It’s difficult to understand why this Spanish port isn’t on more cruise itineraries. Just up the coast west of Barcelona it is Spain’s third largest city and features over two thousand years of history. A remarkably modern, clean and vibrant city, Valencia’s history goes back to the Romans and features a number of 13th and 14th century building along with a dozen miles of white sand beaches.
Where Your Ship Docks
Valencia has a large and busy working port and at present doesn’t provides only one cruise terminal for MSC ships. Walking out of the port is possible but it is a trek of a mile or two and you will still be four or five miles from any of the three major centers of the city. Shuttle busses to the old city gate area are usually offered by the cruise ships. From the city gate into the old city is a short walk with the major shopping district not very much farther.
Transportation
Valencia has a good bus system but for a one day visit the shuttle and taxis are your best option. A taxi trip from the historic Cathedral area over to the City of Arts and Sciences, the ultra modern new city complex will run about 10 Euros.
Currency
A member of the European Union the local currency is the Euro. Major credit cards are welcome and there is easy access to ATM machines throughout the city.
Attractions
City of Arts and Sciences – Comprised of six areas from the Oceanografic, one of the worlds great aquariums to the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia the art and cultural center for Valencia, the “City” is one of Spains most popular attractions along with L’Hemisfèric. It’s a large format cinema, IMAX Dome, being the largest room in Spain that houses three projection systems on a concave screen of 900 square meters. A 3D digital cinema along, a digital projections, astronomical representations and numerous entertainment shows. HERE
Valencia’s old Gothic City is bordered by the Turia Gardens a unique park that stretches along a former riverbed, offering a green oasis in the heart of the city. It was originally defended by city walls with a series of city gates. Today several historic city gates that served as entrances to the walled city remain. The Torres de Serranos and Torres de Quart are two prominent examples that have been preserved to showcase the city’s medieval past. They are the largest Gothic city gates in all Europe and act as the entrance to the old quarter and were built in the 14th century. Climbing these towers offer spectacular views of the city.
The Central Market of Valencia is almost a hundred years old and is referred to as “the cathedral of the Senses”. A major public market, this historic building is where Valencia goes shopping.
The Silk Market – A Gothic masterpiece it was built in 1483 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Cathedral, Civic Center and Shopping District – The Serranos Towers are the entry way to the Gothic quarter with its fantastic architecture. Entering into the tower leads into the governmental center and a shopping district beyond. The commercial district features one of the greatest centers of high-end stores and notable designer shops in Europe. Stroll the narrow streets, sit and sip sangria or cappuccinos at sidewalk cafes and visit art galleries and museums dotted around the area.
Marinas and Beaches – Valencia has almost twelve miles of white sand beaches featuring resorts and beach clubs along with a number of marinas. It would take a number of weeks to take in all that this incredible city has to offer.
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A beautiful and diverse city, one I’d like to explore one day!
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