From Javea to the beautiful city of Valencia

 

The gorgeous Mediterranean city of Valencia is the third-largest in Spain and the perfect place to visit if you are based in Javea or visiting Javea.  It is located approximately one hour and 20 minutes by car from Javea / Xabia. Alternatively you could have a more relaxing journey by taking the train.  Drive to the Xeraco railway station, which offers plenty of free parking and you can leave your car as long as you wish. Then take the train and enjoy a relaxed journey passing through the towns and villages on the way to the city of Valencia. When you arrive at the beautiful building which is the Valencia railway station, located next to the Valencia bullring, you can walk around most of the city centre without the need for transport.

Valencia is famous for being the cradle of paella, Las Fallas festival and the City of Arts and Sciences. Valencia is known as the City of the Holy Grail and the birthplace of several prominent figures. It is home to the largest fresh produce market in Europe and the largest producer of oranges in Spain.

Valencia is known for Las Fallas festival, one of the biggest and craziest festivals in the world. This celebration takes place in March and lasts for 19 days. During Las Fallas, Valencia becomes the capital of firecrackers, bonfires, and music. Hundreds of colorful paper-mâché figures are built on every street corner just to be set ablaze on the last night of the festival.  Las Fallas has been a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2015.

The City of Arts and Sciences is a futuristic complex in the Quatre Carrers district. 

You could take a tourist open-top bus to the City of Arts and Sciences and enjoy the sights of the city along the way.  It consists of six visionary buildings, including the largest aquarium in Europe. The organic architecture intertwines with Mediterranean elements, creating a fantastic space. For example, the science museum resembles the skeleton of a whale, and the IMAX cinema looks like an eye. This complex is the brainchild of famed Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava.

This might come as a surprise, but Valencia is known for having the largest urban park in Spain, the Turia Park, which stretches from east to west from the City of Arts and Sciences to Bioparc. This park occupies the old riverbed of the Turia River, now diverted to the outskirts of the city. Along this unusual green space are several attractions, including the Fine Arts Museum, Palau de la Musica, and Torres de Serranos.

Joaquín Sorolla Bastida, known as the Master of Light, was born in Valencia on February 27, 1863.  He was a prolific impressionist painter and created over 2,200 works of art during his lifetime. His most famous paintings depict Valencia’s beaches and people, as well as everyday scenes. Today, his works adorn the walls of the Hispanic Society in New York. In 2023 Valencia commemorates the centenary of his death with an epic immersive exhibition.  He also painted many local scenes of the coastline during his many visits to Javea / Xabia. 

If you have time whilst you are in Javea / Xabia, I would recommend a trip to Valencia for the day, or a weekend, it is one of the most beautiful and welcoming cities I have ever visited.