Beaches and the A. cup and F.1 city circuit:
Beaches can be quickly accessed via direct metro (line 5) 3min walk away just 18mins will take you to the F.1 city circuit, America's Cup Port and the 'Blue flag' beach of Malverossa a long wide sandy beach for just 0.61 cents with a 'bono'. Good variety of restaurants, bars and late night clubs in the summer right along the Esplanade. Valencia parties right through the summer months at Malverossa beach Sunday Times U.K rated 21/07/09 ...'its party time'.
. If you want seclusion and a more beautiful natural, duned back-dropped beach; then you can't beat El Saler for combining the best of city living with miles of glorious sandy beaches as far as the eye can see. Great also for cycling, as there are new specific paths weaving along the coast. Bike hire shops are available at Ergobike at Calle Museo. Take a bus from the main bus station/Plaza Reina approx' 40min travelling time worth a good day out Good value bars and restaurants are located in the small resort of El Saler (bus stop).
City of Arts and Science/Biopark:
Shear dynamism of architecture 'old world meets brave new world'.
Santiago Calatrava's masterpieces en -masse. Encompassing an amazing glass tunnelled aquarium, which gives you the impression of it going on forever....! Spectacular Dolphinarium. Hands on science exhibits...everyone can relive their childhood again here for the day. Moderately pricey (26€)- but definitely worth it for a great day out. The Palau del Artistes, is architecturally 'cutting edge' inside and out; and is representative of Valencia's grand past and visionary future.
Valencia's Palau de la Musica (superb acoustics) is host to World class touring and it's own professional orchestras along with visiting premier level musicians and conductors . Tickets for orchestral concerts start at €8.(some free) Operas @ the Palau del Artistes from €38 with multilingual subtitles.
Europes largest Biopark with over 1000 species of wildlife in a natural setting easily accessed in 5 mins by metro.
Shopping in Valencia:
Valencia offers for those in the know, top names as Loewe, Max Mara, Adolfo Dominquez etc in Calle Colon and its proximity. In addition six El Cortes Ingles quality department stoes.
'Bonaire' one of Spain' s largest and best value 'out of town' shopping malls with top Spanish designers and World-wide brands as Zara, Mango, 'super-hip' Desigual etc offering upwards of 80% off High St prices on end-of lines/ over-stock etc and 'seconds'. Worth a half-day out to check out and make huge savings on stylish 'non-run of the mill' clothing and shoes at seriously reduced prices. Buses run every 15 mins and take about 25/30 mins from Angel Guimera, cab about 10/12 mins.
El Carmen for bohemian one-off designs, antique shops and trendy boutiques most open until late at night.
Ski:
Snow skiing at Valdineres and Javalambre for limited day/wkd snow skiing. Valdineres boasts a reasonable 'red' 8km ski run along with 8 other graded pistes. 1.5 hours travelling by car. You'll need to hire one to get there. Fine for a day out or one day at each resort approx' 40mins between each .
Golf:
El Saler for Valencia's international course. 15mins cab/car
Betera direct metro approx 40 mins and then 5 mins cab, smart facilities in delightful setting. 15 mins car.
WALKING and CYCLING.
Sierra Calderona accessed via metro line 1 direct to Betera (you'll need Betera metro as the line splits northbound) then via metro-bus from Betera - Serra (a charming C.17 pueblo/village) en route pass early C.20 grand Orange growing country estates leading into the foothills of the Sierra Calderona with its breathtaking scenery around the vale of Valencia overlooking almond, olive and orange groves Roman fortresses and beyond to the Med'. Tranquillity and beauty abound. Keen mountain bikers will enthuse on its great cycling routes Hugely popular with Valencianos at the weekends. (It's possible to cycle 14km downhill) 35 mins by car.
Other Activities:
All cultural activities less than10/15 mins walk or 15 mins metro/bus.
