Spanish Cities and Towns

Once you have selected your preferred region of Spain read up on some of the towns and cities to narrow your choice for a property purchase. The most popular of these are described in the following pages.

Alicante, Almeria, Altea, Andalusia, Aspe, Barcelona, Baza, Benalmadena, Benidorm, Benitachell, Blanes, Calpe, Cartegena, Castilla la Macha, Catalonia, Crevillent, Denia, Elche, Estepona, Fuengirola, Granada, Guadix, La Romana, La Vega Baja, Lorca, Malaga, Mar Menor, Marbella, Mazarron, Mijas, Murcia, Nerja, Orihuela, Puerto Banus, Quesada, Salinas, Salou, Sitges, Sotogrande, Spanish regions, Tabarca, Taberno, Tarragona, Torremolinos, Torrevieja, Tossa del Mar, Valencia, Valencian Community, Zurgena

Valencia

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 somewhat confusing and can be hard work. Once in the city, expect to spend time in traffic and parking is very difficult.
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 (costs approx. 1.50€). You can also purchase books and city guides inside the Cathedral.
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.

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. Next to the station is the Plaza de Toros (Bullring). One of the largest and most beautiful in Spain. Seating over 16,000 people it was constructed in 1850. 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.