica was built between 1652 and 1667 following a style
that is considered Prebaroque. The building is of oval shape with a beautiful
painted dome. It is not of great proportions and the building often struggles to
cope with the number of worshipers.
The City's patron is celebrated on the second Sunday in May when the statue is carried to the Cathedral and back. In a
noisy and emotional ceremony, the statue is passed person to person without
touching the ground. The evening procession is accompanied by rose petals thrown
from the balconies and huge floral displays being built.
Another important construction in the city. The Torres de Quart is the work of Pere Bonfill and
dates from 1444. The walls are pitted with holes caused by French shelling
during the War of Independence. The building receives its name because it was
once the gateway to Quart de Poblet, an old settlement on the Valencian plains.
The towers once formed part of the old city walls, destroyed in 1865 to allow
the city to expand. There is another tower in Valencia, called the Torres de
Serranos, a massive and bold construction opened in 1400 and still standing
strong to this day.
Another area of the city worthy of exploration is the market district. Here you will find the Lonja. This ancient building was constructed as
the market or exchange for silks and other merchants. The building has been
described as one of the best civil Gothic buildings in Europe, a fact recognised
by UNESCO who declared the Lonja 'Heritage of Humanity', the only building in
Valencia to enjoy this title. If you have time to explore the Lonja you will be
rewarded with fantastic architecture, a wonderful plaza and some of the finest
ceilings in Spain.
In the same area you will find the Central Market. Up until 1928 the market was held in the streets. This ceased when the new building was
completed. Having a surface area of more than 8,000 square metres, it is one of
the largest in Europe. It houses thousands of stalls.
All in all, Valencia is a vibrant city that offers a wealth of plazas and gardens in which to rest, a wide
variety of historical buildings to explore, dotted around the city and blending
in with the modern constructions and the added bonus of a thriving port, marina
and long beaches. 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 here 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 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.
Easter week (Semana Santa) is also celebrated in fine style in Valencia,
especially around the fishing centre.
Valencia also offers a cultural experience never forgotten. There are ample theatres, cinemas, dance halls and
entertainment venues. The nightlife pulsates until the early hours of the
morning. There are venues to suit every age and taste.
The coast of Valencia It may be said that the Valencian coast consists of just one long beach,
interrupted only by a few small cliffs at Cullera. Of the 14 municipalities of
Valencia, only four have a coastal strip.
In the north you find El Camp de Morvedre with its capital Sagunto. The 57,000 inhabitants are spread between the
port area and the old city. The famous castle looks over the old city on a hill,
one kilometre long. Sagunto has a Roman theatre dating from the 2nd century, the
first such monument to receive official protection. The upper part of the town
is very picturesque and should be visited on foot. Explore the narrow streets in
the Jewish Quarter. There are also several important monasteries and churches
worthy of a visit. Along the south coast is La Ribera Baja, an area dominated by
its capital, Sueca. Described as the 'Rice Town' it lies on a huge plain. Its
coastal area is a booming tourist centre.
The wide Bahia de los Naranjos (Orange Grove Bay) is one of the most attractive areas along the whole coast. The
population swells to over 100,000 during the summer.
The district of Oliva marks the boundary of the region in the south. It has a magnificent beach and a great
deal of history to explore.
Major villages, towns and cities in Costa del Azahar
Adzaneta, Albocacer, Alcacer, Alcala de Chivert, Alcora, Aldaya, Algemesi, Alginet, Alpuerte, Altura, Amusafes, Anna, Aras de Alpuerte, Ayora, Benasal, Benicasim, Betera, Borriol, Burjarrot, Cabanes, Cararroja, Casinos, Castellon, Chelva, Chert, Cheste, Cuervas de Vinroma, El Puerto, Enguera, Fuenterables, Jalance, Jerica, Jurafuel, La Iglesuela del Cid, Lucena del Cid, Mogente, Navarres, Nules, Onda, Puig, Puzol, Requena, Ribesalbes, Sagunto, Salsadella, Sant Mateo, Segorbe, Teresa de Cofrentes,
Torrent, Traiguero, Tuejar, Turis, Utiel, Valencia, Venta del Moro, Villanueva de Alcolea, Villar del Arzobispo, Villarreal, Vinaros and Xativa.
