Valencia
The Valencian Community is made up of three provinces, Castellon, Valencia and Alicante, and has a total population of 740,000 inhabitants. The region is located on the Mediterranean coast to the south of Cataluña. Castellon, with its unspoiled natural beauty was the area chosen for Marina D'or Ciudad de Vacaciones.
The area is famous for its magnificent orange groves and the beauty of its long beaches. The blending of Mediterranean traditions is in evidence here. History such as the centuries of Moorish presence have resulted in a profound Hispano-Moorish heritage. Valencia is also the city where "El Cid", Spain's national hero, fought against the Moors, and popular festivals in the city and many villages around are still celebrated.
Spain's most famous food was born here: "Paella Valenciana".
Sightseeing
Valencia has lots to see and do and is busy with tourists during the summer months. The area is pleasant to visit during the winter months due to its all year round warm temperatures.
The octagonal bell-tower, called Micalet or also Miguelete, is the landmark of the city. From there you have a great view over all Valencia. Some more interesting buildings in this area of town are the Palace of Almirantes de Aragón, the church San Juan del Hospital and the Convento de Santo Domingo.
Well worth seeing are the three old bridges, Puente del Real, Puente de la Trinidad and Puente de Serranos, the latter with the Torres de Serranos, 15th century towers that have been part of the old town-walls and combine the elegance of a triumphal arch with the solidity of fortifications.
"Valencia is the land of flowers", says an old folk-song, and the parks and gardens of the city demonstrate it in an impressive way. The Jardines de la Alameda and Jardines de Monforte are romantic parks of 18th century. "Real" Gardens, which include also the Zoological Garden, have beautiful cultures of roses and large pine-woods. Inside them you can find the ruins of an old king's palace. The Botanical Garden shows a variety of exotic plants.
Excursions
Seen from the air, Valencia is surrounded by a wide green belt of very fertile land, called "La Huerta". Up to four harvests per year are possible here. Very interesting are the traditional houses of the agricultural labourers, the so-called Barracas, constructions of clay with roofs of rush. Few of them are conserved until today. The same has to be said about the manorial houses, Alquerías. A very nice example is the gothic Alquería del Pi in Burjasot. The perhaps most beautiful cultures are Alcira, Carcagente and Oliva, as well as the rice-cultures of Sollana, Sueca and Cullera. Its golden color in autumn creates a unique ambience. La Albufera this salt water lake is located at the South of "La Huerta". here you may have some boating and visit romantical fishing villages.
Around Valencia
A short drive from Valencia takes you to the normally sleepy town of Buñol, which plays host to a surreal vegetable battle on the last Wednesday of every August. La Tomatina appears to have started in the 1940's when a crowd of boisterous friends began pelting each other with tomatoes in the town square. Inevitably onlookers were drawn in and so much fun was had that it has become a yearly event. A crowd of around 30 000 fruit fans now gather annually for the world's greatest food fight. From early Wednesday morning residents and businesses cover their doors and windows in preparation for the red onslaught.
Just 33 kilometres to the north-west of Valencia, in the direction of Lliria, is the newly declared Sierra Calderona nature park. It boasts over 100 square kilometres of unspoilt mountains and Mediterranean pine forests. The highest peaks reach 1000 metres and offer views of the sea. Wildlife includes: boars, foxes, weasels, squirrels, civet cats, and badgers. The park is open to visitors and crossed with well-marked footpaths.