Valencia Hotels Spain from Cheap Hotel Bookings.com

Mini guide to Valencia

One of the biggest cities in Spain and amongst the liveliest, Valencia is located near the Mediterranean coast. It is a pleasant destination with agreeable weather, plenty of history and a refreshing atmosphere. Another bonus is that it is still free of the tourist hordes you might find elsewhere on the Costas. You will find beaches near the city; but Valencia is better known as a great launching point for the nearby resorts of the Costa Blanca and their myriad attractions.

The centre of Valencia is rich in history, with baroque buildings and grand placas (squares) dating from Roman times. The Moors and Visigoths have also made their mark on the city's character. The Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, is one of Valencia's most raved about attractions with its extravagant façade and interior. The Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados is also worth checking out.

Valencia's museums are particularly good and there are many worth a visit. Top of your list though should be: the Museo de Bellas Artes (including works by many of Spain's finest painters); the Instituto Valenciano Arte Moderno; Museu Taurino (dedicated to bullfighting); and the modern, futuristic entertainment complex of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (arts and sciences). Stunning views of the city are seen from the tower of the impressive baroque and Renaissance styled cathedral.

Consider a daytrip to La Albufera and the surrounding nature reserve. Here you can watch about 250 different kinds of birds as well as herons, ducks and flamingos nesting and breeding here.

For a break from touring Valencia's many historical buildings and endless museums, the city offers several lovely parks including the exquisite Botanical Gardens. The region also boasts 12 protected nature preserves, which include unique Mediterranean flora and fauna.

Valencia is the home (allegedly) of Christendom's most cherished relic, the Holy Grail used by Jesus at the Last Supper. And this was the city where Spain's greatest national hero, El Cid, had his finest hour after ousting the Moorish invaders in the 11th century.

Getting to Valencia is easy and convenient. There are comfortable trains from Madrid and Barcelona; the train station (Estacion del norte) is in the centre of the city. There are also direct flights from all major European cities, and from all over the world via Madrid or Barcelona.

Selection of hotels in this region:

Holiday Inn Express Valencia-Bonaire
SH Canet
AC Valencia
Expo Hotel Valencia
Valencia Center
NH Ciudad de Valencia
Petit Palace Germanias
Hotel Consul del Mar
Hotel Husa Reina Victoria Valencia
Hotel Serrano Valencia
Hotel Abba Acteon
Holiday Inn Valencia
Hotel Venecia
Hotel Sidi Saler