Valencia, Spain Port Reviews
Valencia, Spain On Your Own Shore Excursion
By Tom Ogg

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Overview:

Beautiful Valencia

Valencia, Spain is the capital of the Valencia region and is a large and crowded city. However, with a long history, exploring Valencia is a visual treat, as around the corner from a modern shopping center is likely to be a church centuries old. Valencia's architecture is unique beautiful in places and modern and drab i others. It offers a very quaint Old Section and several beautiful churches. Valencia also has a vibrant beach scene during the summer months. Hundreds of thousands of people head to the beach on sumer weekends and it is a fun and exciting place to visit. The weather in Valencia is Mediterranean with everything that implies and the local currency is the euro.

Cruise Port Location and Information:

Docked in the Port of Valencia

While the Port of Valencia is part of the city of Valencia, the main section of interest to visitors requires a motor coach transfer to get to. Your ship will have a transfer and there will also be transportation available outside of the port should you want to do something different than visit Valencia's historic section..

Exploring on Your Own:

Valencia's Architecture is Stunning

Other than requiring a transfer from the port into the historic district, Valencia is easy to explore on your own. In fact, this is the best way to do it, as the Old Section has many pedestrian streets. However, if your ship offers a short city tour with the option of staying in Valencia when it is done, I would suggest doing this to get your bearings. Valencia is a large city bustling with activity and traffic. Even with a map, it is difficult to find your next destination because of the way Valencia is laid out. Another way to familiarize yourself with the Old Section is to take the Hop On Hop Off bus that operates from Plaza de la Reina. This will show you the major sites in the city and allow you to go back to the ones that are of interest to you.

Shopping Tips:

Shopping in Valencia, Spain

Valencia is organized by shopping areas. As an example, if you were looking for wedding dresses, all of the wedding dress stores would be found together. Many times the names of the street indicate the kind of stores that are found there. One of the main product categories that Valencia is known fo ris ceramics and they are sold all over the city.

Entrance to Plaza del Mercado

Not to be missed is Plaza del Mercado or the public market for Valencia. With 1,400 stalls open evbery day, there is something for everyone in this wonderful market. Here are some shots of its interior to give you an idea of its diversity.

The Interior of the Central Market

The market is really made up of three different markets.

The Central Market Dome

The central market building was constructed in 1913 over the old marketplace that had been used for hundreds of years. It is visually stimulating with the use of wood, ceramics, rockwork and stained glass.

Cheese Anyone?

Fresh Fish and Shellfish Abounds

Cured Meats - Yummy

Ummmm, Fresh Octopus

More Meat and Fruit

I think you get the idea. The Central Market is worth exploring. It makes me wonder why we don't have these in the U. S.?

Port Highlights:

The Central Train Station and Bull Ring

Much of Valencia's charm lies in its architecture and various museums, churches and monuments.

Miguelete Church

Built in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries, the Miguelete Church is representative of the many churches found throughout Valencia's old section.

Santos Juanes Church

The Santos Juanes Church is one of the oldest in Valencia having been completed in the 14th Century. Be sure to visit this church and check out the dome and frescos from the inside.

San Agustin Church

I am sure that you are starting to get the idea that Valencia has a lot of churches to visit. It does.

Santa Catalina Church and Bell Tower

If you love old churches, you are going to love Valencia.

Valencia's Bullring

The Bullring is located right in the center of the historic district next to the main train station in Valencia. It was designed by an architect that used a Roman amphitheater as a model. This structure pretty much defines Valencia.

The Valencia City Hall

Located on the main square in Valencia the Town Hall is the epicenter of government. The white building next to it is Valencia's main post office.

Valencia's Downtown is Alive with Activity

One can't help but be impressed with the blending of the old and the new in Valencia. Every new turn reveals a cornucopia of contrasting images and impressions.

Another of Valencia's Interesting Buildings

After wandering around for a few hours one gets the sense that Valencian's completely love thier city and would not change a thing.

The Pedestrian Streets of the Old Section

Especially interesting is the old Section's pedestrian streets that meander throughout the area.

Valencia's Beautiful Beaches

About 15 - 20 minutes by bus or taxi from the Old Sections are Valencia's beautiful beaches. Stretching for over 2 miles and lines with restaurants and bars, This would be an excellent way to spend the afternoon after exploring the Old Section of Valencia. While the beaches are quite close to the port, one needs to arrange for a taxi to get them to and from the port.

Off the Beaten Path:

Unfortunately, Valencia is not located near other interesting villages or sightseeing. This mkaes for very limited options to go off the beaten path.

Dining and Drinking Suggestions:

Sidewalk Cafes in Valencia

There are numerous sidewalk cafes throughout Valencia serving all types of cuisine. The beach area also has numerous restaurants to choose from.

Must Do List:

I can't think of anything here that I would give this rating to. Valencia is a wonderful port with interesting sights and the beaches are also great, but they are not a "must do".