What to see in Valencia, Valencia Blog
Mar 8
The 2013 Fallas of Valencia
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Each year, Valencians anxiously await the arrival of the “puente de San José” to enjoy their biggest celebration: the Fallas, a festival of color and imagination that has become world-famous and receives thousands of visitors. This year, the celebrations will be held from March 15 to 19 and, as always, these unique festivities will have their characteristic humor and warmth. At Only-Apartments, we’ll give you the highlights of these noisy days, so you don’t miss anything during your holiday in Valencia.

 fallas-of-valencia-2013

La despertà

Get ready to start the celebrations in the early morning because beginning at 8 am the locals will see that they stay out of Morpheus’ arms by throwing firecrackers along their traditional route through the streets of Valencia.

 

La mascletà

The Fallera Mayor is responsible for opening an activity that arouses the most excitement among attendees: the mascletà of the Town Hall. Every day at 2 pm there’s a show that mixes the ever-present noise with color smoke designed by pyrotechnic masters. We recommend viewing it directly from the square so that you don’t miss any details.

 

Las fallas

During the days prior to the end of the celebration, you will have the opportunity to see the creations of the falleros scattered throughout the city. These cardboard figures are true works of art that take months to build and to which the Valencians devote all of their creativity. Conceived with humor and satire, they often portray important events of the season. Only the one chosen as the year’s best is saved from being burned on March 19. The best one then becomes part of the Fallas Museum.

 

El castillo de fuegos artificiales

The sky at night during the Fallas is colorfully illuminated with spectacular pyrotechnic creations intended to form part of the castle of fireworks. The most special ones are reserved for the last night of the celebrations, la nuit de Foc (Night of Fire), and they always surprise the thousands of attendees with their beauty and originality.

 

La ofrenda

The most solemn and moving event of las Fallas is probably the offering of flowers that is made to the city’s patron saint, the Virgin of the Helpless. Hundreds of falleros dressed in traditional costume of Valencia parade through the streets carrying flowers, accompanied by music from local bands, and form a majestic procession. You can witness it on March 17 and 18.

 

La cremà

After four days of uninterrupted festivities, it´s time to end things with the burning of the fallas. After the last fireworks, the ninots go up in flames and the Valencians start thinking about their creations for the following year and how they will surprise spectators in the next edition.

Elena Alvarez Only-apartments AuthorElena Alvarez

In order to experience the Fallas festival and to enjoy your vacations in the capital of the Costa Blanca to the fullest without spending too much, rent one of our good Valencia apartments .

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Feb 25
Gulliver Park in Valencia
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Published for the first time in London in 1726, Gulliver´s Travels is a novel that has always enticed the imagination and intelligence of readers all over the world. It is possible that in order to lower its high-subversive power — this book is an ambitious satirical, moral, political and anthropological fable that lucidly puts in question, not only all the principles of his time, but also the general human behavior, especially of those humans who consider themselves so civilized — this novel has been very often presented as a children´s book and often summarized in adapted in versions that emphasize on the fantasy components of this very unique travel book, while diverting attention and ignoring the formidable social criticism and the remarkable reflective pages that is admirable book contains.

gulliver <b>park</b> valencia

A massive three-dimensional example of this phenomenon is certainly shown by the Gulliver Park in Valencia. This park offers free entry to its visitors from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 20:00. Gulliver Park is located on the twelfth installment of the Turia’s riverbed, which powerfully evokes a place for Falles (traditional celebrations held in commemoration of Saint Joseph), in fact it was created by the architect Rafael Rivera and the designer Sentó Llobell, with the special collaboration of the Fallero Manolo Martín. Gulliver’s structure is the representation of one of the less problematic scenes for our Eurocentric conception of the world and yet, perhaps for the same reasons, the most popular part of the book is when Gulliver regains consciousness in Lilliput beaches and finds himself a prisoner of its tiny inhabitants.

Naturally, the role of these petite creatures at Gulliver Park is played by children, who can climb the giant body of this multicolored British doctor in the park.

Although in the book, there is a non-sense feeling caused: by the subsequent arrival of Gulliver to Brobdingmag (where Gulliver is in comparison a tiny being), the fictional flying Laputa island, the accurate Swift’s attack against all science meant to improve the human living condition, as well as the final lesson taught by the Houyhnhnms (which complaints on the inadequacy of human reason to live a decent life), are present in the park, but only spectrally in absentia for Book fans not evoke difficult out there.

 

Paul Oilzum Only-apartments AuthorPaul Oilzum

As for the children, as you’ll be able to see when you rent apartments in Valencia , even though they might not be aware where exactly they are playing, they will have a terrific time. This park can also be a good excuse to encourage the reading skills on your children. It’s up to you!

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Feb 20
Ten Must-See Places in Valencia
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These are the ten places you can not miss when visiting the city of Valencia:

 ten-must-see-places-valencia

1. The Carmen

 

This old neighborhood was developed between the Muslim and Christian wall. Walking through this maze of cobbled streets flanked by great medieval buildings will transport you to another era. Be sure to enter the palaces, cross the medieval gates of the city, the Torres dels Serrans and the Torres de Quart, and discover everything there is to see here.

 

2. The City of Arts and Sciences

 

This work by Santiago Calatrava of Valencia is an example of architecture at its most futuristic. The colossal building houses an IMAX(located in the Hemisfèric), as well as Europe´s largest aquarium, The Oceanographic, educational and interactive exhibits in the Science Museum Príncipe Felipe and the opera house at the Palace of Arts Reina Sofia. You’ll also discover the striking bridge l´Assut de l´Or, and the Agora, the headquarters of Valencia’s tennis tournament.

 

3. The Silk Exchange and Market Square

 

Enter the Central Market, one of the largest markets in Europe, which is located in the interior of a pre-modernist architectural treasure, and immerse yourself in one of the most outstanding examples of Gothic architecture in Europe, the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange). In addition to these buildings, be sure to visit St. John’s Church.

 

4. The Plaza de la Virgen

 

Right in the center of Valencia you’ll find historical treasures like the Miguelete, the Almoina or the Basilica of the Virgin and the Cathedral of Valencia. At noon on Thursday, attend the Tribunal de las Aguas. (Water Court). 

  

5. Museums

 

Choose from among the city’s 34 museums of art, history and architecture. Travel back to 18th-century Valencia via the baroque architecture of the National Museum of Ceramics. View works by Goya, Sorolla and Zuloaga in the Fine Arts Museum Pio V, get to know the Fallero Museum, or see the contemporary art on display at the MUVIM and IVAM. 

 

6. The beaches of Valencia and the Royal Navy

 

The Marina Real Juan Carlos I with its unique buildings and the events that are held there is a landmark of the city. Check out the Clock Building, the 19th-century Tinglados (warehouse buildings), and the Candles and Winds Building. You´ll also find shops, terraces and restaurants with spectacular views, a playground, and the North and South Marinas which are full boats and incredible yachts.

 

A little ways away, you’ll make out the Malvarrosa and Cabanyal beaches, accompanied by an attractive promenade. I highly recommend trying some delicious paella while enjoying a view of the water or a drink at one of the bars. If you prefer a wilder stretch of beach, check out el Saler beach next to the Albufera Natural Park.

 

7. The Town Hall Square

 

It is surrounded by some of the most emblematic buildings of the city, such as North Station, the Plaza de Toros, the Central Post Office, the Town Hall of Valencia and the Plaza Redonda, to name a few. It is best known for the celebrations of the “mascletás” that occur during the Fallas (celebration of the feast of St. Joseph) and in March.

 

8. The Albufera

 

This natural park transports us to a peaceful world, where you’ll hear only birdsong and the sound of water. Located just ten miles from the city, you will be captivated by the nature here.

 

9. Oceanogràfic and Bioparc

 

From east to west, Valencia is full of activities that are both leisurely and educational and will help you become more familiar with the animal kingdom. You can even go on an African safari in the Bioparc or travel through the underwater world in the Oceanogràfic.

 

10. The Turia Gardens

 

This garden extends from east to west and is more than nine kilometers long along the old Turia riverbed. Explore it by bike or train, travel over its many interlaced bridges and made a short stop at the Music Palace.

Cornejo Only-apartments AuthorCornejo

Rent apartments in Valencia city center  and live life to the grandest.

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Jan 2
Three Kings Parade in Valencia
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The Valencia benevolent Mediterranean climate makes that the traditional Ride of Their Majesties the Kings of the East as an ideal plan to spend this special event in the company of the smallest members of the house, so younger enthusiasts can enjoy this festival.

three-kings-parade-valencia

This custom, which takes place every January 5th and is celebrated to receive with honor the Three Kings on their arrival in the Spanish cities, dates back to XIX Century. Children can greet their majesties and receive candy that his pages allocate among the attendees before returning home to go to bed early so the Kings can do their magical work: leave gifts that each child has asked for in his letter.

This custom comes from the Catholic religion and the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. According to religious belief, the 3 Kings came from neighboring pagan towns, guided by a star, the place of birth of Jesus to deliver a series of gifts (gold, incense and myrrh) in recognition of the Catholic faith. This event caused that in countries like Spain they are responsible for bringing Christmas gifts to children who have been good all year and coal to those who have misbehaved.

On the 5th of January, at 5 in the afternoon, the 3 Kings and their entourage will arrive by boat at the Port of Valencia and, an hour later, begin their journey through the streets of the city based in the Paseo de la Alameda. The traditional floats carrying their majesties will have special assistants distributing gifts among children attending and some other surprises. The main points of his itinerary are Peace Street, Queen Square, San Vicente Street and, finally, the Town Hall, where they will be welcomed by local authorities with pomp and ceremony.

Valencia full turns to Christmas and spends this time in the city which gives you the opportunity to enjoy endless family activities, from going to the circus and Wonderland Nadal to spending a magical evening, see children´s musical Pinocchio, Shrek and Snow White or participate in workshops for young and old making Christmas decorations, gift wrapping, baking and cake pops.

Valencia Christmas Children´s programming is complemented with schools offering Bioparc Christmas, the Oceanographic Park, Divisi music school and a dance school  for children to live their holidays in a creative and different way.

For all ages, the craft markets await , the funfair, the solidarity DJs , the exhibition of cribs and Manges, the latter from the 2 to the 6th January, full of clothes, toys and jewelry at good prices.

Elena Alvarez Only-apartments AuthorElena Alvarez

Spend your holidays on the Mediterranean shore and book one of our apartments in Valencia city center  to not have to worry about traveling or schedules and enjoy the city at your own pace.

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Dec 21
The VLC menu, Valencia
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With the economic crisis, few Spanish cities have been hit harder than Valencia. This is due to its alarming and controversial dependency on the construction sector, and for this reason many restaurants have decided to lower their prices. This price lowering coming from the individual decision of many restaurant owners is complemented by official initiatives such as the creation of the VLC Menu, impulsed by the city´s tourism office.

vlc-menu-valencia

The main idea is to offer a first-class culinary experience, based mostly on local cuisine and in some of the best restaurants in Valencia with prices that are not prohibitive for tourist. And so, once the necessary VLC Menu Cheques have been acquired and the restaurant bookings have been made on the internet (turisvalencia.es) or on the phone, you can enjoy a menu in the collaborating restaurants. The menu consists of a starter, a main course of Valencian cuisine and a dessert for 15€ per person, 12€ for children. The good news is that these prices already include VAT and that the promotion is valid for lunch and dinner, an important thing since most of these types of offers do not apply to evening meals. The bad news is that the drink is not included, so the price might go up a little bit. However, if you have a Valencia Tourist Card or the Valencia Cruise Card, also sold by the city´s tourism office, you can complement your meal with a liqueur, coffee or tea.

At first it might seem that it´s not precisely a bargain, but the local authorities insist in the quality of the food and the prestige and good name of the restaurants that have joined the programme. Regarding the former, the VLC Menu wants to diversify the offer regarding the starters -that can be chosen from a wide range of salads to a sampling of local tapas-, the main courses (that mainly revolve around the traditional Valencian rice in different recipes as well as meats and fish made with local recipes) and the desserts (where along with the seasonal fruit they offer a suggestive variety of homemade cakes, ice creams and the typical horchata de chufa, a milky drink made from tiger nuts)

Regarding the restaurants, a link to which you can find on the website pointed out at the end of the first paragraph, they´re mostly located in the most popular areas of the city, from the old town to the modern seafront and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, as well as the elegant and evocative districts of Ruzafa and Canovas.

Paul Oilzum Only-apartments AuthorPaul Oilzum

If you rent apartments in Valencia , perhaps you´ll feel tempted to acquire these cheques and will deliver your own judgement on the convenience of coming closer to the ever-seductive gastronomical offer of the city in this particular way.

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Dec 19
10 things to do for free in Valencia
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Cheap solutions in times of crisis. These are some of the most desirable places to discover in the city of Valencia without spending a single euro.

10-free-things-in-valencia

1. At the junction of Calle Quart Guillén with  Castro Street,  the Quart Towers are located, one of the entrances of the old medieval walls of the old city of Valencia. These twin towers are a Spanish national monument.

2. In the Plaza de la Reina we find the Cathedral of Valencia, known as the “Seu” in Valencian, built mostly in Spanish Mediterranean Gothic style, it contains within its walls some of the best paintings of the fifteenth century in the Iberian Peninsula that came from Rome . The tour is priced at € 3, but when Mass is on admission is free.

3. A few meters from the Plaza de la Reina will find the Plaza Redonda, a place where on Sunday it is transformed into a colorful market with animals(parakeets, squirrels, etc.), furniture, prints, paintings, music and various trinkets.

4. One of the most beloved buildings in Valencia is certainly Valencia Public Library, the old General Hospital. A very busy library, which also was a prison and a convent.  Entry is free.

5. If you are looking for museums, the best known one is the IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art), a museum that is highly recommended. The entrance fee is 2 €, the price for seniors and students is 1 € and every Sunday admittance is free.

6. Another museum with no admission is MUVIM (Valencian Museum of Modernity and illustrations) located in the Park of Culture, within walking distance of Valencia Public Library.

7. From the 15 to the 19 of March you can enjoy all the popular Valencia Fallas festival, but also throughout the year there are events and celebrations related to this event. Las Fallas itself consist of ninots known as artistic constructions, created in combustible materials. Initially they were made of wax but currently are made with white cork which allows greater size and less weight.

8. Los Baños del Almirante, is a few blocks from the Cathedral of Valencia, we´ll find it on the street with the same name of this public building. A unique example of Moorish art and the only one which has remained open since its inauguration until the twentieth century.

9. In the Garden of the Turia in Valencia we have  the Gulliver Park, a magical and fun place for children and adults, representing the body of Gulliver in Lilliput, where everyone will enjoy themselves just as if they were dwarves.

10. And in  moments of good weather, what could be better than an unforgettable walk through the harbor area near the Malvarrosa beach. In ancient times it was a favorite place for famous vacationers as painter Joaquín Sorolla. Annually an Air Festival is held with aircraft from all over the world

Cornejo Only-apartments AuthorCornejo

Rent apartments in Valencia city center and enjoy their culture with no economic expense.

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Nov 13

After the flood of 1957 it was decided that the river should be diverted to flow on the outskirts of Valencia to prevent something similar from happening again. After months of deliberation, the citizens were given a park that occupied the central part of the city. And so the Turia Gardens, which are still greatly enjoyed today, were created.

 turia-gardens-valencia

At the top of the park is the Parque de Cabecera, which features a lake that you can navigate with pedal boats that rest along its shores. It’s an ideal place to begin our tour of the park, which occupies some 110 hectares. We’ll finish at the City of Arts and Sciences.

 

Next to the Parque de Cabecera is the Bioparc, the new Valencia Zoo that welcomes animals from Africa and Asia. This one replaces the old park that was located in Viveros.

 

The Turia Park continues, intersected by several bridges, until you reach Gulliver, a park created for younger guests who will be entertained by the many slides emerging from the figure of Gulliver. This celebrated literary figure is lying on the ground after being shipwrecked in Lillyput. Admission is free and it´s great fun for kids.

 

Within walking distance of Gulliver, closer to the sea, stands the Palau de la Música, whose music program continues to garner new fans with their good music. Community bands, philharmonic orchestras and opera recitals are offered in their lovely setting for Valencians and visitors who are interested in great works of all time.

 

A garden with fountains accompanies the venerable building, and invites visitors to take a break on one of the many benches to enjoy the bright sunshine.

 

Finally, you’ll reach a green area which is crossed by small streams and then the City of Arts and Sciences. Here, you can visit the Museo Principe Felipe, L’Hemisferic, the Oceanogràfic and other facilities of this science and technology park, which are dedicated to both dissemination and leisure.

 

To see everything, you may want to rent bikes if you don’t have your own. It’s even possible to rent bicycles on which the whole family pedals together to make the ride that much more special while you enjoy the sunshine.

Sepelaci Only-apartments AuthorSepelaci

Come walk through the Turia Gardens and enjoy the fresh air and the many plants and trees located here. It´s also a great place to visit with children, who will enjoy the Gulliver park and other science and art institutions. Rent apartments in Valencia for a few days so that you will have time to discover this and other parts of this beautiful city.

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Nov 6
Concerts in Valencia this November
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If it comes to music, brings in Valencia November some very interesting concert to which you can not stop going. A city with many cultural activities and concerts and events constant, Valencia is undoubtedly an important destination during your travels in Spain.

concerts-valencia-november-2012

The Planets

The iconic Spanish indie rock band will be performing live on November 6 at the Olympia Theatre. A curious mixture of rock n roll, shoegaze, pop and flamenco, The Planets continue to prove they are one of the best of the Spanish rock scene of the last twenty years.

 

The Skatalites

The Fabulous Skatalites play on Nov 11 at the Loco Club with the best of their repertoire. With over 40 years on stage, this important Jamaican band is a must for lovers of rock  reggae and of course ska.

 

Swing Murderer

With the sound of post punk and new indie, the Swing Murderer is one of the best bands from Spain. Natives of Pamplona and with more than ten years of career, these rockers will be playing on November 16 at the The Cabanyal.

 

Patti Smith

Poet, revolutionary, feminist rebel. The stunning singer, heroine of the New York punk scene in the 70´s will be in Valencia on November 17 at the The Cabanyal. If you have not seen  Patti Smith, you´re missing an important part of history of rock of all times.

 

The Jim Jones Revue

For lovers of garage, rock n roll and wild sounds, The Jim Jones Revue plays in the Wah Wah in Valencia on November 21. If you love “revivals” of the 60´s, this band is for you.

 

The Chameleons

An iconic British post punk band, initiators of the  gothic and new wave ”scene” of the eighties, they will be playing in the Wah Wah on November 22. Despite the years, this band is a must as demonstrated by their recent tours and explosive presentation in the latest edition of the Primavera Sound Festival.

 

Russian Red

For fans of folk and indie music, Russian Red is presented in Valencia on November 29 at the Teatro Principal of Valencia. Blessed with a dreamy voice, the phenomenal singer Lourdes Hernandez will catch you with her songs of romance, tragedy, beauty and love.

 

The concert list in Valencia is long and diverse. Choose the musical style you feel most  attractive to and feel free to spend time in this beautiful city. Its vibrant nightlife bars and party nights before and after each concert also guarantees hours of fun. For more information on concerts in Valencia, visit the following website: http://www.nvivo.es/conciertos-en/Valencia/Valencia

Alexa Ray Only-apartments AuthorAlexa Ray

Get apartments in Valencia and enjoy the best music throughout November. It does not matter if you prefer pop, rock, indie or reggae. In Valencia you certainly will find your favorite music and the best representatives of each of these styles.

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Oct 3

During the years following World War II, the United States experienced a period of unprecedented economic expansion, which allowed them to achieve a level of comfort unimaginable only a few years earlier. This golden age is reflected in the media and through advertising. The ads fiercely encourage consumerism, displaying products that supposedly improve life and make you happier: cars, blenders, televisions, jewelry, hats and pointy glasses. Hollywood stars occupy all the covers, functioning as role models. There’s glitz, glamour and a display of wealth and prosperity. The belief that you are what you have reigned.

exhibition-covers-valencia

But then in opposition to all of this, a generation of young rebels was born who rejected the opulence and falseness of the adult world through their attitude and dress. They were called “outsiders”. They wore jeans and leather jackets, were grouped into gangs, and went out, smoked and listened to rocknroll music. They rebelled against what their parents tried to instill in them. They lived in the moment. This insolence became characteristic of this era, as seen in rebel icons like Elvis Presley, Marlon Brando and James Dean. The youth revolution exploded.

The exhibition “Covers (1951-1964)” relocates us to this country where the first restless and rebellious youth was manifested, similar to that which we still know today. With movie clips, album covers, photographs, songs and books, “Covers” shows us the origin of this movement and their desire to live on the edge and die young. Through this exhibition one will learn about America’s wealth at the time, what those young rebels were like, their values, the music they listened to, the covers from the time period, what was covered in the media and what wasn’t. A visit to this exhibition provides a better understanding about what the United States was like and how it has become the country it is today.

The exhibition “Covers (1951 – 1964) – Culture, Youth and Rebellion” is open and free to the public. It runs from October 2, 2012 to January 20, 2013, Monday to Friday from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm. On Sundays, it is only open in the morning.

Marta Mir Only-apartments AuthorMarta Mir

If you like vintage and would like to see iconic relics from this time period, rent one of our apartments in Valencia and submerge yourself in the 50s.

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Sep 26
Zero Gravity at CAC in Valencia
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Weve all looked at the sky and wondered how would it be to see the Cosmos from space. Now you have the chance to see the cosmos through the eyes of astronauts of the International Space Station.

zero-gravity-cac-valencia

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia exhibits “Zero Gravity”, an exhibition of a research that reveals the secrets of how the sun affects life on Earth. This interesting display also showcases the telescopes used for the study. However, the exhibition goes further with a cubical installation of mirrors that projects real images of the Earth seen from space; unpublished images that will take your breath away. An inexistent world on the Earth, life in the sky, the stars and galaxies, where you can freely float, all thanks to the images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope during its 20 years in orbit.

The Science Museum of Valencia and the European Space Agency (ESA) have created this exhibition. Thats why; the sample is also dedicated to explain their current and future space missions, as well as Earth observation, meteorology, satellite navigation, spaceflights, space laboratories and exploration of the solar system.

Attendees will also learn more about the satellite Cluber, thanks to a scale model of it that will be exhibited at “Zero Gravity.”

This is a unique opportunity to experience the feeling of flying in the space and see what only astronauts can see: the Cosmos. For less than € 8 you’ll have the chance to be surrounded by the stars and become a space explorer at zero gravity.

To purchase tickets and for more information on the exhibition, visit the website of the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia: http://www.cac.es/museo/exposiciones/ficha/?contentId=116118

 

Cinta Blanch Only-apartments AuthorCinta Blanch

Get apartments in Valencia and have the most amazing experience of your life at Zero Gravity at the Science Museum, a space exhibition that won’t disappoint you.

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