Valencia – the city, centre of the region

I wasn’t supposed to end up here this time, but not even the rain could drive me away :). Some of these photos are from September — my first encounter with the city of Valencia, when it was 35°C. I shudder to think what it’s like here in the height of summer, but then again, those oranges have to ripen somehow. Back then I explored the very centre and the food market — a magnificent hall in the city centre where you can taste Valencian cuisine, buy fresh seafood, or pick up some Spanish jamón.

A fun fact while we’re here: The popular Spanish ham — Jamón Ibérico de Bellota — is a luxury product from black Iberian pigs that roam free in oak forests and feed on acorns, herbs, and roots, giving the meat its distinctive, nutty flavour.

In December, since I found myself here a second time, I decided to see the city in the evening — especially with the Christmas season in full swing and festive decorations everywhere. Orange trees dressed in Christmas lights — stunning. And poinsettias absolutely everywhere. The mild temperature clearly allows for more outdoor decoration than back home.

During the day I took advantage of the (finally good — after 3 days of rain) weather and cycled through Valencia’s park, which runs along the eastern and northern edges of the city centre.

Lots going on in that park — fountains, sports pitches, an athletics stadium, a massive slide, dog runs. Speaking of which: Valencia is a dog-friendly city — no issues bringing your four-legged friend on public transport, into pubs or restaurants. It’s also runner-friendly — I spotted dedicated running path signs in the park, with bicycles and scooters banned from those sections.

The best part of the park is the stretch around the museum; the rest is fine but nothing special. I think the main draw is its function — it must be a great place to cool down in summer. It’s not designed for heavy sustained rainfall though — the park runs below street level, and after 3 days of downpours there were plenty of puddles and mud. My bike wasn’t really up to it either, but at least I had a mudguard, so my behind stayed dry. Trouser legs? Trouser legs can be washed.