I didn’t spend more than one night in Valencia, but that was long enough to convince me I want to come back and stay much longer. It’s a beautiful city and really draws you in. After exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, KG and I walked down to the beach to try the region’s native dish, paella. And of course we got the lobster sangria… and sangria. The traditional paella for Valencia includes chicken and rabbit, which is an interesting combination you don’t see every day. I got the opportunity later in my time in Valencia to try the local variety, and it was quite good.

Valencia sits on the Mediterranean Sea. The whole beach and harbor area were revamped for the America’s Cup competition, hosted by the city in 2007. This revitalized and repurposed many of the old buildings in that part of town and added a few new ones. The beach is quite picturesque as well. It’s full of little places to get paella. You can also pick up a ferry out to the resort island of Ibiza from the harbor.

Check back tomorrow for details from my visit to the market and City Centre of Valencia.

Title quote: William Shakespeare, As You Like It