Valencia–For an attractive port city vacation

Valencia is a very attractive port city located towards the south eastern region of Spain. This city, considered as the third largest in Spain, is the capital of the Province of Valencia as well as of its Autonomous Community, and is a great destination for all those tourists who wish to travel to a spot that is usually sunny, and offers attractive sea landscapes. It's considered an ideal vacation destination.

One of the best times of the year for visiting the city of Valencia is during March, when the festival of Las Fallas takes place. The time of festival allows visitors to visit this destination at one of its liveliest times of the year. On the other hand, and regardless of the time of the year, during their vacation in this destination, tourists should never miss trying a traditional Paella Valenciana, one of the most famous dishes in not only its region, but the entire of Spain as well.

The city of Valencia has a population of about 1,015,000 inhabitants in its urban area, and about 197,000 inhabitants living in the city itself. It is interesting to know that the origins of the name of this city, Valencia, comes from the Latin word "Valentia" which can be translated as vigor, power, or strength.

During their vacation in Valencia, tourists can visit a large number of antique buildings and constructs, some of them dating from as long ago as the Roman or Arabic times. One of the most interesting antique constructions visitors can meet when they travel to this city is The Cathedral of Valencia, or Catedral de Valencia, a construct that was built around the 14th century. The cathedral demonstrates a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque architectural styles.

Another interesting construct that tourists should not miss when they travel to Valencia is the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados or the Basilica of the Virgin, a very interesting antique building located near the Cathedral of Valencia. Besides this, visitors might also find very interesting the city's Serrano and Quart towers, which were built in the 15h century and used to be part of the wall that surrounded the city.

The history of Valencia as an inhabited spot can be traced back to ancient times when it was known as Edetania. According to experts, a group of soldiers of Viriathus the Conqueror were the first inhabitants in this city when they were sent to this region of Spain towards the year 140 BC. After that, and around the year 137 BC, this city was formally founded by the Romans, becoming one of the main towns of what was known as the Hispania Terraconensis province.

One of the main attractions visitors can find in Valencia is its museums and cultural centers. During their vacation in this city, tourists can visit, for example, the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno, the Museo del Artista Fallero, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, the Museo de Bellas Artes, the Museo Taurino, the Almudín with interesting archaeological discoveries, and the Museo Valenciano de la Ilustración y la Modernidad.

World famous architect, Santiago Calatrava, is responsible for many of the city's designs including the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, with its science museum, IMAX cinema and oceanographic park. Calatrava also designed the bridge that is named after him – located in the center of the city.