Vacationing in Valencia

O.K., so here’s another update on my series of blogs about un-missable tourist destinations on the different ports of call we at cruise.co.uk send you all too. Again, bear in mind this is aimed at people who have never visited these ports before and it’s all based on my personal opinions and my favourite sites anyway. If you feel I’ve missed something important out or disagree with a point I've made please make a comment below to help other cruisers make up their minds.

Plaza del Mercado

The Plaza del Mercado is home to 3 buildings of interest, the Silk Market, one of the best examples of gothic civil architecture in Europe, the Santos Juanes Church in baroque style and the Central Market, a colourful market in a beautiful modernist building. Great for shopping amongst some gorgeous architecture.

La Catedral

There’s plenty to see here at Valencia’s cathedral, each of the three gates of the Cathedral has a different style: Iron Gates (baroque), the Apostles Gate (gothic) and the Palace Gate (Romanesque). It also has the bell tower El Miguelete where you can enjoy some of the most amazing views of the city, and the Plaza de la Virgen sits on the site that once was the forum of Roman Valencia. All well worth a visit.

Torres de Serranos

The Serranos Towers are considered to be the largest Gothic city gateway in all of Europe, and were constructed at the end of the 14th century by Pere Balaguer as part of the city's fortification. They provisionally housed prison cells and served as a triumphal arch on many festive occasions. Today they are one of the most photographed tourist spots in Valencia.

Museo de Bellas Artes San Pio V

Located in a Baroque building recently renovated, The Fine Arts Museum San Pio V is one of the most outstanding painting archives in Spain, renowned for its collections of primitive Valencian painters, although there are also works by El Greco, Velázquez, Murillo, Goya, and some archaeological pieces of note. A must for all art lovers or those interested in history.

Jardin Botanico

The Botanic Garden was founded in 1567 for the study of medicinal plants. In 1802 it was installed in l'Hort de Tramoyeres, where it is currently situated. The restoration that was concluded in the year 2000 allowed for the reclamation of this spectacular green space. A definite must see for all garden/nature lovers.

Hope this helps but feel free to add your own suggestions below. The more suggestions I get, the easier it is for others to plan their excursions, every suggestion helps.

Happy Cruising