Alicante is the third largest city in Spain and one of the most dynamic. Located on the Mediterranean Sea, it offers not only beautiful beaches but also a vibrant nightlife and numerous cultural sites. Alicante has an impressive historic center, full of charm and beauty. Many Gothic-style buildings reflect the history of this Spanish city. While preserving its charming past, Alicante embraces the present, as evidenced by the City of Arts and Sciences, considered one of the most original projects of the millennium. The slightly eccentric Spanish way of life will add spice to your linguistic stay.
797 000 inhabitants
Seaside
2 hours from Geneva
The third largest city in Spain is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, in the eastern part of Spain, facing the Balearic Islands. Valencia is approximately 360 km away from Barcelona to the south and Madrid to the east. It is the capital of the Valencian Community, situated between Catalonia to the north, Murcia to the south, and Castilla-La Mancha to the east. The city enjoys a semi-arid Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers with scarce rainfall and mild winters where temperatures rarely drop below 10°C. The city experiences abundant sunshine.
The city, founded in 138 BC by the Roman Republic, experienced significant development in the 1st century with the construction of a forum, an amphitheater, and a river port. The Christianization of the city in the 4th century gave way to the Muslim era in the 8th century, which lasted until 1238 when the city was captured by James I of Aragon. The Kingdom flourished during the Valencian Golden Age with the construction of numerous civil and religious buildings. As a cosmopolitan city shaped by its history, Valencia offers visitors various festivities and a gastronomy based on the Mediterranean diet, featuring rice dishes such as the famous paella.
Visiting Valencia is an opportunity to discover the Albufera Natural Park, Devesa del Saler, as well as various gardens such as the Botanical Garden and Monforte Gardens. The former bed of the Turia River, diverted to prevent flooding, has been transformed into the Institute of Modern Art, Gulliver Park, sports facilities, and most notably the City of Arts and Sciences, which houses a shaded garden and the largest aquarium in Europe. Strolling along the seaside promenade is a chance to savor a paella while enjoying views of the sandy beaches and even witnessing the Fallas parade.
Valencia has high-quality transportation infrastructure, including an international airport located just 8 km west of the city. It is well-connected to Barcelona and Madrid by rail. The urban transport system consists of three metro lines and two tram lines. While prices have increased, it is still possible to visit Valencia on a reasonable budget. For shopping, the main interesting areas are located at Jardin del Turia, between the Nou d'Octubre and Astilleros bridges, in the city center, and in the Orriols neighborhood.
Plaza del Ayuntamiento, s/n, 46002 - Valencia
Phone: +34 963 524 908
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