Valencian Community Travel Guide

Introduction

The Community of Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana in Spanish), also known as the Valencian Country (País Valencià), is the fourth most populous Spanish autonomous community, with a population of slightly over 5 million.

The region occupies the middle part of Iberia's Mediterranean coast. Originally settled by Iberian tribes like the Contestani and the Edetani, the Valencian Country has experienced more population fluxes than almost anywhere else in the peninsula. It was colonised by the Greeks, conquered by the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Visigoths, and the Moors, and reconquered by the Catalans in the late Middle Ages.

The boundaries of the Valencian Community largely reflect those of the historic Kingdom of Valencia, one of the component realms of the Crown of Aragon. Valencians therefore have strong historical and cultural ties with Aragon, Catalonia and the Balearic Islands. Half of the Valencians speak the Valencian dialect of Catalan, and 70% understand it.

Cuisine

Valencian cuisine is dominated by rice-based dishes, most famously for paella, of which Valencia is the birthplace. It is a common misconception of foreigners to think of paella as Spain's national dish, when it is in fact regarded y Spaniards as typical of Valencia. The coastal and inland cuisines are quite distinct, the former making abundant use of fish and seafood, whereas the latter specialises in meat dishes, such as roast lamb/goat or stuffed meat.

Notable Valencian dishes include arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock), arroz con costra (rice dish with sausages covered with a crust of eggs, often also prepared with rabbit meat), arroz empedrado (rice with dry cod, white beans, tomatoes, paprika, and garlic), bajoques farcides (peppers stuffed with rice, pork, tomatoes and spices), esgarrat (grilled red pepper salad with cured cod, garlic and olive oil), and fideuà (seafood paella made with thin noodles instead of rice). Aioli and picada sauces are very common, like in Catalonia.

There are three Valencian wine appellations: Alicante, Utiel-Requena and Valencia. The region is particularly noted for its semi-sweet Fondillón, a red wine from the Alicante D.O. with a high alcohol content like many fortified wine (although it is not fortified).

Attractions

North

Morella

Perched atop a rocky hill, Morella is a walled medieval town with 2.5 kilometres of intact fortifications featuring fourteen towers and six gateways. The town's castle, which has served as a military stronghold, royal residence, and prison, houses archaeological finds and medieval weaponry. The area contains prehistoric cave paintings in Galeria del Roure, featuring the world's oldest known depiction of archery combat, dating back 7,400 years. The Gothic aqueduct, built between the 13th and 14th centuries, remained operational until the mid-20th century. The town's Archpriest's Church boasts an impressive carved wood staircase, a monumental organ with over 3,000 pipes, and a remarkable depiction of the Last Judgment. Local culinary specialities include truffles (harvested from November to March), traditional dry meats, sausages, and a unique pastry called flaons. The town's strategic location made it a significant battleground throughout history, with notable figures such as El Cid fighting battles in the region.

Peñíscola

Peñíscola, often called the "City in the Sea", is a fortified coastal town boasting a stunning 13th-century castle built by the Knights Templar. This castle, perched atop a rocky peninsula, later became the residence of Pope Luna and now serves as a popular tourist attraction. The town's old quarter, enclosed within ancient walls, features charming narrow streets and white houses. Peñíscola is surrounded by beautiful beaches and the Sierra de Irta Natural Park, offering various outdoor activities. The local cuisine is renowned for its fresh seafood, including shrimp, squilla, and monkfish, as well as rice dishes and artichokes. Film enthusiasts might recognise Peñíscola as a filming location for "Game of Thrones" and the classic Spanish comedy "Calabuch". The town also hosts annual music festivals, including the International Festival of Ancient and Baroque Music and the International Jazz Festival.

Centre

Valencia

Valencia is a city rich in history and culture, known for its vibrant culinary scene and unique attractions. It is the birthplace of paella, with the traditional version made from rice, chicken, rabbit, and sometimes snails, reflecting its agricultural roots in the nearby Albufera Natural Park, where rice is cultivated. The city boasts the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural marvel featuring futuristic structures that house a science museum, an aquarium (L'Oceanogràfic, the largest in Europe), and an opera house. Valencia also hosts the Fallas Festival each March, renowned for its elaborate papier-mâché sculptures and fireworks. Additionally, the Silk Exchange (La Lonja de la Seda) is a UNESCO World Heritage site that showcases the city's medieval trading history. With its blend of historical sites and modern attractions, Valencia offers a diverse experience for visitors.

Cullera

Cullera, a coastal town of 22,000 inhabitants, features eleven beaches along the Mediterranean and a striking 10th-century Moorish castle perched atop a 200-metre hill. The castle houses the Municipal History and Archaeological Museum, whilst the town's landscape is dominated by modern high-rise buildings along the coast. Notable landmarks include the Penyeta del Moro, an 1861 iron beacon with a curious legend about a tragic Muslim-Christian love story, and the Marenyet Tower, a 16th-century watchtower used to monitor maritime activity. The area's natural attractions include L'Albufera Natural Park and El Estany Lake, which offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. The town's history dates back to Neolithic settlements, and it flourished particularly under Muslim rule, when an innovative irrigation system was established. Today, Cullera is renowned for its seafood dishes, particularly paella, and features a bustling municipal market in a striking modernist building.

Sagunto

Sagunto, a city steeped in over 2,000 years of history, boasts a remarkable Roman theatre and an expansive castle that has witnessed the passage of Iberians, Carthaginians, Romans, Muslims, and Christians. The city's Jewish quarter, with its narrow cobblestone streets and whitewashed houses, offers a glimpse into medieval life. Visitors can explore the Archaeological Museum, housed in a 14th-century exchange market building, which displays sculptures and artefacts from ancient Sagunto. The city is also known for its Mediterranean cuisine, with local specialities including 'pataquetas', 'coques de Sant Blai', and 'arros al forn amb bacallà'. For nature enthusiasts, the nearby Playa Almardá offers 2 kilometres of tranquil sandy beach bordered by ecologically significant dunes.

Pego-Oliva Marsh Nature Reserve

The Pego-Oliva Marsh Nature Reserve spans 1,290 hectares of wetlands formed around 3,000 years ago by a sandy shoal. The area features a unique system of underground springs called 'ullals' and is home to diverse wildlife, including rare species like the Valencia toothcarp, European pond turtle, and water snakes. Bird enthusiasts can spot numerous species such as purple herons, flamingos, and Eleonora's falcons, making it a significant destination for birders worldwide. The landscape combines natural marshland with traditional rice fields, whilst nearby Font Salada offers a thermal spring with healing properties for the skin. The area's rich biodiversity includes underwater meadows of macrophytes that provide essential sustenance for various aquatic species.

Other attractions

Castellón de la Plana
Gandia
Xàtiva

South (Costa Blanca)