VALENCIA: sea, art, nightlife and good food

Ryanair flight from Bergamo, booked a hostal (Antigua Morellana) right in the centre behind the cathedral for just 55 euros a night, double room, nice and clean. From the airport to the city centre take the metro, which costs 2.40 euros; once in the centre you can easily get around on foot because all the attractions are very close to each other. If you want to take the bus (no. 19) from the Plaza del Ayuntamiento to the Malvarrosa beach (1.25 euros), or to go to the Oceanografic/science museum/Hemisferic. For those who don't like walking there are cards for 24, 48 and 72 hours, from 6 to 12 euros.

Not to be missed is the Plaza de la Reina with the Cathedral (from its tower you enjoy a wonderful view (2 euros)), then right behind it the Plaza de la Virgen with its Basilica; always nearby go to Plaza Redonda, La Lonja, and the Central Market in Art Nouveau style of 1928 (a visit inside in the morning is worthwhile, a real spectacle of colours and scents). Then, still near Plaza de la Reina, there's the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) with the post and telecommunications building, the Plaza de toros, the north station and the Mercado de Colon, all near the Town Hall. A little further away, visit the Torres de Quart and Torres de Serrano (2 euros to climb up) and walk along the bed of the Turia river, now dried up and turned into a park several kilometres long, with playgrounds, football pitches, fountains, gardens etc.

Strolling along the river you can also see Valencia's many modern and ancient bridges as well as the churches and museums that line it. Finally, you mustn't miss a visit to the modern City of Arts and Sciences and the Oceanografic (general ticket 31.60 euros) or just the Hemisferic (7.50 euros), just the Science Museum (7.50 euros), the Oceanografic (23.90 euros), and a stroll along the beautiful Neptuno seafront that runs beside a clean, wide beach. This walk reaches as far as the new port of the America's Cup of Sailing and is full of little restaurants where you can taste the best Valencian paella! One last tip: in the evening enjoy it by going out to the bars and little restaurants of the centre, for all tastes and all budgets! happy travels everyone