Surrounded by the Huerta, (the rich, fertile fields) irrigated by the calm waters of the River Turia which claws into the Mediterranean Sea, Valencia appears as a modern and lively city. Its future is built on ancient traditions which have been formed over thousands of years by different cultures, and which have left a deep mark on the well-disposed and open people to Valencia. Valencia is the third largest city in Spain. The estimated population of the city of Valencia is 807,396 as of 2006 estimates. Valencia has a Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summer and mild winters.

The Coast of Valencia

The Valencia Coast stretches along a province with two clearly distinct landscapes: the coast and the mountains. The Malvorossa Beach is a very high-quality beach to the north of the port of Valencia. Situated in the city of Valencia itself. It is ideal for sports enthusiasts as it has several infrastructures such as volleyball nets, a bicycle lane and even a beach-rugby pitch. Its is perfectly clean and in perfect condition. The fine white sand and the moderate waves makes it popular. It has a long promenade dotted with bars, restaurants and night clubs. Families, Couples and Bathers strolling along, breathing in the sea air and enjoying the beauty of the Mediterranean sunlight.

El Saler Beach stretches for 4 miles near Valencia’s La Albufera Natural Park It is backed by a grove of shady pine trees. The Pineda Beach is located south of Valencia with handicap access and basic services for public use. The Devesa Beach is a little isolate and difficult to find in the heart of Valencia’s La Albufera Natural Park.

Things to do:
Paella a la Malvorrosa is a typical dish of Valencia and the symbol of the Spanish cooking. The paella is the most common dish that you can eat. Arousing the passerby’s with the smell of this dish.

Streets and Squares
The Truimp of Water. The fountain of the Plaza de la Virgen, with its cascades, is like a homage to the water. Such a vital element for the people. The sound of the ever flowing water are a delight for passerby.
A peaceful Stroll to the Botanical Gardens of Valencia, founded by the naturalise Antonio Jose Cavanilles at the beginning of the 19th century, were the first of their kind to be created in Spain.

Market
One goes to the Central Market carrying out all sorts of citizens rituals. The traditional Christmas season make the vendors stalls compete with each other in decoration. The market is the showing off all of its richness and the variety of its harvests. They are placed in baskets of wicker, esparto or hemp. While the seafood and fish lay on bed of ice. Not to forget all the variety of dried fruit and nuts.

Golf
El Saler Golf Course
Play golf with views of the Mediterranean Sea, amid the dunes and pines of this nature reserve. One of Spain’s top designers, Javier Arana is responsible for the great view and design of the 18 hole course. Open all year round and has easy access to the course.

Getting to Valecia
Direct flights can be taken from all major European cities to Valencia. The airport is only 8 km from the city center; you may want to consider car hire in Valencia for convenience and simplicity.

Lagos in Portugal is not to be confused with it’s namesake in Nigeria. Lagos is a pretty seaside town on the western algarve region of Portugal.
It is a vibrant place, packed with history. It is ideal for families, and couples alike.

Lagos in ancient times was an important base for Henry the Navigator when he set off on his explorative voyages around the world. His name is synonymous around the town. There’s even a fantastic restaurant of his name, which if dined upstairs offers truly superb views of the marina and beyond.

Lagos has two excellent beaches for sun worshippers, Praia Dona Ana and Praia Meia. Praia Dona Ana is the most sheltered beach and is nestled at base of rocky sandstone cliffs with several outlying sandstone peaks jutting out of the water in front of it. It truly is one of nature’s wonders. The sand simply does not stick to your skin and the view from the beach is superb.

Things to do in Lagos:-

Experience the fantastic array of fresh seafood on offer at the local fishmarket. All sorts available there.

Take a hired boat out from the Praia Dona Ana beach and explore all the caves under the cliffs, truly magical. Costs around 10-15 euros. The expensive way (booze cruise) would be to take the Pirate boat for half a day from the marina. Approx 50 euros

Walk the shopping streets and enjoy the gastronomic delights of Lagos. Most of the streets are pedestrianised and extremely safe. Local specialities include coffee beans (bica), sardines and swordfish steak.

Getting to Lagos:-

Easiest way is to fly to Faro airport, which is regularly serviced by most main budget airlines and hiring a car — see prices at Car Hire in Portugal

Murcia was formed on the Segura River in the 9th century by the moors, the town quickly became an important commercial trade centre. Its wealth was mainly based on the fertility of the outlying market gardens. 

In the early 1300’s it was the regional capital and continued to prosper, its 18thcentury wealth funding the majority of its best buildings. Today it’s an agricultural and commercial centre, a delightful and truly Spanish city which makes few concessions to tourism. 

Things to see:- 

Casino 

Built in approx 1847, this truly memorable structure is still in use today, was once the town’s main social meeting place, offering members a library, meeting rooms, billiard room and ballroom. An discerning style of Moorish features, marble and metalwork, French inspired grandeur painted ceilings and English craftsmanship, the casino cannot be missed. 

Churches 

There are several churches of outstanding architectural quality. Murcia is full of delights and lovers of baroque will discover many staggering examples of this fantastic style. Amongst the best are La Merced, San Miguel and Santa Ana. 

Museo de Bellas Artes 

This museum hosts a large and varied collection of pictures giving a comprehensive view of the development of Murcian painting from 15th to 20th centuries 

Museo de la Catedral 

Located inside Murcia’s great cathedral, this museum hosts early sculpture, including a roman sarcophagus and gives pride of place to the huge and ornate 600kg gold and silver consecrated object, used at feast of Corpus Christi 

Museo Salzillo 

This is probably Murcia’s most important museum, as it displays a huge collection of work by 18th century wood sculptor, Francisco Salzillo, born in Murcia. 

Salzillo specialised in dramatic and polychrome figures and scenes from the life of Christ. Over 500 rustic figures are on display, which were designed to be carried through the streets during holy week processions. Definitely worth a visit. 

Murcia today has seen much development with golf courses, residential complexes and even a new airport. One of the most outstanding golf courses recently to have been designed is ‘Hacienda Del Alamo’, now one of the longest and widest in Europe. The par5, 9th hole is a massive 542 metres, surely a test for Tiger Woods.

The best way to travel Murcia is by flying to San Javier Airport and hiring a car–see prices at Car Hire Murcia