We were delighted to stay in Paloma’s sunny apartment with it’s flower filled terrace. It’s outside the touristy area of Valencia in Exposicio’, a residential neighborhood that’s a 5 minute walk from the metro and the expansive riverbed Turia park. It’s about a 10 minute walk to the historical center or the City of Arts and Sciences.
We rented folding bikes inexpensively for the month from “Doyoubike” to get around this big town and out to the outlying countryside and beaches. Valencia is a bike-riders’ dream. There are bike lanes on most streets with their own bike traffic lights and paths far out of town to natural parks and farms.
Mid-March is Fallas Festival when the whole city explodes in fireworks, five-story statutes are built on hundreds of street corners and then burned to the ground. It was loud and raucous but definitely a must see. Exposicio’ has one of the most elaborate Fallas statue installations every year and block parties where even outsiders can join the fun. Paloma’s place was a good escape from the craziness but close enough to really enjoy the city! Valencia’s food markets are wonderful and we particularly enjoyed the market in Rusafa Market.