Holiday lettings in Valencia

Valencia is Spain’s third largest city with a population of 800,000 in the city itself, increasing to 1.5 million in the surrounding area, so your choice of neighbourhood is an important decision. The Old Town is one of the most popular areas, and an apartment here will mean Valencia’s famous nightlife is right on your doorstep, as well as many of the most important museums and cultural sights. For a more chilled out holiday, look for an apartment in the City Beach area: it’s only 20 minutes from the centre by metro, but feels a hundred miles away from the city’s hustle and bustle. To get an insight into the Valencian life away from the tourists, book an apartment in El Cabanyal: it’s firmly a local residential area but with some beautiful modernist architecture and a great selection of bars and restaurants for the evenings.

Unsurprisingly, considering its beautiful climate, Valencians like to spend their time outdoors. Head to the Jardines del Turia, the dried out bed of the River Turia, and enjoy exploring the 9 km sprawl of lawns, paths, fountains and sculptures. Another favourite with locals and visitors is the Biopark: an eco-friendly, educational space housing a range of wild animals and authentic-looking makeshift African scenery. If you prefer your nature mixed with architecture, the Museo de Bellas Artes is a bright and spacious semi-outdoors museum, featuring the Roman Mosaic of the Nine Muses; an impressive collection of altarpieces from the late Medieval period, and several works by masters of the Valencian Impressionist school. Relax on one of Valencia’s blue flag beaches such as Las Arenas, Malvarrosa or El Cabañal - but for a wilder location, explore El Saler and the coastline of the Albufera natural park, a short taxi or bus ride from the city.

It would be criminal to visit Valencia and not try its most famous dish: the world-renowned paella. The city gave its name to Paella Valenciana, the classic meat version, mostly often made with rabbit or chicken, though paella de marisco made with fish and the vegetarian paella de verduras are also widely available. Paella is typically a mid-day meal, eaten before 5pm - so make sure you enjoy it no later than the locals if you want the real deal. Accompany it with an Agua de Valencia, a mixed drink of orange juice and Cava, and finish off your meal with a Llet merengada, a Catalonian milk-based dessert flavoured with lemon and cinnamon. Valencia’s nightlife is a legendary mix of house, techno, cocktails and rooftop dancing, though there is still plenty to enjoy for those who like a quieter evening out. Night owls should head to the Barrio del Carmen with its riotous mix of bars and clubs.

Valencia is an easy city for visitors to navigate, with a straightforward metro system over five lines and a comprehensive bus and tram network. Tickets are available for a variety of durations, and it is a cheap and simple way to get around. Valencia is also flat enough to get around by bike, and the city operates a public bicycle rental service called Valenbisi: bikes can be picked up and dropped off from over 250 locations in the city and the system is reasonably priced. The centre of the city can be easily explored on foot and it is nice to go wandering through the Old Town. A trip to the City of Arts and Sciences or the City Beach require public transport, but there are regular buses available, as well as a tram line, and the City of Arts and Sciences is at the Alameda Metro Station.