Valencia and Eastern Spain Holidays

Over the last couple of decades, Valencia has undergone a complete regeneration that has put this vibrant Mediterranean city well and truly on the map as a city break destination. Sometimes known as 'The Big Orange' due to the huge citrus groves that surround it, Valencia is a city with a big personality, yet relatively compact and manageable to explore on a city break. The maze-like Carmen district is the oldest part of town - a beautifully restored neighbourhood of baroque façades, charming squares and narrow alleys packed with innumerable cafes, bars and restaurants that host the city's famous nightlife. Valencia is revered as a party town by the rest of Spain, which is saying something, and on the subject of partying Valencia is perhaps most famous for Las Fallas, Europe's wildest street party, where giant papier-mâché effigies of politicians and celebrities are paraded through the streets before being consumed by flames and fireworks - think British bonfire night multiplied by 100. La Tomatina, the annual tomato-throwing festival, is also held in the nearby town of Buñol, and both festivals draw visitors from around the world. On top of all this, Valencia holidays are about basking in the wonderful climate (think mild winters and over 300 days of sunshine a year); lounging on beaches right on the city's doorstep, and enjoying delicious local cuisine such as paella, invented and perfected in Valencia. All in all, Valencia is the complete city break destinations, but away from the city, Aragon and Catalunya are ripe for exploration, and we particularly recommend a stay in the wild and wooly Matarranya region. Read more