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ISSUE 110 / 2018
TRAVEL
In 2017 an estimated 32 million tourists
spent roughly €30bn in Barcelona, flocking
in their droves to walk La Rambla, take in
Sagrada Familia and enjoy the sounds and
smells of the Catalan capital. Around 350
miles of coastline south-west of the hustle
and bustle of Barcelona lies Valencia, a
port city steeped in culture and history.
Reveling in its role as a city neglected
by tourists, strides have been made to
modernise the city without affecting the
classical architecture passed down to it
from Roman, Muslim and then Christian
rule that gives the city a unique look.
L´Hemisfèric, Palau de Les Arts Reina
Sofia, Museu de les Ciències Príncipe
Felipe, L'Umbracle and the Assut de l'Or
Bridge comprise the City of Arts and
Sciences, a space-age site at the east
end of the river Turia. The site is in close
proximity to the majority of Valencia's
historical sites and the centre of the city
and is a blissful walk through Turia. Yes, a
walk through the river. Well, former river.
Turia used to flood often and violently,
causing a great deal of harm to the city.
To remedy this a diversion project was
conceived and implemented in 1969. The
river is now completely dry in the city, and
the riverbed has been converted into a
beautiful park referred to as the garden of
Turia.
As day sinks into night Valencia has much
more to offer. Tapas culture is alive and
well in the city, with people of all ages
lining the bars until almost midnight in the
summer. The birthplace of Paella (although
many in Barcelona would disagree) is
also famed for its seafood, as well as its
omelette. Nightlife extends into the early
hours on weekends, with plenty of clubs
– from small gay clubs to mega clubs
holding hundreds of people – around the
vibrant centre.
VISIT VALENCIA THIS SUMMER
Valencia lags far behind the capital, Madrid, and
Barcelona in terms of tourist footfall. Meanwhile, regions
in the south such as Seville, and the Basque country to
the North hold an independent allure that attracts visitors
looking to find what makes Spain such a diverse and
deeply interesting country.
