Tourist information
Valencia
Valencia is one of the largest cities (approximately one
million inhabitants) in Spain, and among the liveliest. It is
located right on the Mediterranean Sea, just in front of Ibiza,
and you will find bright beaches, fantastic possibilities for
any kind of sports, a boiling nightlife. Valencia City is an
ideal place to enjoy its climate, its beaches and gastronomy.
Together with lots of cultural appeal learning Spanish in
Valencia has become very popular. Valencia is also famous for
its Paella Valenciana, just one of the many examples of its
excellent cuisine.
Things to See
- City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias)
- Cathedral and Miguelete bell tower
- San Pio V (http://www.cult.gva.es/mbav)
- Albufera
The park is home to the largest lake in Spain and one of the
most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a
place of great ecological interest with rare species of wading
birds and a rich variety of wildlife. Its waters have been
traditionally worked by fishermen and rice growers, supplying
ingredients and inspiration for many of the regions most
succulent dishes. To sample the best of the local gastronomy,
go to the village of El Palmar, a setting for many of the works
of Blasco Ibáñez. It is an excellent place to try classic
dishes such as Paella, Arroz a Banda, or All i Pebre made with
eels freshly caught from the lake. After the meal, there is
nothing more relaxing than a boat trip on the Albufera lake
contemplating the red and amber tones of the setting sun
dancing across the water.
- El Saler
Pine woodlands and rolling san dunes cover this strip of land
that separates Albufera from the Mediterranean Sea. The crystal
clear waters and golden sands have deservedly been given a
European blue flag award in recognition of their quality. A
stone's throw from the city, the visitor can be lounging on the
beautiful beach in a question of minutes. Added to all this
there is a top class golf course that has been ranked among the
best 50 golf courses in the world.
- America´s Cup
Valencia has been chosen as the city host for the 32nd
America´s Cup. http://www.americascup.com/ , and attendance to
the conference may visit the port of Valencia where they can
visit the HOUSE OF THE AMERICA´S CUP. Monday to Thursday: from
11 to 14 hours and from 16 to 20 hours. Friday - Saturday -
Sunday: from 11 to 15 hours and from 16 to 20 hours. Open until
July 2007. Free entrance. Permanent exhibition created by Louis
Vuitton to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the America's
Cup. The history of the competition is displayed via 4 cubic
stands; three faces present text and images while the fourth is
a video screen. The soundtrack to the video is in Spanish or
English and may be heard on headphones. A fifth cubic display
stand is planned, devoted to the more recent history of the
Cup.
Local Fiestas and Festivals
Las Fallas (15-19 March)
A world known festival in which the whole city becomes a huge
powder keg full of music and colour for five long days, which
culminate with the burning of more than 800 papier-mâché
monuments around the city.
More information at: www.fallasfromvalencia.com
Tourist routes
We recommend various tourist routes in the city of Valencia.
They are marked out by names or colours so you can get to know
the most outstanding parts of the historic centre and different
districts.
If you don't have too much time to spend getting acquainted
with the city, we recommend you follow the old course of the
River Turia. Valencia City Council calls this route the
culturia (www.culturia.org) playing on the river name and the
word 'culture'. It gives you an initial impression of Valencia,
so you will come back and visit again soon.
Tourist card
There is a combined card that offers free public transport and
discounts in Museums, leisure activities, shops and
restaurants, during 1, 2 or 3 days that could be very
convenient for the conference attendance. Information about it
in the following web page www.valenciatouristcard.com
National Holiday
Please be aware that Friday April 6 is Good Friday and Sunday
April 8 & Monday April 9 is Easter.
Climate
The weather in Valencia in April is mild. Average temperature
is 20C.
The official web page of the city council where people will be
able to find a whether forecast:
www.ayto-valencia.es
Banks
Most banks are open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and
2:30 p.m. Only a few branches open on Saturday mornings. There
are 24-hour automatic tellers all around the city, and most
(Servired, 4B, etc.) offer international services.
Taxes
The tax rates for services in Spain is 7% and for goods 16%.
Electricity
Standard electrical voltage in Valencia is 220-240 V AC, 50 Hz.
A transformer and an adapter are necessary to use North
American electrical appliances whose plugs have two square
pins. Adapters are available in most hardware stores.
Tourist Information Valencia
Plaza de la Reina, 19 46002 Valencia
www.turisvalencia.es
infoturistica@turisvalencia.es
Phone34 963 153 931
Fax34 963 153 920
Official website of Valencia: http://www.comunitatvalenciana.com.