In September 2008, I spent a week in Valencia in the middle of Spain’s east coast. Two cousins were living there at the time, so it was a great opportunity to visit one of Spain’s third largest city. Though smaller and less well known than Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia (approx. 800,000 inhabitants) has a big city feel to it but is also easy to get around. Not many major European cities can boast three kilometres of beaches and nine months of sunshine per year. Best known for its oranges and for the origins of paella, there’s plenty to make this city original. Like agua de Valencia, a cocktail made from champagne, orange juice, vodka and gin. This divine water was sampled a few times during my visit!

Valencia boasts gorgeous architecture, lovely squares both big and small. Walking through the city centre is a lovely experience, though a few extra hours may need to be allocated as you’ll find yourself stopping very often to explore a building or a park or a square. The most famous square is Plaza de la Virgen which is surrounded by beautiful buildings including the cathedral and the Miguelete bell tower with 270 winding steps which gives a super panoramic view of the city. There is plenty green areas in the city centre, the most original park being Jardines del Turia which a thin 9km stretch of parkland in the riverbed of the long since dried-up Turia river. The port area was redeveloped for the 2007 Americas Cup yacht race and is looks very impressive. The long stretch of beach at the east end of the city allows for some relaxing downtime only minutes from the bustle of the city centre. The city is also well known for its throbbing nightlife with clubs and bars going on until dawn. If I had one regret during my time there, it was that I didn’t sample a bit more of it.

My week in Valencia remains near the top of my European city visits thus far. Having booked into a fancy hotel for the week where my cousin Deirdre was working, I decided after a few nights there that I needed more adventure and interaction with people. Lovely as the hotel was, I immediately felt more at home in the Nest Hostel. The rooftop loungers were the perfect way to get to know other travellers over a few beers in the evening sun. I managed to mix relaxing with activity during my stay in Valencia. A day at the beach with cousins soaking the rays. A day at the amazing 350,000 sq. metre Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) which has the best aquarium I’ve been to as well as some other  museums whose shapes need to be seen to be believed. The city also provided a first for me…my first ever bullfight, an enjoyable experience with a few beers as the sun set though not sure I agree with it as a sport or a spectacle. A day spent cycling out beyond the city along the coast with my cousin Brian, passing through villages of pastel colours with the sea lapping up against them. A day trip to the fortress town of Sagunto, made even more pleasant by the lovely October sunshine. The city pretty much has everything and the great weather enhances the experience. After reminiscing on my visit and writing this blog I’m now thirsty…what chance of finding a bar that serves agua de Valencia in Dublin tonight?!