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PRACTICAL NOTES FOR THE VISITOR
Comunidad Valenciana: The region of Valencia (Comunidad Valenciana) is located on the eastern coast of Spain, by the Mediterranean sea.
It´s an autonomous region composed of the provinces of Alicante, Castellón and Valencia, occupying an area of 23.255 km2 and 518 km of coastline. The capital of the Comunidad Valenciana is Valencia.
Our city: Valencia.
A brief history: Though of Roman origin, it had its great development in the Arab period, due to the rationalisation of the irrigation system in the orchards. This turned Valencia into an important market town in Al –Andalus. The ensuing economic decay following the expulsion of the Moors was overcome in the 18th century with the creation of the port and the rise of the silk trade. In the 19th century, the expansion of orange cultivation and the construction of railways to both Madrid and Barcelona also favoured rapid growth.
Valencia today: With a population of around 800,000, it is the third capital of Spain, and it has become a cosmopolitan city with comprehensive infrastructures and a wide range of both cultural and entertainment offerings. In recent years, the city has enjoyed somewhat of a transformation markedly improving both the internal transport and the appearance of the city. The river Turia has been diverted away to the southern side of the city, in order to prevent flood waters from invading. The original course of the river has been converted into a spectacular park which fleetingly runs alongside the old city centre - one of the largest in Europe, with its “plazas”, narrow streets, noble houses and churches of great architectural and artistic interest. The city’s port is one of the most important in Mediterranean Spain. Its installations will play host to the 32nd Americas Cup – one of the most prestigious contests in the nautical world. The infrastructures being developed for this celebration will convert the inner harbour into one of the most beautiful marinas in the Mediterranean. The city’s beach The Malvarrosa, with its splendid promenade, its fine golden sand and its regenerated waters- once contaminated by the nearby port- makes ideal relaxation at the end of a working day. The City of Science and Arts consists of a series of architecturally outstanding buildings, a new cultural complex incorporating The Hemisphere, The Arts Palace, the Prince Philip Science Musem and the Oceanographic park – the largest marine centre in Europe with over 45.000 marine life examples and over 500 different species. The mild Mediterranean climate is yet another reason to come and visit Valencia. The Mediterranean air pervades this city, which, like its people, is open, cordial, warm and hospitable.
Local Fiestas and tourist attractions: The largest fiesta of our city is Fallas; A fiesta for the eyes as well as the ears and the taste, where fire is the protagonist.Valencia burns from the 15 until the 19th of March in every corner with flames of passion, fireworks and noisy explosions. It is listed as one of the top ten touristic festivals of Europe according to www.localfestivities.com . The atmosphere is without equal as its streets are literally inundated with people until the small hours of the early morning each day. You can find more information on the fallas festival in www.fallas.com
Climate: Mediterranean. Max mid-day temperatures: winter 12-20ºC and 24-34ºC in summer.
Shop and bank opening hours: Small shops tend to open from 10:00am until 01:30pm in the afternoon and from 5:00pm until 8:00pm in the evening, Monday to Saturday. Larger chain stores open non stop from 10:00am until 9:00p or even 10:00pm again Monday to Saturday. Banks are open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 1:30pm
Bar/Restaurants opening hours: In Spain, generally, people eat three times daily, breakfast, lunch and an evening meal. It is also common place a morning snack at 10:00am (almuerzo) and an afternoon snack at 5:00pm (merienda). There is a large offering of bars and restaurants who are open almost all day. However, some restaurants adjust their opening times to our rhythm of life and therefore, one has to take into account the times for lunch at mid-day are from 1:00pm until 4:00pm and for the evening meal from 8:00pm until 11:00pm. Pubs and clubs don’t generally tend to get busy until after midnight at the weekends.
Currency: EURO. Citizens from outside the European Union can enjoy tax free shopping during their stay by asking for a receipt at the time of purchase.
Public bank holidays: The local public holidays in Valencia are: Saint Vincent the Martyr , 22nd of January, Fallas, the main festival of Valencia, from the 15th until the 19th of March, Saint Vincent Ferrer, the Monday following Easter week and finally the 9th of October, day of the Valencian Community.
Transport Links: Valencia has road, air and sea links which connect it to the other principal Spanish cities and international destinations: Manises Airport, 8km from the city, the port of Valencia, 4km from the centre for connections to the Balearic Islands, the railway station in the centre of the city and a bus station.
For transport within the city there are comprehensive bus, underground metro, tram and taxi services.
Electricity supply: In general the voltage is 220 volts AC with a standard European plug. We can supply adaptors to modify the plug to your requirements but not the voltage.
