I already have a lot about Valencia heard and has wanted to visit the “little sister of Barcelona” for a long time. On a weekend in June, the time had finally come. With the train from Figueres, you can reach Valencia with a change in Barcelona relatively easily and quickly (with a change of about 5 hours). After everything was organized, the train was booked and my backpack packed, my trip was finally able to start on Thursday evenings.
Best train ride of my life
Excited and excited, I sit on the train and watch the passing landscape. I’m really looking forward to it Valencia, also because I’m meeting there with two friends that I haven’t seen for a long time. The changeover in Barcelona works without any problems and I’m already sitting on the connecting train to Valencia. I drive part of the routes directly along the sea. What a view! The best train ride of my life!
great joy of reunion
At around 8:30 p.m. I finally arrive in Valencia. I can’t wait to finally welcome my two friends Leni and Pia. Through the crowd I make my way through to the Great Hall. And there, waving, the two stand. The joy is huge. Only after a while do I realize how beautiful the Estació del Nord train station actually is. The station was built in 1917 by Demetri Ribes in a modernist style. Next to it is the bullring. We leave the station and stroll in amazement towards the city center, one beautiful town house after the other, with turrets and statues, as far as the eye can see. Slowly getting hungry and we end the evening with tapas and sangría in a typical Spanish restaurant in a side street.
sports in the garden
Our accommodation is located near the underground station Turia. From here we start on Friday morning after a hearty breakfast. We only appreciate the slightly cloudy sky and the pleasantly cool morning temperature in the afternoon. On the program this morning is the Botanical Garden. As a student, we only pay €1.50. We marvel at the most diverse types of orchids, succulents, cactus, agaves, all in bloom. As cat fans, we are particularly enthusiastic about the many kitties who dream of relaxing the day between the plants, unimpressed by the many visitors. In the large conservatory, we watch amused sprightly pensioners on their morning fitness program, accompanied by Spanish radio music.
Everything your heart desires
Then we continue towards the old town, through the Torres de Quart, one of the old town gates of Valencias. We come to Mercat Central, an old market hall and find us in gourmet heaven. Fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, bread, sweets, juices, wine,… for us pure paradise. Stand for stand we taste our way through jamón, salami, chorizo and olives. It can also be a bit of Vino Tinto based on the Spanish model to celebrate the day. Strengthened and packed with ham, cherries, salami and filled cream sticks, we continue our walk through the old town. In Valencia, a cool and freshly made Horchata de Chufa is also an absolute must, preferably from the famous Horchatería Santa Catalina. This drink is made from tigernut or tiger nut and has a unique taste. At first maybe it takes a little getting used to, but this cold refreshment tastes really delicious, especially on hot summer days and is also healthy. Then we take a quick look at the Valencia Cathedral, pass the Archdiocese of Valencia, the Basílica de la Mare, the Plaça del Manises through the Torres de Serranos along the Turia Park home.
party until the next morning
Arrived in the rented apartment, we first freshen up and keep an extensive siesta. In the evening we stroll through the hip district Russafa. In the Cafecito, our new Valencian favorite bar, we enjoy delicious homemade sangría and Agua de Valencia (high-proof vodka-gin and sparkling wine mixture with orange juice). In the best mood we then share a taxi (in Valencia mega cheap) to the most famous club in the city, mya, in the Ciutat de les Arts I les Ciències. Admission is really expensive and the drinks there too, but we don’t regret anything. The club location is really unique, there are two areas, indoor and outdoor. The open air floor inspires, the music is getting better and better. We celebrate until the early hours of the morning.
Ride on two wheels
After the night of the night, we have a good night’s sleep. The next morning my friend Leni makes us a super delicious breakfast with fried eggs. Destination today is the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. This time on the day with a bike. We swing excitedly on the saddles of our rental bikes and follow the path through the beautiful Turia Park. The park was laid out in a drained river bed and offers shadow benches, fitness equipment, own running routes and cycle paths. Lush oleanders bloom along the way, lemon trees and palm trees in between – pure southern flair. We drive relaxed under the historic bridges of the former river. Headwind refreshes, incomparable with the midday heat on our march through the old town yesterday. Best decision ever!
Modern Valencia
Passing the Palau de Música, we finally come to the “City of the Arts and Sciences”, a complex of scientific and artistic facilities with extraordinary modern architecture. The design city includes, among other things, an IMAX 3D cinema, a natural science museum, the Oceanogràfic (the largest aquarium in Europe) and an opera house. We can’t get out of the amazement anymore. Glass and white metal structures form the most diverse shapes, surrounded by turquoise blue water. The small waves are reflected in the masonry. Here we take a break and let everything affect us. After a while we drive back to the city center, give the bikes back and strengthen ourselves with delicious cakes and coffee in a small café. Then we stroll through the shops a bit, buy a few souvenirs here and there and enjoy the evening with tapas and cool drinks.
Vamos a la Playa
Sunday is beach day. We sleep longer than planned and only get away at noon. On the way we buy stuffed puff pastry pockets and the beloved cream sticks. finally sea. The Malva-Rosa Beach is overcrowded, but I still don’t let it take a jump into the cool water. A wonderful refreshment! At noon we share another paella mixta. Shortly thereafter, I sit on the train home. Valencia is definitely worth a trip! Away from the great mass tourism, you will find many interesting corners and more Spanish originality here than in the huge and overcrowded Barcelona.
