Car Hire Valencia Airport has become an important part of business and tourism in Valencia over the past few years. Valencia airport caters for many domestic flights to Madrid, Barcelona and the Belaeric Islands as well as International destinations such as the UK, France, Germany and Italy.

Tourists are able to find cheap car hire in Valencia any time of the year. A few holiday makers will book a car upon arrival, but it may be better to compare car rental prices in Valencia beforehand and book your rent a car on time in order to avoid paying high prices.

Tourists who are flying with a low cost airline should consider booking low cost car hire, too. Don’t forget to compare car rental conditions and read the small print if you are looking for the cheapest car hire at Valencia airport as not all car rental companies and online brokers state what’s included in the price. Do make sure to check if the insurance comes with an excess in case of an accident, how much you pay for a full tank of petrol, what credit cards are accepted or if they charge a fee if you arrive outside of opening hours.

Booking your hire car in advance, you will make sure to get the cheapest Valencia car hire. With a rented car it is much easier to explore the beautiful Costa Blanca and the numerous popular resorts close to Valencia like Peñiscola, Oropesa, Gandia or Denia.

From your Valencia apartment or hotel in Valencia you are able to take day trips by car to the best beach resorts in the area and enjoy wind surfing or sailing as many of these places cater for water sports. A daytrip to Valencia is also a great thing to schedule in to your itinerary. You can visit monuments and tourist attractions like the city of Arts and Science, the botanical gardens, the wonderful market, The Cathedral, the Oceanografic or the Hemisferic. Valencia is full of surprises and there’s something for all the family.

Why not leave your Valencia car hire in a public car park and enjoy a pleasant stroll through the old city centre of Valencia. A visit to the port of Valencia, which plays host to the famous America’s Cup, is also a worthwhile visit.

Summing up, car hire Valencia airport has never been easier and as I have mentioned above it’s probably best to book in advance to get the best deals in Valencia car hire.

Located midway up the Spanish coast on the eastern side, Valencia is one of Spain’s historical cities with its rich 2000 year old history and charm. It is noted for its commercial enterprises and agricultural wealth, a progressive city in many respects, which still retains its links to the past in its architecture and streets.

Why should you choose Valencia as a holiday destination? This is actually quite a difficult question to answer, not for lack of things to say but for the difficulty in knowing what to promote first. Valencia can best be described as a mysterious blend of Madrid’s vibrancy, Barcelona’s friendly people and Seville’s laid back beach style, all mixed together and topped off with tasty paella, the Holy Grail and the legendary El Cid!

Valencia has a well constructed road and rail network and the infrastructure to support both. The train system in Valencia is operated by RENFE; the main station in Valencia is the Estacion del Nord located on Jativa, next to the bull ring and very central to old Valencia. You can go just about anywhere in Spain from this main train station; you can buy your tickets and pick up a schedule at the station.

The Valencia train station is a very interesting building dating back to 1917; an imposing structure of neo-gothic influence well worth a visit. The station houses a kaleidoscope of Valencian mosaics and ceramics centering on the Valencian countryside theme and providing visitors with a unique glimpse of the local culture. Even if you don’t plan on traveling through Spain by train, a visit to the Valencia Estacion should be on your list of must see places.

If you plan to drive to the station to take a train to another part of Spain, you will find parking for station visitors’ right at the site of the station. However, if you need to return your rental car, you need to be extra alert to spot the signs for rental car returns. If you fail to find what you are looking for, simply park at the main station parking lot and go into the station to ask for directions; the car rental drop off office is sure to help you.

The Valencia Estacion has a rather straightforward layout and finding your way around the place will not be a problem. You will come upon the ticketing windows first, ticket in hand you pass on into the waiting area. A big sign announces the arrivals and departures of the trains together with the platform number. If in doubt about what is being said, ask people for help; the Valencianos are a very helpful lot of people.

The Valencia Estacion is a very large edifice with the information office at the end of the ticketing booths on the right. To gain access to the stations higher numbered platforms you will have to wall down the right side from the main entrance of the station to the back and get to the outside of the station. In other words you walk all the way down to the end of the building and take a right.

Valencia has a bus network that extends to 91 routes all of which are controlled and overseen by the Valencian Metropolitan Transportation Company or the Entitat de Transport Metropolità de Valencia – ETM to be politically correct. You can find all the information you need online regarding timetables, bus routes and other relevant information you will require if you plan to travel by the urban bus transportation system around the city.

The ticketing system includes discount tickets for senior citizens aged 65 years or more, retired persons, disabled persons and the youth. You can buy discount cards which will probably work out to a better deal. Some of the tickets may be used on other transport systems like the Metro. You can buy single or one way tickets on the buses themselves and the discount cards can purchased at local kiosks and tobacconists.

The interurban bus system or Metrobus is also managed by the Entitat de Transport Metropolità de Valencia (ETM). In the summer ETM earmarks three of the bus routes out of the total 91 for special service to the beaches.

The Valencia autobuses station is located very near the Centro (Center), north of the river. The nearest metro station is Turia, the yellow line. Valencia is well linked to the rest of Spain and Europe by bus routes; however, when searching for information you may find the going a bit tricky as most of the sites are in Spanish. The bus service is not centralized like the train network; moreover, there are several bus companies who operate the bus services and lack of communication does make things difficult for the traveller.

ALSA is a fairly good company with a useful website but you should do your own research to find a good company. It is recommended that you go to the bus station and get the information you need and make reservations as well. ALSA is one of the companies that operate both national and international bus routes and reviews suggest travelers did have good experiences when using their services. This is not in anyway a biased opinion, just a random selection of one of the good bus service companies. From Valencia the autobuses will take you to various places in Europe including but not limited to Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic, Bulgaria and many more places.

The Estación de Autobuses Valencia (Valencia Bus Station), across the Turia Park is a hive of activity. There are buses to take you all round Valencia, out of Valencia to other parts of Spain and out of Valencia to international destinations. Log on to the internet and Google Valencia buses and you will get a list of all the companies. The easiest thing to do is go to the bus station and pick up a schedule once you are actually in Valencia.

A real holiday is one in which you immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the country you are visiting. Take the buses to see the real city of Valencia and enjoy one of the best holidays ever.

Holiday time is probably the most awaited time in our lives each year; for some of us going on vacation is an annual event; for others it may require saving up for a few years before taking a trip. Either way, holidays are what help keep us sane in our mad, mad world. If you would like to know more about Valencia holidays, please read this article on some of the top reasons for choosing Valencia as your holiday destination.

As a travel aficionado I firmly believe that every town, every city, every country has so much to offer and is beautiful in its own way. However, Valencia has a captivating sense of beauty that cannot be denied.

Valencia is the third largest city in Spain and is situated half way down the Eastern Mediterranean Coast. Considered a particularly progressive city, it is renowned for its old and new architecture, which is quite spectacular. It keeping with its progressive history, Valencia has introduced the absolutely stunning Valencia City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias), a huge complex built on a dried up river bed; this cultural complex has become one of the biggest attractions in all of Europe

It is time to look at some of the really good reasons to visit Valencia, Spain for that much needed holiday break.

One of the first reasons to choose Valencia for a holiday would be the totally unpretentious nature of the place. It is still focused on its culture and heritage, an unspoiled way of life that infuses visitors with a passion for the simple, the genuine and the enjoyable. Even though Valencia is fast becoming a favorite weekend and holiday destination, with cheap air fares and lots more to entice the traveler, it continues to be wrapped up in its old world charm.

The people of Valencia are another good reason to visit this beautiful place; the openness and hospitality of the people really gladdens the traveler’s heart. You feel a sense of security in knowing that you are among people who are unpretentious, open-hearted and helpful.

There’s plenty to see and do in Valencia; the compact old town centre is literally packed with stunning buildings and a mind boggling amount of historic sights which include museums, squares, gardens and much more. The charming little streets will entice and thrill you as you get lost wandering around, soaking up the charm of the place. One of the famous landmarks is the historic center, 2000 years of splendor that is a mix of Christian, Roman and Muslim civilizations.

The sheer beauty of this place is to be seen in the blending of old and new. The world famous futuristic Valencia City of Arts and Science is a fine example of the new world. You will find many examples of the ultra modern as well on your travels through the city. It will delight the senses to witness contrasting views of gothic and baroque co-existing with the new age.

There’s so much to do in Valencia, no amount of articles will ever be enough to detail it fully. Make sure to sample the lively nightlife, which is a true cultural experience. The food is exotic, the paellas and the wide range of unique dishes to die for! The fiestas are the Valencian way of expressing and upholding their traditions. If you are tired you can always visit the beaches for a bit of tranquility.

A holiday in Valencia is much cause for rejoicing, it is a city that has much to offer its visitors in terms of things to do, places to see, beaches, parks, nightlife, food and much more. Finding the right kind of accommodation Valencia plays a very important role in the success of your holiday.

Thankfully, finding hotel accommodation in Valencia is not a problem because of its immense popularity as a holiday destination. You will find plenty of options to suit all types of preferences and budgets, in various parts of the city. The city of Valencia has over a hundred hotels and beach resorts, approximately 50 hostels, apartments, flats, villas, campsites and spas. Finding accommodation to match your requirements will not be a problem.

It is important that you quantify your requirements first; you will find some sample questions below that need answers to help you decide on the right kind of accommodation for your needs.

Are you planning on visiting Valencia with the family? If yes, you may find that renting an apartment or flat, or if the budget permits a villa will be the better choice. You have your privacy, the place has all the comforts of home and food will not be such a major expense if you do your own shopping and cooking. Hotels can be rather an expensive deal for an entire family.

Are you a college student or youth traveling with friends? Here again the cost factor should be considered carefully. Renting an apartment or flat will be cheaper since you will be sharing the cost of rent and food. Hostels are also available if you are looking for something cheaper.

Will the beach be the main focus of your visit? If you are going on vacation with the intention of doing nothing, just lazing around, sunning yourself and enjoying a swim every now and then, beach properties is what you should be looking at. If you have a big budget you can reserve a room at one of the beautiful beach resorts that dot the coast of Valencia. If you want something more competitively priced you can get the lower star hotels, which still give you the beach in your backyard option.

Do you want to be in the heart of the city where all the action is? If you prefer to be near the main city centre or Centro as it is referred to in Valencia, you can find plenty of accommodation that puts you near the restaurants, shopping, sightseeing, nightlife, sightseeing and the beach. Valencia is actually quite a centre focused city and staying near the city centre is good for tourists who are keen on exploring the city.
There are hotel options near the main bus station and the train station as well. You cannot walk to the beach so keep that in mind. However, Valencia has a pretty good public transport setup which includes trains and buses.

Whatever your accommodation Valencia requirements, you need to remember that Valencia is a popular tourist spot so book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Football fans the world over will enjoy reading the information in this article about the Valencia Football Club or the Valencia Club de Fútbol as it is officially known as. Popularly referred to as the Valencia C.F. or Los Che this professional Spanish football club is based in Valencia. The club has a long history of prestigious wins to its credit; reaching approximately 7 major European finals and winning 4.

The Valencia Football Club is one of 3 clubs in Spain to have won five or more international trophies and is ranked third after Real Madrid and Barcelona in the international football arena.

The club was founded in 1919 and has been playing their home games since 1923 at the Estadio Mestalla. A move to a new 75,000 seater stadium Nou Mestalla in the north west of the city is on the cards for 2011 but could be delayed for financial reasons. Valencia is the third most supported club in Spain, again after Real Madrid and Barcelona and is one of the biggest clubs worldwide in terms of registered playing supporters.

The early history of the Valencia club is really intriguing. The club’s first president Ocatavio Augusto Milego was chosen by a coin toss! The club and its pioneers did not seriously affect society or the media; in those days sport was not dealt with in any great way by the media.

The rise and fall of the Valencia football club has been documented through the decades but there is no denying the club’s popularity among its fans. The Estadio Mestalla football stadium in Valencia is the home ground of the Valencia Club de Fútbol. It has a capacity of 55,000 seats and is ranked the 5th largest stadium in Spain. Even visitors to Valencia who are not interested in football will find the architectural style of the stadium quite interesting.

It is well renowned for its steep terracing and players consider it to be one of the most intimidating atmospheres to play in, in all of Europe! The club was inaugurated by a friendly match that brought Valencia CF and arch rival Levante UD face to face to do battle. The initial seating capacity of the stadium was only 17,000 seats but as the club began to demonstrate its prowess, the managers of the club began making modifications to increase the crowd strength.

To the Valencianos as the people of Valencia call themselves, football is a major part of their culture. The club is one of the biggest in Spain and world renowned as well. It is hard to stay in Valencia during the football season and not be affected by the fever pitch of excitement that grips this city.

The clubs colours are black and white on their home ground and orange and blue for away from home matches. You will find these colours proudly displayed on cars, walls, tee shirts and lots of other places. Finding the Estadio Mestalla is very simple and you have buses, trains and taxis to ferry you to and fro. If you live near by just walk over, enjoying the rhythm that Valencia dances to along the way!

There is only one way to describe the Valencia nightlife, it’s hot, it’s happening and it’s alive! Valencia has fast become one of Spain’s most favorite holiday spots with people from all over the world visiting this vibrant and beautiful city; whenever a long weekend presents itself, people from nearby European countries travel up to Valencia to enjoy the break.

What is it about Valencia that is such a big attraction to people? I would have to say it’s the electic mix of old and new living together in the city. Valencia really does have it all, the beaches, the dining, the parks, the gardens, the museums, an abundance of art and culture and so much more. The biggest draw in Valencia for a lot of people is the absolutely swinging nightlife scene.

Were you aware that people in Valencia eat the main meal of the day anywhere between 2-4 pm and then have a late dinner, timings range from 9-111 pm. Then they head out to the nightclubs and discos and stay out as late as 3 and 4 am. There are clubs that stay open until 10 am – imagine partying right into the middle of the next day practically!

It’s time to take a look at some of the more popular nightspots in Valencia.

Carmen is characterized by punk bars, reggae smoking dens, retro chill out lounges, underground trance mix, Goth dungeon, gay bars, Caribbean bars and other mind boggling places. This place is considered to be the oldest, most sophisticated and bohemian nightlife area in the city of Valencia. Here you will find cultures, subcultures, personalities, ambiences and a whole lot more merging together – Yes, the Valencia nighlife is happening!

The nightlife scene of Carmen is often described as ‘the heart of Valencian nightlife.’ This is really not true; Carmen can amaze and it can disappoint depending on what you are looking for. One example of typical Carmen culture is the fact that it’s the city’s only gay scene. If this is not your style you will feel out of place. If you are looking for something different or curious, where the term underground comes to mind, by all means pay Carmen a visit.

Centro has some interesting spots, mostly well known night clubs that go on until 8 am the next morning. If the place is not within the boundaries of the Centre, you can be sure it’s just a 5-10 minute walk away. Some of the more popular venues include La Indiana – Night-club in Valencia, a glamorous nightclub filled with ritzy weekenders. Piccadilly is one non-stop party place, 5 nights a week with themed nights to lend an aura of excitement to the place. Latex is an underground club that really gets going after 4 am.

Mogambo is a popular underground nightclub that is gay friendly and Deseo 54, which is probably the liveliest gay nightclub in all Valencia, open from Thursday to Sunday with dress up nights and stage shows.
There are other venues and you can find a list on the internet to help you choose.

Vibrant Valencia is one of the grandest places to go to on a holiday. This Spanish city on the Spanish East coast is so filled with life and activity that you will really be at a loss as to what to do first, where to go and what to see. A holiday to Valencia really makes you wish there were more hours in a day.

In Valencia the fun never stops, literally, after a full day of visiting the city, shopping, sightseeing, eating, exploring and more, you go back to the hotel for a leisurely dinner which is usually quite late, then head out to the bars and discos for some real action that keeps you up until 3 am! The town has fiestas and lively festivals, lovely beaches, parks, gardens and promises lots of fun.

It can truly be said that there is something for everyone in Valencia, from beaches to history, culture, museums, art and nature, the racing enthusiast has not been forgotten. The Valencia Street Circuit hosts the Valencia Grand Prix each year and is scheduled for June 2010. Actual racing takes place on the busy streets of Valencia and the harbor front.

In order to make your way to the Valencia grand prix you need to follow the guidelines given below:
Location: the Formula 1 Grand Prix is held on 3.4 mile harbor front street circuit in the industrial port area of Valencia. You can watch cars reach speeds of 200mph and enjoy a weekend of non stop action. The track is situated in the marina area and runs along the water’s edge, passing through nearby suburbs and the river Turia to finish back at the port.

Tickets: a new ticket system allows fans holding tickets to watch the race without a seat. Tickets for the new grandstand go on sale with a different pricing structure. Tribunes have been reorganized to optimize fans viewing abilities. Tickets are inclusive of 16% VAT and children of 5 years and under can go in free of charge; all seats are numbered.

Parking: will be a huge problem if you take your own vehicle; hence it is advisable to take public transport.
Transportation: the metro (subway) system is excellent and commuters are advised to use lines 4, 5 and 6.
The Municipal Transport Company of Valencia – EMT plans on increasing the number of bus routes in honour of the Valencia Grand Prix. In addition to its regular bus services, EMT will provide extra bus services for some of the regular routes all through the week leading up to and during the Formula 1 Grand Prix.

You can also use the tramway system to get to the street circuit of the Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is best to leave in good time to get to your seat well before the race begins to avoid the last minute rush. Make sure you get complete information on how to get to the venue well in advance.

In closing, you need to bear in mind that each tribune has only one access gate and you can enter the circuit only via your tribune access gate.

All of Valencia, Spain’s third largest city, situated midway up the eastern coast, is beautiful and a visit to this fabulous city will be a holiday to remember. However, it is hard to fit everything to see and do into one small article, so we focus on the highlights of the city and leave the rest to you to find out and explore.
You can travel around Valencia quite easily thanks to the good bus system the city has; it is easy to see the city, other parts of Spain and even link up to another country from Valencia. You also have a very comprehensive train network to take you around the country. Don’t leave Valencia without taking a stroll through the narrow streets, go back in time and lose yourself, literally in a maze of winding streets to experience the true beauty of this wonderful city.

Valencia is noted for its historic buildings and architecture that spans 2000 years of varied historical, cultural and religious influences. Let us move on to some of the places well worth a visit in Valencia, these include but are in no way limited to:

Ciudad De Las Artes Y Las Ciencias – Valencia City of Arts and Sciences was developed to encourage and attract tourism to Valencia. This enormous complex was built on the dry river bed of the river Turia and has become one of the biggest attractions in all Europe. The complex houses L’Hemisferic; an Imax theatre; planetarium, L’Oceanographic water world situated underground; the Paluau de les Arts theatre; the Prince Felipe science museum and an interactive centre for science and technology.

Museo Provincial De Belles Artes – this is considered to be one of the leading art gallery’s in Spain, which displays 14th to 16th century Valencian art. Here you will mind masterpieces by Goya, Velazquez and El Greco among others.

Valencia has several beautifully constructed museums, the architecture of these buildings and the construction are breath taking in itself. You have museums ranging from fine arts to ceramics, paintings and furniture, marine and zoo museums, archaeology, sacred art and so much more. An interested traveler can really lose him or herself because the list is seemingly endless.

Next you have the cathedrals and basilicas dating back centuries, amazing works of art in themselves. The Basilica Virgen de les Desamparados is a fine example with its spectacularly constructed golden altar and a testimony to the amazing wealth of the Roman Catholic Church.

There are many gardens, squares and parks well worth the effort of strolling through to enjoy nature and the beauty of Valencia.

The Centro or city centre and the Valencia Estacion del Nord or train station are all fine examples of the city’s great heritage and rich past. For example you will find beautiful mosaics and ceramics in the train station depicting Valencia’s history. A visit to Spain would not be complete without a trip to the bull ring.
Since there’s so much to do and see, it is best to make a personal list of the things you want to see and follow the plan.

Going on a holiday is the highlight of each year spent hard at work, dreaming of fun in the sun, winter skiing, trekking through jungles or whatever suits our fancy. Anyone wanting to visit Valencia is certainly in for the time of their life. You have everything from beautiful beaches that come up to your doorstep to an abundance of fine architecture in the form of museums, cathedrals and art galleries; exciting night life; fiestas, gourmet dinning and so much more. A full calendar indeed!

For most of us on budget holidays we are not too keen to overspend on accommodation especially when we are out and about most of the day and even at night. In this article we explore some of the cheap Valencia hotels available for the tourist on a budget.

The term cheap hotel does not necessarily have to mean sleazy or roach infested, as you will find when reading this article. If you search hard enough you will find little gems tucked away in Valencia, which will give you a truly enjoyable stay.

When looking for competitively priced hotels in Valencia you need to first decide on what you want out of your holiday. People go on holiday with different expectations; if you want the beach at your doorstep and cannot do without a sea view, then staying in the beach/ port area makes perfect sense. You will find good quality hotels and also a few luxury hotels.

If you want to just take an occasional stroll on the beach or visit it may be a couple of times during your trip, then staying in this area will be quite frustrating as it is rather quiet and boring. Choosing accommodation located at the Centro or city center will probably give you the best of both worlds. You get to stay in the very heart of the city and can explore at will; yet you are not too far for that occasional visit to the beach. Most of the sightseeing, eating, culture, nightlife and shopping is located either in the Centre or near it. Make sure you are comfortable with the hustle and bustle of city life before choosing accommodation out here as it can be noisy!

Other places like L’Example in Aragon which is located in the North West area of the city have reasonably priced hotels but do not offer any advantages, which is fine if you are just going to use your room to sleep in mostly.

The CAS as it is popularly referred to is a very upmarket area with expensive hotels you will want to avoid if you are on a budget. There are many business hotels as well, which are best suited for business travellers.

If you are a student or traveling in a group, you would do well to check out flats, apartments in Valencia, and even villas for rent. This option could work out to be quite economical for you if you share the rent.