Valencia for kKds - An essential traveller’s guide

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PAuline swAin

when Pauline swain’s partner was offered a job as Marketing Manager of the Americas Cup holder Alinghi, it was with some trepidation that she decided to move the family to valencia, spain – the host city of the 32nd America’s Cup.

Pauline and her partner simon decided to live a more spanish lifestyle, along with their children india (11) and Jenna (5) in a small village 6km south of the city.

the result was two spanish speaking children, a network of very close spanish friends, an eye for a good Paella and even Flamenco dancing lessons! Oh and of course this book.

whether you are moving to the area, considering valencia as a short break with your family or looking for a place to visit while on holiday on the Costa Blanca, then this guide will keep you and your kids happy for days on end.

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Address line 1, Address line 1 Address line 2, Address line 2

tel: 00000 000 000 FAx: 00000 000 000 eMAil: [email protected]

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PuBlished in 2008 By COPyright © 2008 PAuline swAin

An essentiAl trAveller’s guide PAuline swAin

Index

intro 5

citY life 6

travel 6geting ABOut in vAlenCiA 6driving 6Bus 6MetrO 6tAxi 6BiKing 7tOurist Bus 7tiMetABle 7wAlKing 7hiring BiKes And CyClOBuses 7BiKing 7

AMeriCAs CuP FOr Kids 8shOPPing 8

Places to visit 9All dAy visits 9the turiA 9hiring BiKes And CyClOBuses 9gulliver’s PArK 10Mini-gOlF 10

las artes Y las ciencias 11 (arts anD sciences Park)

l’heMisFeriC 11Museu de lAs CienCiAs 11l’OCeAnOgrAFiC 11CliMBing FrAMe 12PAlAu de MusiCA 12sKAte PArK 12

Places to visit 13quiCK visits 13tOrres de serrAnO 13FAllAs MuseuM (night OF Fire) 13BullFighting exhiBitiOn 13 (MuseO tAurinO)Bullring 13theAtre 13ivAM MOdern Art MuseuM 14hAirdressers! 15

MArKet 15vAlOr ChOCOlAte BAr 15hOrChAtA BArs 16iCe CreAM 16JuiCe BAr 16

citY life 17ACtivities 17POOls, sKAting, FlAMenCO 17vAlenCiA PisCinA 17COMPleJO dePOrtivO 17CulturAl ABAstOs 17sKAting 18FlAMenCO dAnCing 18

citY life 19PArKs 19CABeCerA PArK 19JArdines del reAles (KnOwn 19 lOCAlly As JArdin de lOs viverOs)

out of citY fun 20BeAChes 20el sAler BeACh 20MAlverOssA BeACh 21devesA gArdens And CAMPsite 21gO-KArts 21AquAPOlis-CullerA 21herOn City 22MOntAneJOs 22grutAs de sAn JOse 22 undergrOund river) -vAll duixOnAvAJAs 23xAtivA CA stle 23BOwling (AlFAFAr) 23AlBuFerA BOAt triPs 23CirCuitO de Cheste 23 (rACing CirCuit)

4 valencia with kids

to be reviewed at end of layout

at the back – see P29–31

all, times, contact details are at the back – watch for this symbol

My family and i moved to valencia for a year, where my partner had been offered a job with the America’s Cup. i decided to embrace the opportunity and find out everything that was going on for kids in this vibrant city. i took down phone numbers and addresses from posters, lamp posts and newspapers. i spoke to locals who were only too happy to tell me where they took their kids after school or in the holidays.

i was so impressed i decided to write this guide so could benefit who perhaps otherwise would be ‘blinded’ by the dozens of traditional guide books available. the end result is this detailed book, with a personal touch, that really gets to the nitty gritty of the city. Valencia for Kids will cut out the usual obstacles and even give you suggestions on where to eat lunch or where to find the nearest clean loos! it really is the perfect destination for a city break with kids.

An essential traveller’s guide 5

Intro


CItY LIFe trAvel

aerobusif you arrive by plane this is the cheapest way to get to the city centre via Avenida del Cid and Calle Angel guimera. it leaves from the departures floor of the airport every 15 minutes from 6am to 10pm costing just €2.50.

Drivingdriving in valencia takes a certain amount of bottle but once you get used to the brisk pace it’s quite easy. hiring a car at the airport or the city is straight forward and there are plenty of underground parking facilities in the centre. two of the best are in Plaza de la reina and at the el Corte ingles stores. should they get over crowded the valencians have a unique style of double parking, leaving the handbrake off, so your car can be pushed gently out of the way. this is perfectly acceptable in the city and actually works very well. try it and see.

busthe main bus has an extensive service covering most of the urban centre and a lot of the suburbs. the cheapest ticket is a 10 journey Bonobus card costing around €5. Buses are in abundance although not ‘on the dot’ they are fast and cheap – about €1 to most places. excellent maps of the public transport system are available from the tourist Offices.

metrothis is fast, clean, modern and cheap with 4 lines crossing the city, both over and underground. A single ticket costs €1.10 with a 10 journey ticket costing €5.60. it runs from 06:00 until 23:00 except at weekends when it is less frequent and stops at 22:00.

tramthe valencia tram, line 4, at Pont de Fusta, is ideal for visiting the beach. this is situated opposite the centrally located serrano’s towers. A single ticket costs €1.10 and a carnet of ten costs €5.40.

CItY LIFe trAvel

taxithere are plenty of taxis with minimum rates from €4. expect to pay about €20 from the airport to valencia city centre. Keep your phrase book handy as very few drivers speak english.

bikingvalencia is a city on the move and a cyclist’s paradise due to the warm climate and flat landscape. Mountain and leisure bikes can be hired from the many companies operating in the city at very reasonable prices. helmets and maps highlighting tourist routes are included.

tourist busAlways a good way to get your bearings in any new city. Buses start from Plaza de la reina but you can hop-on or off anywhere you please. it has 5 stops in total taking in all of valencia’s best attractions along with a multilingual audio system. Kids enjoy the open top double-deckers with a shaded area towards the back if the sun’s too hot. tickets cost €12 including headsets and are valid for 24 hours.

walkingvalencia is an ideal ‘walking’ city. explore on foot and you

will experience the hustle and bustle of real spanish life. Follow the pretty winding narrow streets of the old quarter by crossing the Puente serranos from the old river bed, known as the turia and visit the pedestrianised Plaza

de virgin with its wonderful cathedral. Other places of interest are Plaza de la reina and the fabulous central Plaza de Ayuntamiento with its enormous fountains. there are guided walks around the old quarter and the turia is a perfect strolling area as it is traffic free so safe for children.


the Valencia travel Card is ideal for tourists and offers discounts in shops, restaurants, museums and many leisure activities.

valid over 1 or 2 days

1 day €6

2 days €10

3 days €12

you can buy these from tourist information offices.

tourist bus times and reservations

hiring bikes

walking, guided walks


Place 1 – see page 34





valencia – plan




tthis is a low res map - i have the original at the office and can shoot it high res if req.!


americas cup for kidsthis is where the world’s greatest yacht race was hosted and teams from all over the world competed. it was a hugely exciting event and has changed the pace and profile of the city. the whole family can really enjoy seeing what was involved by visiting the newly built port area of valencia. it is

home to 12 teams, and families can enjoy every second of the atmosphere as there is free access to the America’s Cup park with interactive attractions and exhibitions for all ages.

A new super yacht pier has been built with plenty of bars and restaurants to relax in and watch the impressive boats go by. experience the simulator boat, watch the drama of a race on film, talk to the sailors or visit the team shops full of merchandise. this is a superb and memorable day out for all the family, whether you like sailing or not.

CItY LIFe

the turia is a unique and wonderful attraction. this old riverbed runs the whole length of the city and has been sculptured into beautiful parklands with sports facilities, shady trees and walkways. the river flooded in 1957 and was diverted south of the city leaving the bed to dry up and become what it is today. it has seventeen bridges stretching across it so no matter which bridge you are near you will always find steps leading into the gardens. it has cycle paths and walkways taking you past delightful cafes dotted along the way. it is not unusual to see a tai Chi or yoga class in progress amid the orange trees or families picnicking on the grass. it has so many fun ideas for the kids as shown below and has an entertainment area for circuses, markets or local fiestas. so look out for posters while you are there.

CItY LIFe

the turIa


ciudad de las artes y las ciencias the Arts and sciences Park Allow a few days to visit everything the Arts and science Park has to offer. it is located at the end of the gardens at Avenida Autopista al saler. the architecture is wonderfully futuristic designed by santiago Calatrava, a valencian architect, who has made this ‘park’ his showcase. it is, quite simply, spectacular.

there are many attractions in the park. the first is L’Hemisferic an imax 3d cinema and planetarium in the same space. the second is the Museu de las Ciencies. A highly interactive museum which can be enjoyed by all ages with three floors of permanent science exhibitions. Just to the south of this is the Oceanografic – europe’s largest aquarium. every marine zone in the world is represented from the Artic to the Mediterranean joined by underwater tunnels with sharks and other sea creatures swimming around you. A fabulous dolphin show has the kids squealing with delight. the queues can be long so arrive when

it opens at 10.00hrs. next to this is the very impressive opera house. Another

futuristic design surrounded by pale blue shimmering water. not to be missed at night as the whole lot is lit up and is totally breathtaking.

CItY LIFe the turiA


a ticket combining these attractions can be purchased for

€29.90 for adults

€22.40 for children

Kids under 3 free.

there is plenty of parking to be found right on the doorstep.

opening times and contacts


hiring bikes and cyclobuses in the Arts and science Park area of the turia you can hire bikes to explore the 10km gardens for around €4 an hour. there are small bikes for kids and even the odd tandem or bike with baby seat. the cyclobuses are great fun, stable and safe carrying 4–8 people all with inbuilt sun canopies. Four people pedal at the same time making it easy work and kids can sit right up at the front. this is the

best way to cruise the entire riverbed stopping exactly where it takes your fancy. the owner speaks perfect english and prices are between

€12–€18 per hour.

gulliver’s park gulliver’s park, based on the book of gulliver’s travels, is fantastic for kids of all ages and is free! situated between the bridges Puente de Angel Custodio and the Puente del reina. A giant sprawling figure of gulliver lies in the park designed for children to climb and slide on. it is a great place particularly in the cooler parts of the day as the slides heat up quickly. On-site refreshment machines are well stocked with drinks and ice cream. it also has good loo facilities.

mini golfthere is mini golf next to gullivers Park. you can hire clubs and balls from the nearby café for just a few euros.

mini traintake a leisurely ride on the little white train that runs up and down the turia. A relaxed and fun way to enjoy the sights.

CItY LIFe the turiA

hiring bikes and cyclobuses


see p7 for other transport


climbing frameunder the Puente de Flores bridge is a huge red spider’s web shaped climbing frame standing in a large sandpit. it is a popular place for kids of all ages with plenty of shaded benches surrounding it and a nearby café with a decent loo.

Palau de musicathe Palau de Musica is a wonderful building with a glass fronted enclosure overlooking a large paved area in the turia with spectacular fountains. Kids often bring toy motorboats to this large expanse of water for fun or use this area to show off their skateboarding/skating skills. large speakers often spout a performance from the previous evening providing a relaxing backdrop to picnic with the family.

skate parkClose to the Arts and sciences Park is a well-equipped skate park. it has all the usual equipment, free for public use, with a small separate skate rink, for younger kids.

opening times and contacts



CItY LIFe the turiA

shoppingFor shopoholic teenagers there is a mass of choice. A new stylish complex has just been built called Aqua. it is close to las Artes and Ciencias Park on the rotunda de europa and boasts many well known brands such as Mango and Zara. El Saler Commercial is another recommended indoor mall with a comprehensive list of stores. the Nuevo Centro mall is close to the turia metro on the north side of the river and is also excellent. All these malls have good restaurants and toilet facilities.

El Corte Ingles is a famous department store selling almost anything and worth a visit – certainly the most well known spanish chain store and valencia has three of them! there is also a huge decathlon if you need any type of sports goods just 10 mins west out of town in Alfafar. to buy typically spanish goods like fans, shawls and castanets visit the Plaza de la reina area where a few of the more traditional shops can be found.

marketsthe Mercat Central, an under cover bustling food market, is right in the centre of the city. it is held almost every day in Placa del Mercat in a wonderful old building built in 1928. this region of valencia is renowned for its fruit and vegetables and colourful displays of produce which are perfect for picnics. numerous deli-style counters sell delicious meats and all types of cheeses. it is worth visiting with kids who will be amazed to see live eels, lobsters and massive octopus. it’s a great way to get a taste for valencian life and practice your spanish! Just outside the entrance there is a bar selling Paella for €3. it’s quick, fresh and welcoming with enthusiastic staff and an ideal stop after a busy trip inside the market.

theatre – estrella theatrethe estrella theatre is on second floor of the uCg cinema complex close to the nuevo Centro shopping mall. it is an intimate theatre with enchanting décor and is particularly suitable for young children. this is on the north side of the river near the bus station. even though the performances are in spanish it is easy to understand with a highly visual and self explanatory style. this one hour show costs very little and is a really good wet weather option. the gift shop sells old-fashioned wooden and tin toys. it is open on saturdays performances starting at 13.30 simply turn up and pay.

ivam modern art museumthis is a very interesting place and in my opinion – it’s always good to introduce kids to art galleries early. exhibitions change frequently so there is always something new to see – plus it has a good café/restaurant with seating inside and out on the terrace. it’s free on a sunday or €2 during the week.

america’s cup for kidssee p 10


CItY LIFe the turiA

CItY LIFe PlACes tO visit


bull ringthe bullring is a magnificent building to visit. it is one of the largest in spain and many bullfights are still held here during the build up to the Fallas fiesta in March. it often hosts other events, many for children, such as stunt motorbike riding and dinosaur exhibitions. Check with the box office and posters around town. it is located next to the train station, estacion north, in the centre of the city at Calle de xativa.

CItY LIFe PlACes tO visit

flamenco dancingif you have kids who are interested in watching a local Flamenco show, bar ‘la Claca” has an early 8pm performance on sunday evenings. this is unusual as most Flamenco shows do not start until after midnight. this is a really cosy intimate theatre with some seating for those who arrive early or kids can sit on the floor down the front. lucila duarte is a name to look out for, as she really is a superb dancer – visit www.laclaca.com. entry is about €12 per person. la Claca is situated on Calle sanvicente 3 right next to Plaza de la reina.

if you want to buy Flamenco dance wear, there are two good shops, in the city, selling everything including shoes in fabulous colours for very reasonable prices.

xxx xxx xxx xxx



hairdressersAlthough an unusual kids outing for fun, i discovered a great hairdressers, with friendly staff who love kids. Children can play on the large marble floor to the delight of everyone until it is time for a quick cut. An outside courtyard is home to a fabulous old leather barbers

chair in front of a huge mirror – providing hours of entertainment. this place is considered a funky hairdressers and right up to date with all the styles. Prices are much cheaper than the uK with no prior booking necessary.

xxx xxx xxx xxx



torres De serranothese towers were originally the gates to the city and considered the most impressive gothic city walls in europe. these are situated next to Puente serranos and are great fun to climb up and see fabulous views over valencia.

the towers are free on sundays and are open until 4pm.

CItY LIFe quiCK visits

fallas (night of fire) museumthis small cosy museum, situated close to the Arts and sciences park, is well worth a visit. it highlights the skill and artistry of local model makers for the annual Fallas

Fiesta. Kids love the humorous and somewhat grotesque, caricature models called ninots saved from the flames of the fiesta that takes

place every March. it exhibits all the posters from past annual Fallas festivals from around the 1920s to present day and

paintings of past Fallas Princesses. it takes about half an hour to get around the

museum and costs €2.

bullfighting exhibition (museo taurino)this museum, founded in 1930 is the smallest and one of the oldest in spain. A tour takes 15 minutes with original bullfighter’s costumes, posters of past events and even bulls heads decorating the walls. it is situated very close to the bullring itself and entrance is free.


CItY LIFe quiCK visits

eatIng Paella, ice cream, juice bar, sweets

Paellayou can find this everywhere! valencia is the home of this famous rice dish with chicken, chorizo and seafood. Most cafes have plenty, a great quick lunch for everyone.

Juice barin the heart of the city, on Calle la Mar, just off Plaza de la reina, is a great indoor juice bar called Zumeria naturalia. this has more variations and blends of juices than you can possibly imagine. Adults can have cocktails but there is a whole non alcoholic range for kids served in huge glasses whilst you relax in low wicker chairs. A real chill out place for the whole family.

sweetslook out for the chain of sweet shops called CAsA de lOs CArAMelOs – the house of sweets. they have a huge variety of sweets for kids to feast their eyes on.

valor chocolate bartime to treat everyone! this fabulous bar, located on the Plaza de la reina is every kids dream. dedicated to chocolate lovers with over 60 products on the menu including chocolate sandwiches, chocolate with trinidadian cocoa and peppery Mexican seasoning, exquisite drinking chocolate, crushed ice chocolate drink… the list is endless.

horchaterias don’t forget to try the traditional horchata drink in valencia. it is a cold milky drink made from crushed tiger nuts with sugar and water. it is very sweet and full of nutrients thought to be especially good for delicate stomachs. you can find stalls and horchateria’s all over valencia. great with the traditional long iced buns called Fartons which children will love.

ice creamfor fabulous ice cream try the hagan Dazs bar on gran via marquis de turia 63 or Plaza de virgen in the city centre.

cabecera Parkthis park is a mixture of playground and nature reserve found at the western end of the riverbed near the nou d’Octubre Bridge. it has a central lake with swan shaped pedalos and boats for hire. A small beach and a huge ‘ship’ climbing frame with a grassy picnic area are right next to it. there is a wooden open-air auditorium, hosting live music and theatre throughout the year with an outlook point to admire the views and a good café. this park is unsuitable for skating due to the path surfaces but absolutely fine for buggies, bikes or an afternoon stroll.

Jardines Del reales (known locally as Jardin De los viveros)Jardines del reales is valencia’s largest and greenest space situated near Puente del real alongside the riverbed. this is a great park with a mini traffic system for children to enjoy on their bikes or skates and is very popular on a saturday morning. in the centre of the park is a café, only open at weekends. next to it very young children can enjoy a drive around the track on mini motorbikes, for only €1. Playgrounds with the usual swings, slides and a bird aviary add to the fun. in the park there is a multitude of sculptures and fountains making it the city’s most outstanding garden.

skating Although the turia (see pxx) might seem the obvious choice for skating, Plaza de virgen is really popular with the locals as it has a polished marble surface throughout. great for skate boarders and skaters alike to share tricks and skills. it is a fairly large area with a great back drop of valencia’s Cathedral and has a fun lively atmosphere, particularly early evening. One of valencia’s favourite ice cream bars sits right on this Plaza and boasts many wild and wonderful flavours

CItY LIFe ACtivities

valencia Piscinathe valencia ‘Piscina’ is a traditional old building located next to the turia. it is still very popular and cheap with all the usual facilities including a smaller pool for children. in spain it is compulsory to wear swimming caps which can be bought at most pools for about €5. For contact details and opening times see back.

sports centre – cultural de abastosthis complex has recently been developed from a lovely old market building with a choice of three swimming pools. there is something for everyone including a shallow warm pool and two lap pools. it also has a separate spa pool.the building has a glass roof making it wonderfully light and is open on sundays until 14.00. Anything open on a sunday is unusual, so this was a good find.

Indoor swimming pools


out oF CItY Fun


el saler beachwhen the heat and hassle of the city become overbearing, head for the beach. everybody else does!

el saler beach has 5km of fine golden sands sheltered from western winds by dunes and pinewood forests giving its surroundings a wild rustic feel. it has some great restaurants, all with a friendly relaxed attitude. You can hire sun loungers during the summer months and buy ice creams from small blue and white striped huts along the beach. volleyball nets are set in place for public use too. this beach sometimes gets a few waves when boogie boarding can be fun. lifeguards are on duty between about may and september.

there is ample free car parking and the village of el saler is a stones throw away with shops selling everything for the beach. running parallel to the beach are traffic free pathways winding through trees for many kilometres designed for walking, cycling or buggy pushing. it gets busy at weekends and in the height of summer, when traffic can build up towards el saler, so arrive early. to reach this beach you can take the yellow bus for €1 from town and get off at el saler village. from there it is only a 5 minute walk. to drive, take the cv500 out of town heading south.


out oF CItY Fun

malverossa beachthis beach is only 15 minutes from the city. the easiest way to reach it is by tram from the Pont de Fusta, close to Calatrava bridge, which takes around 10–15 minutes. this popular white sandy beach has a fun vibrant atmosphere with plenty of parasols and sun loungers for hire. volleyball nets are set up ready for use and the board walk is fantastic for rollerblading, bikes and skating. Cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours are dotted along the way.

Devesa gardens and campsiteOnly open at the weekends, these gardens are perfect for younger kids with a lovely relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff. you only pay for the activities you choose making it a very reasonable day out. Kids can ride on shetland ponies at €5 for 15 minutes and visit the mini zoo that has donkeys, a tiger, goats, monkeys and all the usual small animals for €2. in the hot summer months, from mid June onwards, there is an open-air pool surrounded by stunning gardens for public use for a few euros. there is a bouncy castle and a soft play area with a slide for very small children. it also has a good café and tennis courts operating on a pay as you play basis. enjoy a boat trip from here along the canals. devesa gardens is situated in el saler, just 15 minutes out of valencia, on the yellow bus route.

go-kartsFound in el saler, open weekends only, this is a noisy, fun, go kart track. Just turn up, pay €6 which includes a crash helmet and select your ability level. Off your kids go for 10 minutes around the track whilst you have a coffee and wave from the viewing area. there is even a car for very young children to sit next to an adult and enjoy a trip round a small separate track.

Best visited by car as buses do not stop near by. Just head for el saler from valencia – the track is on the left just before the village.


aQuaPolis – waterParkswap hot sticky days in the city for summer sun and a refreshing water slide!

this is a wonderful water park in Cullera, a 35 minute drive from the city. A huge hit with the kids and not the usual ‘queue for everything’ kind of place. Aquapolis has many exhilarating rides and slides for older kids and a large area for little ones with gentle slides and a watery ballpark. it also has a huge wave pool for everybody to enjoy.

when hunger hits a good choice of café’s and restaurants serve paella, hamburgers, and pizzas at reasonable prices. you can buy memories of your day’s activities from the photo gallery at €3.50 per photo. see back for details.

heron city – also known as kinepolisthis is a 15 minute drive out of town towards the north of valencia. there is loads to do here and children love it. designed as a modern complex it lacks a certain spanish feel but the facilities really are very good. it has a large cinema, trampolining, bowling, and an indoor laser game. there is an upmarket leisure club with gym and indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi and separate kid’s pool. non members are welcome and pay €8 each. relaxation areas, free internet and a very good café serving excellent food are available. shops, restaurants and masses of parking surround the complex.

bowlingthe shopping complex heron City and the nuevo Centro complex both have good bowling facilities as does the purpose built complex in Alfafar, just 10 minutes outside the town heading west. the parking facilities are good in all these places.

grutas De san Joseunderground river boat tripheading out towards the mountains for about 45 minutes to vall duixo-Castellon,you will find, an underground river. you enter the cave by boat leading to a vast beautiful subterranean lagoon surrounded by stalactites and stalacmites. it is very well organised and reasonably priced at €8 for adults and €4 for children.Bring your own picnic as there is a large area with BBq’s and tables for everyone’s use and plenty of spanish locals cook up paella for the entire family. next door is a park with swings and slides.

if you choose to eat in one of the two very good restaurants, either get there early, or book a table as they can get very busy. Another good stress free alternative is to pick up a picnic of boccadillos, tortilla, fresh coffee etc from a local café on route. Close by is an open air swimming pool open in the summer months only, so don’t forget your costumes.

navajasnavajas is a delightful gem hidden in the mountains about 40 minutes to the north of valencia. this 30ft waterfall cascades into a river.the water is colder here than the sea or your average pool and is fantastic for the family to spend a day off the tourist tracks in the beautiful mountains. A large grassy shaded area nearby is great for a picnic.

when you feel like a dip you can cool off under the waterfall or leap off the rocks into the river. it is well used by the locals and parking is fairly close by. there is a wooden footbridge across the river that kids love to take fishing nets onto or use to explore the area. Because it is a riverbed, wetsuit or plastic shoes are a good idea. there is no café here so a good supply of food and water is essential.

out oF CItY Fun

bowling



albufera boat tripshead south through el saler to el Palmer and you will find the Albufera. this is a very peaceful and tranquil natural lake. you can hire a boat with guide that takes you to watch herons flying out of the reeds and ducks bobbing along with their young. typically spanish houses, called barracas, made of clay painted white with thatched roofs are nestled around the lake. there are many

places to hire boats but i particularly recommend - vicente torrent estevens. don’t forget sunhats and sunscreen as there is no shade.

you can also visit the Albufera by tourist bus from Plaza de la reina.

the bus leaves at 10.30, 13.00, 16.30 and in May to september at 19.00 as well. Call to book.

prices and contacts

Phone numbers



OUT OF CITY FUNmontenejos – natural spa.Montanejos is not to be missed as it is a truly beautiful area with a natural spa to keep you of sound body and mind. A one and a half hours drive of 90km takes you into the cooler mountains and this wonderful natural paradise. you can jump off rocks and swim in the clear waters of the gorge with a double slide for kids and a small café right by the water.

Close by is a fabulous place called ‘el refugio’ which organises adventure activities such as rock climbing ,

kayaking and mapped out walking routes .you can pitch your own tent, stay in one of their dormitories, Moroccan tents, or rustic timber framed cabins (cabanas) right on the hillside with fabulous views. they are open all year for reasonable prices.


hIstorICaL Interest

xativa castlethis castle is one of the loveliest in the valencian community. Perched high on a hillside with magnificent views.this impressive castle appears to be built on a ridge but as you approach it you will see that the walls rise up from the town itself. Climb the twisty road by foot or take the mini train to the top. it has a real sense of history with iberian, roman and Moorish influences.it is well worth a visit either by train from valencia nord station which takes about 30 minutes. Alternatively go by car which takes about the same time travelling in a westerly direction.

entrance is just €2 and the café/shop stocks drinks or ice creams and a selection of souvenirs.


useFul COntACts, tiMetABles And Further inFO

tourist bus timetableMar–dec 10.00,13.00,16.00 thur–sun May–sep 10.30,13.00,16.30,19.00 Mon–sat

reservations: 96 341 44 00/699 982 514 www.valenciabusturistic.com

hiring bikesDoyoubike www.doyoubike.com tel: 0034 963 155 551 hire from 3.5 euros

Addresses: 1. Marques de Busianos 4 (Corner of Musico Magenti and Puebla larga). Mon–sat, 10:00–14:00, 15:00–20:00

2. Avd. Puerto 21. Mon–sat, 10:00–14:00, 15:00–20:00

3. C/ Puebla larga 13 Mon–sat, 10:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00

orangbikes www.orangbikes.net tel: 0034 963 917 551 email [email protected] hire from 3 euros.

Address: santa teresa 8. Mon–Fri, 09:30–14:30, 16:30–19:30. sat 10:00–14:00

walkingguided walks within the old city (12 euros adults and 6 euros for children) in english and spanish starting at 10am for 2 hrs. tel 963 851 740. the entrance is at the tourist office on Plaza de la reina.

tourist bus times and reservations

hiring bikes

walking, guided walks

l’hemisfericMon–Fri 11am–2pm, 4pm–8pm weekends 11am–2pm, 4pm–9pm

museu de las ciencasAv Autopista al saler 1–7 tel: 0034 902 100 031 Mon Fri & sun 10am–6pm sat 10am–8pm

oceanograficMon–Fri & sat 10am–6pm sun 10am–8pm

Buses from valencia city 13/14/15 to Centro Comercio de saler

boat triPsvicente torrent estevens – albufera boat trips0034 961 620 286/ 0034 629 675 092 Calle Pintor Marti gisbert 13 46012 el Palmer

grutas de san Jose – underwater river tripvall d’uixo – Castellon 0034 964 690 576/ 0034 964 696 761 Open all year except dec 25th, Jan 1st and 6th.

arts and sciences park


tourist informationtourist information officePlaza de la reina0034 96 315 3931

tourist information officeestacion del norte-Main train station0034 96 352 8573

transport trainsestacion Del norte -train timesxativa0034 902 24202/ 0034 902 243 402www.renfe.es/

Busestourist bus timetablemar–Dec 10.00,13.00,16.00 thur–sunmay–sep 10.30,13.00,16.30,19.00 Mon–sat

reservations: 0034 96 341 44 00/ 0034 699 982 514www.valenciabusturistic.com

tAxisradio taxi Calle del gremis 8 0034 963 703 333

taxi valenciaCalle Ontinyent 40034 675988 675

onda taxiCalle Fragata 60034 963 475 252tele taxi0034 963 571 313Auto taxi0034 963 959 560

Bike hireorangebikessanta teresa 80034963 917 551www.orangebikes.net

bike tours – guided toursPaseo de la Pechina 320034 963 851 740www.valenciabikes.com

DoyoubikeCalle Marques de Buslanos0034 675 730 2180034 963 155 551Calle Puebla larga 13Avd. Puerta 21www.doyoubike.com

PoolsPool-indoorPiscina de valenciaArquitecta Mora 210034 963 604 708Monday–Friday 8.00–22.30 saturday 9.00–14.00Closed sundays.

Pool-indoorCultural AbastosCalle de Alberique 180034 963 130 049

other useful numberstheatre-estrella theatre16 tirso de Molina0034 963 562 292

walking toursPaseo de la Pechina,320034 963 851 740www.valenciaguias.com

Paseando valencia0034 656 359 504www.paseandovalencia.es

valor chocolate barPlaza de la reina0034 965 890 950

exhibitions and museumsbullfight exhibitionPlaza de torosPasaje dr serra0034 963 511 850

bus turistico (tourist bus)0034 96 341 44 00/ 0034 699 982 514www.valenciabusturistic.com

Devesa gardensCarretera de el saler0034 96 161 11 36www.devesagardens.com

el refugioMontenejos Castellon0034 964 13 13 17

fallas exhibitionPlaza de Monteolivete0034 963 525 478Flamenco Clotheslas Marismas Calle de quart 1110034963 259 537Carolycalle de quart 1350034 963 846 311

ivam -modern art museumguillem de Castro 110034 963 863 000tue-sun 10.00-20.00Closed Mon.

la clacaC/ san vicente 3Plaza de la reinawww.laclaca.com

ivam -modern art museumguillem de Castro 110034 963 863 000tue-sun 10.00-20.00Closed Mon.

la clacaC/ san vicente 3Plaza de la reinawww.laclaca.com


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Valencia for kKds - An essential traveller’s guide

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