Understand
Valencia is host of the
2007 America's Cup. This fact, along with the construction of the
City of Arts and Science by renowned architect and Valencian Santiago Calatrava have made Valencia a city in transition. Massive construction and transformation over the last 10 years have turned a once little-considered medium city into a meatier and more interesting destination.
Despite being on the Mediterranean Sea, even residents say that "Valencia has always lived with its back to the sea", meaning that the spirit and the core of the city is not necessarily integrated with its beach. The city center and the most visited neighborhoods are not particularly close to the beach. This situation is changing considerably as much of the port area is being rapidly developed in preparation for the America´s Cup.
When to comeSummer - Like most European countries, August is a slow month as many of the residents are on vacation. At this time of year Valencia is extremely hot and humid with temperatures averaging between 30º-40º Celsius.Fall - September and October are more active months and the weather permits beach outings. Sidewalk cafes are still open until around the end of October.Winter - Though temperatures are still relatively mild, it´s too cold to sunbathe at the beach.Spring - a lovely time to visit. The annual Fallas de San José unofficially mark the beginning of spring. Cafes and restaurants open their terraces and life spills out onto the street once again.LanguageValencia's official languages are Valenciano and Spanish. In the capital of Valencia very few people only speak Valenciano and are not offended if addressed in Spanish. However, outside the capital, Valenciano is often preferred. As in Barcelona, be sensitive to this language dynamic.
English speaking skills of the locals can be hit or miss. Most people under 35 speak some English, and some quite a bit, but most would obviously prefer being addressed at first in Spanish (or Valenciano).
Eat
Try the local paella. There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish, some with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), others with fish or seafood, or even meat and fish at the same time. It is very difficult to say which is the "real" paella, as every person has his/her own version (Though NO paella that deserves this name contains sausage, ham or meat broth, for instance). If you want to eat an authentic Paella, try it at the Malvarosa beach area; you will find there are several good restaurants. The authentic Valencian Paella is made only with fresh ingredients, in a special iron pan and using a fire made with wood (not gas or electricity). The Heather muffin is a delicious treat to be enjoyed by all. Try arròs a banda and arròs negre (it is black because it has squid ink) too, at the same places above. The Fideuà , a paella-like dish with short noodles and fish that was invented in the GandÃa and Denia area (Alicante), can be...
