Valencia

Legend has it that after being mortally wounded during the siege of Valencia, El Cid is dressed in full armour and sword, and secured back on to his horse to ride out of the city gates followed by his thousand knights. Unsurprisingly, the Moors flee in terror when they see him, knowing him to be dead and believing the invincible spirit of El Cid lives on.

For Spain’s thirds city Valencia packs a powerful punch. Home to paella and the biggest fiesta in Spain, Las Fallas – Valencians take pride in knowing how to enjoy themselves and party all night on balmy summer weekends. Valencia is fun and full of friendly and generous spirited people.

The best vantage point of Valencia is from the top of the Miguelet bell tower, part of the main cathedral off Plaza de la Reine. The catherdral is built on the old Mosque and the tower was the minaret. Here you can see the beautifully preserved medieval gates of the old city, and imagine from their massive scale the imposing city walls that must have dominated the surrounding landscape. The Tuvia river was diverted after flooding the city in the 1957, and the old river bed runs close by past the city to the sea. Now a recreational space with gardens and parks, the old riverbed is also home to the iconic Arts and Sciences complex designed by Santiago Calatrava. These dramatic and impressive structures have done much for Valencia’s rebirth as a modern and progressive city and you can enjoy walking down the old river under medieval bridges taking in the various parks and leisure areas. A favourite for children is Gulliver, a 60 meter giant lying down with children clambering all over. Beautifully done, his whole body is a play park with his hair and folds in his clothing cleverly moulded into slides for excited children.

Further in the distance is the old port of Valencia, now better known for hosting the America’s Cup and the venue for the European Grand Prix. It is well worth a visit if you have time and the nearby main beach for the city and the string of restaurants behind it famous for their paella, at Las Arenas.