For me, Spain is not the first place on the list when you think of February sun, but what do you know? Sol de Febrero en Espana!
When? 13th - 17th February 2022
With? Jacks family (11 of us!)
Stayed at? Silken Puerta Valencia.
Highlight? It's got to be the magic of spending Valentines abroad - the Spaniards are so beautifully in love.
Improvement? The city SMELL!
With a Ramsay Plane food breakfast under the belt & a comment from security thinking I was 15, we were on our way. My first trip abroad in February I figured out, why I'm not so sure! It is the perfect time to get away after the January lul it gets you excited & away from the chills for a little adventure.
That said. . . the rain was there to greet us when we arrived on our first evening & an unexpected ride on the local football teams team coach to get us to our hotel, gracing through the city sky high apartment buildings, giant crossroads & orange trees - you can never doubt Spain to be a perfect escape whether it is the coasts of Cordoba or the city of Valencia, the Spanish charm absorbs you with the warm air every day of the year, smiley faces & ease of friendliness left, right & centre.
Where to Stay
4 nights in Silken Puerta Valencia - a really great location to stay with plenty of bus stops & transport links nearby, a 30 minute walk either way to the beach or into the city centre. With super friendly staff, a quaint modern bar area & staple simple & clean rooms, it is just right to stay here for a city break popping back & forth throughout the day. There is also a plentiful breakfast spread! (Although slightly limited on the plant based foods as cheese & meats are of course their staple)
What To Do
Visit La Malvarossa beach, have tapas (on the hour, every hour) & climb the Cathedral tower. Three musts! Getting to the top of the 207 step tower is quite a sight, we happened to time it as the bell was chiming - which may have scared the living day lights out of some people - but a great moment none the less!
Another must is taking a trip to the Central Market = FOOD HEAVEN. The yummiest olives, fresh fartons (stick like doughnuts!) & everything else under the sun. You pass through this when walking around the city & whilst I'm not the biggest advocate for walking tours in every city - I prefer exploring the wonders yourself - there is so much history & fun facts in Valencia, it is definitely worth while & a quick way to see the city in a matter of a couple of hours.
& A couple more musts. . .Taking a trip to the Valencia Aquarium Oceanografic for sure! It is one of the biggest aquariums in the world & with an underwater tunnel to walk through it is a pretty special visit. In order to get there walk along the old river bed turned park, it is 9km stretching through the entire city, it is absolutely beautiful, chopping & changing from being surrounded by Valencian orange trees one moment to watching a yoga class under marble arches the next. It is perfect for a romantic stroll & picnic spot.
Where To Eat
What to drink comes first here & that is Agua de Valencia. Strong, sweet & juicy, having their local cocktail is perfect to sip on whether you are in the city or by the beach as it is very refreshing! Also, get the right places & this city is a Foodie's HEAVEN. So here they are, a few of the best places to eat in Valencia (alongside the Central Market):
- Paella? Flor de Valencia
- Tapas? Pintxo i Trago
- Romance? Vuelve Carolina
- Homemade? Magma Restaurante
- Brunch? Four Coffee & Bistro
Every single one of these places was brilliantly unique with incredibly fresh ingredients & personal service & I would go back to them all again - now if this is not a pretty special foodie city then I'm not sure what is!
Valencia is a great sunshine getaway, whether it is with family, friends or a romantic trip, this is a city that caters for all. It is big but personal. Traditionally Spanish yet unique. Fun whilst at the same time, delicately beautiful.