Paella, Falles Festival and the City of Arts and Sciences are what defines Valencia, one of the most populous cities in Spain. Facing the Mediterranean Sea, it is four hours to the south of Barcelona and 3 hours east of Madrid. Those on a Eurail pass should consider a side trip to Valencia while in Spain, to experience a city rich in history and arts.
Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138BC. Several cultures inhabited the region, but the longest of which are the Moors who brought with them influences that are still part of contemporary Valencia. In 1094, El Cid, or Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, conquered Valencia. King Jaime of Aragon made Valencia a kingdom. During the 15th century, Valencia prospered; towers, buildings and several structures were constructed. Several wars in Europe and Spain transformed Valencia into what it is today.
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In Valencia, there are so many things that you can do. Religious sites are everywhere, from Iglesia de San Juan de La Cruz, Convento de Santo Domingo, Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, and Seu where you can see the supposed Holy Grail. For those crazy about museums, there is Instituto Valencia d’Arte Modern, Jose Benlliure House, El Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia San Pio V and Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. If you are the kind who likes playgrounds, parks and zoos or if you have your kids with you, there is Gulliver with a mini golf, skating rink and other conventional playground features. Parque Natural de la Albufera is a park where you can be in tune with nature. Oceanografic is a large aquarium, and the 25-acre Bioparc Valencia is a zoo with safari-like experience. Valencia also has a must-see, must-visit location which is voted by UNESCO as World Heritage Site; La Lonja de la Seda is an architectural building in Valencian Gothic style built in 1483. After being amazed inside this building, step out into the sun towards Mercado Central for some souvenirs, a plate of paella and jamon.
By air travel, Valencia Airport is 9 km from the center of the city. Valencia is well served by airlines from across Europe. If you are traveling on a Eurail Pass then traveling to Valencia by train is a great option as the main train station, Estacion del Norte, is located at the center of the city just adjacent to the town hall.