Valencia, Spain: 13 - 17 February 2020

Las Arenas Beach

Las Arenas Beach looking towards Malvarrosa Beach

Traditional tiled house in El Cabanyal, Valencia.

Sitting directly behind Valencia’s Las Arenas beach is the old fisherman’s quarter of El Cabanyal. More residential than tourist attraction, a walk around here gives a taste of authentic Valencian life by the sea. The tiled facades of the traditional houses are amazing!

This seaside district was once a completely separate town from Valencia, and despite being absorbed into the city years ago it retains an individual atmosphere. Apparently local residents still talk about ‘going to Valencia’ when visiting the city centre only two kilometres away.

There are big, controversial plans for redevelopment which would mean bulldozing many of the historic buildings here to make way for a big modern avenue that would run all the way from the city centre to the ocean. Despite the protests of residents, and even a ruling in their favour by the highest court in Spain, the authorities still say they intend to go ahead. The buildings here are known for their stunning colourfully-tiled facades and art nouveau architecture.

Sadly though, a lot of the buildings around are in disrepair, because, according top lamps, the city hall has made renovations in the area impossible as they push for total redevelopment. All quite sad really!

Below are some more examples of the tiled facades of houses in El Cabanyal along with the streets.

Along Las Arenas Beach

This is the marina in Valencia. This whole harbour was built specifically for the America's Cup in 2007. This is because the Swiss won the America's Cup in 2003 with Alinghi, however couldn't hold it the event in Switzerland as they don't have a sea!

This is part of what was the Valencian Formula 1 Grand Prix. This street circuit hasn't been raced since 2012.

Loads of fish hanging around in the harbour.

Emirites Team New Zealand's headquarters from the America's Cup. Appears it is now used to build boats. Unsure if there is any connection to New Zealand still.

Beautiful building near the marina.

Marina

Back to the waterfront and Las Arenas Beach

Sand art, Las Arenas Beach

Paella and Tapas at Las Arenas Beach

One of the many beautiful buildings around the marina. There were about four or five like. this.

Time to chillax and watch a movie while Mum and Dad do some planning.

Valencia City

Central Market,Valencia. This is the largest covered market in Europe.

Inside the market

Paella pans and cookers for sale on the side of the road.

Bull ring in Valencia. This bull ring is still used for bull fights. It was closed for tours but we visited the very small museum - free as it was Saturday.

This is the 'round square'

Miguelete (tower) of the Valencia Cathedral. We were going to climb the 207 steps but the queue was long and we decided not to bother.

This is believed to be the 'Holy Chalice', or 'Holy Grail', as its referred to sometimes, that Jesus drank from at the least supper. It is housed in one of the many chapels inside the cathedral.

Our final day in Valencia we just wandered for a couple of hours through the Jardines del Turia park that used to be the river that flowed through the centre of Valencia. Below are some pictures of what it is like, showing a few of the many bridges still in place.