The Christmas holidays of 2021 held a unique significance for our family. Our daughter, who teaches in Spain, graciously invited us to join her and her fiancé’s family for the festivities. Starting our journey in Madrid, where she was relocating to Valencia, we embraced the spirited atmosphere of Feliz Navidad. Despite the lingering effects of the global COVID-19 pandemic and the mask mandate, the city exuded a warm ambiance.
Navigating through a landscape where public gatherings were limited, people opted for outdoor dining at quaint cafes. Adhering to safety protocols, we found solace in the intimate settings of restaurants. Madrid, a city I had visited before, continued to captivate me with its culinary delights and vibrant energy. Our brief stay included visits to trendy eateries, indulging in delectable food and drinks, all while soaking in the festive atmosphere. With Madrid’s charm lingering in our hearts, we bid farewell to the capital, eagerly anticipating the next chapter of our holiday adventure in Valencia.
Here, I will highlight Valencia and give reasons why you should add it to your bucket list!
Valencia, a novel destination for me, quickly became a city I effortlessly fell in love with. As Spain’s third-largest metropolitan area, its population ranges from 1.7 to 2.5 million. Notably, the Port of Valencia stands as the 5th-busiest container port in Europe and commands the title of the busiest container port on the Mediterranean Sea.
Despite often being overshadowed by Barcelona or Madrid, Valencia boasts its own allure. Nestled along Spain’s east coast, this 2,000-year-old city captivates with expansive sandy beaches, striking architecture, a vibrant culinary scene, and a rich cultural tapestry—all without the bustling crowds often associated with larger Spanish cities. As the third-largest city in Spain, Valencia offers a unique charm where key attractions, including the cathedral, the Mercado Central, and the UNESCO-listed Lonja de la Seda, are conveniently walkable around the town center. Valencia, with its distinct blend of history and modernity, emerges as a hidden gem worth exploring.
Covi’s Garden
Covi’s Garden holds a special place in my heart, where I connected with our future son-in-law’s mother, Covi, during a memorable encounter in London. Recently, I spent nearly a month at her charming home in Meliana, nestled in the countryside of Valencia. Covi, a vibrant soul and inadvertent healer, resides on an “allotment” farmland, in a beautifully renovated farmhouse with a cozy courtyard between two living quarters.
Immersed in nature, Covi cultivates her own food, tends to chickens, and fosters a love for bringing family together. In the embrace of Covi’s garden, adorned with stunning plants and cacti, we shared breakfasts, lunches, and occasional dinners. Only a short walk from the Mediterranean Sea (Port Saplaya), Covi’s home became a backdrop for deep conversations and philosophical reflections.
In this haven, conversations flowed over homemade paella, cerveza con limon, and aged Spanish wine. Covi’s wit echoed through the garden as she teased, “you Americans work too much.” During those 20 days, life embraced a slower rhythm, allowing me to inadvertently shed 20 pounds while savoring the delights of the Mediterranean diet. Walking everywhere and relishing exquisite meals, I found solace, mindfulness, and peace in Covi’s garden.
Valencia, with its unhurried pace, rejuvenated my spirit. Covi’s Garden became a sanctuary, offering exactly what I needed at that moment. The allure of returning to this tranquil haven beckons, each visit promising a renewal of the soul. Here are a few reasons why Valencia should captivate your attention.
Diverse Architecture
From Romanesque, Moorish and Gothic to Rococo and Art Nouveau, a hotchpotch of architectural styles awaits in Valencia, so you can chart its history by strolling through the city streets. Your first stop should be the 13th-century cathedral, which was once a Roman temple and later a mosque. La Lonja de la Seda, a Gothic chamber of commerce that is now a Unesco World Heritage site, is also a must-visit. Don’t miss La Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, a modern masterpiece designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.
Valencia’s main monuments, including the cathedral, El Miguelete bell tower, La Lonja and the Mercado Central, are all within walking distance in Valencia’s compact Old Town. Wandering through the warren of narrow alleys, you’ll be struck by the abundance of vibrant street art that sits in contrast with the grand old buildings and cobbled streets. When you need a break, grab an outdoor table and soak up the local atmosphere in the Plaza de la Virgen.
The Birthplace of Paella
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, which makes it perfect for a foodie pilgrimage. For authentic paella valenciana – made with chicken or rabbit, white beans and snails – visit La Pepica, a Valencian institution by the beach, once frequented by Ernest Hemingway. Paella aside, the city’s dining scene revolves around spectacular seafood and tapas, which you can tuck into at the modernist Mercado Central. Stop at La Huertana, a quaint cafe that serves up Valencia’s other signature dish: horchata (a traditional tipple made from tiger nuts) and fartons (sugary sponge fingers – try not to giggle when you’re ordering them).
Valencians Love To Party
Valencians love to party. The city is best known for Las Fallas, a wild, five-day festival in March when giant papier-mâché puppets are paraded through the streets and then set on fire. You can also soak up the party atmosphere if you visit during Carnival in February as the city comes alive with street parties, firework displays and parades. Music fans should come for the two-day Festival de les Arts, which includes a line-up of national and international musicians, modern art and creative gastronomy.
Unique Culture
Valencia, one of Spain’s autonomous communities, isn’t a typical Spanish city. It has its own language (a dialect of Catalan) and unique cuisine, with a focus on rice, seafood and meat, plus a host of fascinating cultural traditions. During festival season, you can spot locals donning bright, patterned silk costumes that cost thousands. For authentic souvenirs, pick up a hand-painted silk fan in the Ruzafa district, paella rice from the Mercado Central or some colourful ceramic tiles from Plaza Redonda.
Tons of Green Space
The city is rich in green spaces, from the Royal Gardens to the Botanical Garden. Most visitors flock to Turia Gardens, a stretch of greenery that curves 9km (5.6mi) around the city, following the Turia River’s former, carved-out course. Here, you’ll find orange trees, fountains, sports fields, playgrounds and more. If you want to get deeper into nature, take a day trip to Albufera Natural Park, a nature reserve with a freshwater lagoon, rice fields and up to 250 species of birds. About 30km (19mi) along the coast, it’s easy to get to by bus.
Buzzing Nightlife
Valencia’s nightlife is young and lively thanks to its sizeable student population. Head out to bar hop in the Old Town, starting off at Café de las Horas for a jug of agua de Valencia (a potent mix of cava, orange juice, gin and vodka) before ambling to the bars in El Carmen such as Café Negrito. For a less touristy scene, visit Ruzafa, where you’ll find sleek cocktail bars and cafés. And to dance the night away, there’s Radio City, Mya Club or Black Note Club.
About the Authors
Falisha Riaye, a passionate globetrotter and co-owner of Kuzopa Travel with her husband Theo, embodies the spirit of a modern-day adventurer and fervent advocate for the digital nomad lifestyle. Venturing beyond tourist trails, she explores hidden gems across continents, immersing herself in diverse cultures.
As a dedicated writer and curator of luxurious group travel experiences, Falisha paints vibrant pictures of landscapes, local communities, and the thrill of discovery. Her narratives inspire wanderlust and guide those seeking elevated travel experiences.
Falisha and Theo redefine luxury travel at Kuzopa, infusing dynamic insights into nomadic living. From the lively streets of Barcelona or the historic wonders of Valencia, Spain, to the exotic beauty of Thailand’s vibrant hubs, they offer a deep understanding of the nomadic lifestyle.
Join Falisha Riaye on a literary voyage through the eyes of a seasoned explorer. Her captivating storytelling not only reveals the world’s beauty but also encourages readers to embrace the transformative power of travel. With Kuzopa Travel, every journey becomes an unforgettable chapter in the book of life.