The region of Valencia is home to layers of history, each of which has left a visible cultural and aesthetic imprint on the region’s development. Blue-roofed church domes battle new resort developments for skyline prominence, while pristine beaches, quaint coastal towns, and maze-like inland gardens offer a wealth of refuge for weary travelers. Crowded nightlife challenges even the most nocturnal adventurers on the hectic coastline, but it is worth venturing inland for a bit, if only for the unbeatable taste of local oranges. Paella also reaches culinary perfection here in its birthplace, especially the renowned paella con mariscos (seafood paella ) and the hearty paella valenciana (chicken and rabbit). The commonly used regional dialect, valencià, is the legacy of Moorish invaders and Catalan crusaders who clashed in the northwest hundreds of years ago, and a recent mandate that all students enroll in one course of valencià reflects a resurgence of regional pride.
Valencia (pop. 805,000) inherited the best genes of its sister cities: the clamoring energy of Madrid, the youthful and quirky sophistication of Barcelona, and the friendly warmth of Sevilla. Ancient traditions ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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