Short version: Waterfall, hot springs, and a surprise stop at a hydroelectric dam. Fun!…read more Long version: The waterfall was very pretty and just what the wife was looking to see. The river with the hot spring was also really nice, though it might have been more accurate to call it a "lukewarm spring" since the water coming out of it was actually cooler than the river on a hot Valencia summer day. Lunch was delicious. The hydroelectric dam was cool - periodically they let off a big burst of water to relieve pressure the result is a lot of rainbows. It started raining on the walk back from that and we were very glad to get back to the bus. As for Mike the tour guide, he's a good dude - funny, friendly, and didn't give us grief when we were a couple minutes late because of an issue with our hotel. Be aware that you will spend half the day in the car going to and from the locations, but that's to be expected on a tour like this. Overall it was a lot of fun. Highly recomended.

Highly recommend! My 14 year old nephew, 18 year old niece and I went on the Hot Springs tour the…read morelast week of March with Mike. It was so nice to get into nature after touring a few of Spain's big cities. We were joined by 4 other travelers who also seemed to have a great time. Before we got to the springs, we went to various locations that offered stunning views of valleys, a romantic "lovers leap" pond, and a totally cool dam that was spouting vast amounts of water. Lots of opportunities for teenage kids to run up and down mountains and boulder hop - they were in heaven! There was no one but us at any of the stops. It was raining but I'm guessing that even on the most beautiful day, there wouldn't be many people. In addition to the beautiful locations, the customer service was fabulous. They picked us up (we were jet lagged and still sleeping when they arrived, but Mike was totally gracious when we came out!) and dropped us off - no having to find a location in a big city! When we finally made it to the springs, Mike was prepared with wet suits and masks for our dip into the water. He even had umbrellas for us. Mike was hilarious and knowledgable, obviously a nature guy who enjoys sharing his special spots. When in Valencia, Do!Valencia - you won't regret it.

Came here in both October and December. October was warm and not too busy. December was busy but…read moreabsolutely lovely due to the beautiful Christmas decor and Christmas market...during this time, they have a large nativity scene, lit up trees, and lots of artisan pop-up shops. If you've never been to Valencia before, Plaza de la Reina is a must-do; even if it's not on your list, you're likely to come across it as you're walking around..it's very centrally located. The main attraction at the Plaza is the Valencia Cathedral. Here is where you can find the supposed real Holy Grail / Holy Chalice, but you must pay an entrance fee to see it. You can feel free to skip this attraction but still enjoy the lovely plaza. Grab a snack to eat, do a little shopping, and take in the beautiful architecture and Valencian culture. As I mentioned before, this Plaza is very centrally located. Right behind it is the Plaza de la Virgen with some more impressive religious architecture, and just a few blocks away is the Plaza del Ayuntamiento which is very impressive. TONS of restaurants and shops in the area. Mercado Central is also very close by. Plaza de la Reina even has its own underground parking, just look for the blue "P" signs when you get there. You'll have to pay for parking here, but considering how centrally located it is, it's decently priced. A Valencia must-do.

On my way to see the Cathedral, I realized Palza De La Reina is crazy busy. Too busy for me. It's…read morecrowded with tourists, people hawking things to tourists and awy too much traffic. It is cool to see the mass of humanity up to a point. The tented vendors, then people sitting on the sidewalks, it's a crazy mix. However if you're like me you'll go to take in the architecture, have a chufa horchata, then get the heck out

If you have the chance I highly recommend a visit to Valencia during the annual event of Las…read moreFallas. We visited during the week before the crema when the fallas are burned. During that time we saw the construction of the pieces. The pieces designated as special are spectacular. Then there are 2 days of beautiful processions from all over Valencia to bring flowers to add to the virgin. We stayed in the Russafa area which has lots of great restaurants, streets decorated with lights for Las Fallas and many Fallas displayed. We had great time and then stayed a week after Las Fallas to see the many other sites of Valencia. Be sure to sign up for a paella cooking class.

Most fun I have had at a festival yet. Even better than Carnival in Rio. Non stop week of parades,…read moreceremonies, and fireworks. Not to mention the final night of bonfires across the city burning down the massive sculptures constructed in every neighborhood. Check out the pictures and videos.

Awesome! One of the twelve gates that formed part of the ancient city wall and built in Valencian…read moreGothic style. The Torres de Serrans were built in the 14th century, 1392, by Pere Balaguer. From 1586 until 1887 the towers were used as a prison for nobles.You cannot miss it if you're staying here, so you might as well indulge, climb, and take in all of the views. Keep in mind, as with most places in Spain, they are closed during peak hours during lunch. Otherwise, enjoy and immerse yourself in the history.

They were built in the 14th century as part of the city fortification. Today, they are considered…read morelargest Gothic city gateway within the Europe. Wonderfully preserved, gothic motifs well visible from the street level. Normally you should be able to climb those, but in the summer 2021 when we visited, they were closed for the visitors-couldn't tell if that was covid related or just wrong time of the day. Anyway, they made a quite impression. It was very easy to visualize how visitors were addressed from top of the gate. It is a must if you are in Valencia!

When Im in town i generally stay by the Calatrava complex. After taking a stroll through the…read morearchitecture, I make my way through the Turia river bed gardens. If I had a day to spend Id try and walk the whole thing out to the outskirts of the western parts of the city. It is quite huge. It's interesting that this city planning and beautiful space came out of the tragedy of the city flooding and the new river, which is almost completely barren on the outside of the city is down trodden. Anyways, there is way more to explore than meets the eye, and a bonus is on hot days, it's usually more temperate in the gardens below

This beautiful green space and bike path once had a river ran through it, and following severe…read moreflooding in 1957 it changed the city's landscape forever, becoming what is now 9 kms of park snaking through the heart of the city! Fantastic way to discover the Valencia from the old city to the City of Arts & Science or vice versa, with gardens and funky architecture along the way. Wonderful example of how changes can bring more green space and alternate use and pedestrian and cyclist transportation to a city!

I was very excited to visit Valencia, but at the end of the trip, I thought it was just OK for me…read more Something did not click with me and Valencia, but I know many other people love this city. I stayed, not far from the Old Town, so within 5-10 min I was in the middle of the major tourist sights. Valencia is a place full of contrasts where you will find a charming old town next to futuristic buildings. I enjoyed the cultural aspects of the city, as well as walking along its Mediterranean beaches....which are not right off the old town or downtown areas...you have to take a car, taxi or bus there, which area about 15 min away. Valencia is perfect to discover on foot, which I did with a Free Tours by Foot guide....One of the most fascinating attractions is the Plaza de la Reina, with the Cathedral and the Miguelete tower, where I climbed the 207 steps for some beautiful views. In the city centre you can also find the Silk Exchange -one of Valencia's most beautiful buildings, a World Heritage Site, with its idyllic Patio de los Naranjos courtyard full of orange trees- and the Modernist Central Market - Europe's largest fresh produce market. This is the city where Paella was born. I decided on a nice restaurant in the Old Town, where I sat outside, watching people go by and ate a good size paella dish made with rabbit, chicken and sausage....it was delicious. I took advantage of the nice subway system while here and it took me to most places I needed to get to, aside from the old town and the downtown area.

I did not know what to expect when my Yelp Friend told me that we would do a stop in Valencia…read moreduring our European Trip. Honestly, I never even heard and think about going to Valencia all these time. After doing some research, I now know Valencia is the famous for or the birth place of - Paella (Valencian version with chicken or rabbit) - Fartons - Bunuelos - Horchata - Valencian Orange - and more!! Being the third largest city in Spain, there is plenty of things to do and food to eat! The local people here is always kind and nice to me though I do not speak much Spainish. I have no problem communicating or ordering food everywhere I go. We have a little glimpse of the Falles while we were there. Fire crackers, Fire works, Group of Revelers and all these energy. I need to come back again for the real festivities some day... I need to come back again when the weather is nice and hot so I can just chill out at the beach and eat seafood the whole day. I will be back!