Outdoor Pool/ Biopark etc.:
Great outdoor pool set in lush sub-tropical gardens at Club Hipica just 5/6 mins walk away in Calla Jaca. Used by Valencianos in 'the know'. Entrance fee 3€. Young children €1. Go for the day with a picnic . Dine upstairs in first class surroundings with civilised and courteous service for just 15€. Three courses at lunch time with the value 'menu del dia'. This restaurant is regularly in the top three of Valencia's food awards.
See www.culturia.org to see some of Valencia's finest gardens and museums which you can access readily in just 4 mins via the 'rio de cultura' the 9 km impressive Turia river gardens.
Europes largest Biopark for over 1000 different species in a natural setting. Easily accessed by metro within 20 mins or walk/cycle through the delightful Turia river gardens either 10 mins bike or 40 mins walk.
Beaches:
Malvorossa city beach accessed easily by direct metro line 4, just 4mins walk to metro terminus Sagunto and just 15/18 mins. Metro every 10/20 mins and cheap @ 0.61c when you purchase a 'bonometro'. Blue Flag bathing and broad fine sandy beach with an excellent choice of restaurants nearby. Smart terraced cafes and cocktail/tapas bars around the Americas Cup Port. European city living doesn't get much better with its ease, value and great attractions with its cool sophistication make it a must visit.... Sunday Times rated 21/07/09 for Party lovers - why would you pay Ibiza prices?
El Saler great for truely tuning in with mother nature - there are specified clothes free zones. Glorious sandy beach continuing onwards as far as the eye can see with duned backdrops, scented Pines and great cycle tracks weaving through them . Fantastic for skaters/skate borders. 'Bus-it' easily from Plaza Reina for a couple of euros @ just 10 mins walk away.
F.1 City Circuit:
August 2010 for great backdrops for International Grand Prix F.1 racing. Possibly Spain's no 1 venue for this racing event. Accessed easily cheaply and directly by line 4 metro at Sagunto/Pont de Fusta metro @ 4 mins walk. Later in the day walk into El Carmen for the late night action. The ease and accessibility of this studio is location, location, location for all of Valencia city's eclectic day and night action.
N.B Consideration for Valencia's public transport system is prudent as it closes early @ 23.00 so don't get caught out staying more then 5 mins walk from the 'happening' historic city/El Carmen if you really want to be 'where its at'. Otherwise you could end up forking out for cabs @ €5-15 a ride.
Ski:
Skiing is accessed at Javalambre or Valdineres, limited (6/8 reds/blue runs each resort) but fine for the day or two and boast quite reasonable pistes. Just 1.5 hours accessible by car only. Spain's premier resorts are Formigal @ 4.5 hours or Bequiera @ nearly 6 hours, boasting 80 -140km of pistes.
Golf:
El Saler range for Valencia City's premier range. Taxi/car 15 mins.
Betera 15km outside the city. Metro line 1, 40 mins and cab 8 mins from metro terminus.
WALKING & CYCLING
Valencia is excellent for both keen and leisurely cyclists with dedicated cycle paths throughout the city - all flat -so easy!. Also along many of the beaches. Many of the wide beach paths around El Saler/Jardens del Turia opposite Plalau del Artistes are excellent for skating/skate-boarder enthusiasts. Numerous bike hire shops closeby.
Recently completed is the delightful purpose built cycle trail; starting from the west of the Turia river gardens paralleling the river Turia northwards through to Vilamarxant at approx 25kms (from studio) of stunning countryside scenery. Up to two bikes can be locked up within the entrance hallway of the building.
Sierra Calderona (chain of mountains at an altitude of 500m, encircling La Huerta/vale of Valencia) to the north of the city - although ideally reached by car, is equally stunning for the wonderful vistas and traquility.
Other Activities:
Scooter/bike hire through relevant agency.
