About Valencia & Costa del Azahar
Tourist Information - climate, places to visit, things to see and do, activities etc.
Valencia Climate
Valencia enjoys a mild mediterranean climate. It is not as hot and dry as the south, with average temperatures in June a comfortable 26° Celsius. July and August can be much hotter, well over 30° Celsius when the pool and cooling sea breezes can be very welcome. The wettest month is traditionally September or October - however this does seem to be changing. Winters here are short but temperatures can fall dramatically during the night, the days can be surprisingly warm with the added benefit of bright clear sunshine.
Places to visit in and around Valencia and Costa del Azahar
If you like to go out exploring and discover new places here is a small selection of the variety of places you can easily visit whilst staying with us.
Valencia City
Valencia Town Hall
Spain's third largest city is rapidly emerging from the shadows of Madrid and Barcelona. In the last decade it has grown more than any other city in Europe. It's been described as a city for all seasons and whatever your interests we're sure that you'll find something to enjoy and want to return.
One of the huge papier-mâché
sculptures created for the
Fallas Fiesta and then
burned on the last night
Just consider, in no particular order, the architecture (ancient & modern), the food, the nightlife, the Fallas Fiesta in March, the museums, the spectacular Central Market, the football, the beaches, the gardens, the City of Arts & Sciences, streets with orange trees, year round flowers, the shopping...
L’Oceanogràfic:
part of the City of Arts
and Sciences
Valencia is a stylish, laid back city that gives visitors a taste of the real Spain, combining its old traditions of tapas bars, service and culture with 21st century cutting edge architecture. Added to this, there is the benefit of a fantastic climate - over 300 days of sunshine and a mild average temperature of 19° Celsius.
There's a real air of excitement around the city as the momentum builds for the 32nd Americas Cup sailing race being held here in 2007. Already the Louis Vuitton acts have started where 11 international challengers fight it out for a place to race against the defending Swiss Allinghi team. For up-to-date information see www.americascup.com.
Sagunto, Valencia
Beach at Puerta Sagunto
This busy town has developed over many centuries from the Bronze Age, through the Iberians, Romans, Barbarians, Moors and Christians. It is dominated by the remains of a massive Roman fort and amphitheatre looking out across the orange groves to the Mediterranean; in the summer plays and concerts regularly take place here. There is an old Jewish quarter which is now being restored and has the added bonus of two of the region's best restaurants. There is also a busy port with bustling markets bright with local produce. After strolling the streets of the old town you can cool your toes in the sea and relax on the fine sandy beach at Puerta Sagunto.
Segorbe, Valencia
Inland along the Palancia river valley is the historic town of Segorbe. Much of its castle has now gone but it is well worth a walk up to the top of the hill, past the remains of the Roman aqueduct, through gardens (often accompanied by red squirrels) for a panoramic view of the area and out across the many blue-tiled church roofs and towers. See how many you can count! There is a busy market on Thursdays, a very good little museum and a breathtaking cathedral. The old part of the town is a network of narrow streets where the influence of Islamic architecture can still be seen. Ham and sausages are very important here and the local Serrano ham is well regarded. In September the internationally famous "Entrada" fiesta takes place where bulls are rounded up and guided through the town by skilled horsemen; this is accompanied by a ham & sausage fair!
Typical street scene in Jerica,
near Segorbe, Valencia
Segorbe is surrounded by a fertile area of market gardens which provide a wide range of local produce including almonds, olives, cherries, persimmon, and nispero. The River Palancia provides irrigation for the local agriculture and also some lovely riverside walks where you will see kingfishers and occasionally otters.
Natural Parks and Caves in the Valencia region
The hills of the Sierra Espadan rise behind Segorbe. This is a designated natural park and is home to a unique area of cork oaks where the finest cork is still harvested for use in Rioja and Bordeaux. The narrow roads take you through a number of small villages and provide access to some excellent walks. There are a number of sources of mineral water here which you will find in the local bars and restaurants.
To the south of the Palancia rises the hills of the Sierra Calderona, also a natural park but very different to the Espadan. The landscape is slightly gentler and dominated by pine trees. It also provides excellent walking and is crossed by the main walking route GR7 plus many shorter local routes.
Caves of San Jose , Vall dÚixo - where you can explore 2km of the cave system by boat in a year-round temperature of 20° Celsius.
Beaches on the Costa del Azahar
The fine, sandy beach at
Canet d'En Berenguer
Canet d'En Berenguer - we think this is the best local beach in this part of the Costa del Azahar. The fine light sandy beach has been awarded blue flag status for the last few years.
The Paseo (promenade) at
Canet d'En Berenguer
It is backed by a series of protected dunes and has a pedestrianised promenade with a wide selection of bars and restaurants. It is a quiet place where the Spanish come to relax during the day and promenade in the evenings.
Lladro Porcelain
The world famous Lladro porcelain factory is nearby on the outskirts of Valencia and provides a fascinating insight into the world of Lladro plus an opportunity to purchase collectable figures in the factory shop.
Motorsports in Spain
Ricardo Tormo racing circuit at Cheste is less than an hour's drive away where you can experience Formula 1 racing, superbikes and other adrenalin-charged motor sports... it's rumoured that Bernie Eccleston is planning to bring Formula 1 to Valencia city centre in the near future.
Nature Reserves in the Valencia region of Spain
La Albufera freshwater lake is Spain's second largest nature reserve. Here you can see many rare and migratory birds or enjoy a paella in a typical Valencian reed-thatched restaurant.