Valencian Community
Comunitat Valenciana
History
The Valencian Community has a rich history shaped by its location on Spain's eastern Mediterranean coast. The region was founded as a kingdom in the 13th century by James I of Aragon after the Reconquista, and it became a major center of trade and commerce during the medieval period. Valencia's golden age came during the 15th and 16th centuries when it rivaled Barcelona as a Mediterranean power, though it later declined under Spanish Habsburg rule. The region experienced significant development in the 18th and 19th centuries and today remains one of Spain's most economically dynamic areas.
Culture
The Valencian Community is famous for its vibrant festivals, most notably Las Fallas in March, where elaborate satirical floats are paraded and burned in celebration of spring. The region is deeply rooted in agricultural traditions, particularly rice cultivation in the Turia riverbed, which inspired the world-renowned paella dish. Valencian culture blends Mediterranean influences with a strong sense of regional identity, evident in its distinctive architecture, local cuisine, and the widespread use of the Valencian language in daily life.
Language
The official language is Spanish, but Valencian is widely spoken and co-official in the region, representing a unique Romance language closely related to Catalan. Common Valencian phrases include "Bon dia" for good morning and "Adéu" for goodbye, and learning a few local words is appreciated by residents.
Best time to visit
Spring for Las Fallas festival or fall for beach weather without summer crowds.
Places to visit
- Valencia — The vibrant capital of the region, blending a historic old town with the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences. Its mix…
- Alicante — A sunny coastal city crowned by the imposing Santa Bárbara Castle overlooking the Mediterranean. Its palm-lined Explana…
- Peñíscola — A picturesque walled town on a rocky peninsula, topped by the dramatic Papa Luna Castle. Its narrow whitewashed streets…
- Morella — A stunning medieval hilltop town encircled by ancient walls and crowned by a spectacular castle. Its cobblestone street…
- Xàtiva — A historic town dominated by its twin castle perched on a ridge above the rooftops. Rich in Roman, Moorish, and Christi…
- Guadalest — A tiny mountaintop village famous for its dramatic clifftop castle ruins and turquoise reservoir views. It's one of the…
- Calpe — A lively seaside town dominated by the massive limestone Peñón de Ifach rock jutting into the sea. It offers beautiful…
- Dénia — A charming port town overlooked by its hilltop castle, known as the gateway to Ibiza and Formentera ferries. It boasts…
- Elche — Home to Europe's largest palm grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 200,000 palm trees. Its unique Mystery Play…
- Albufera Natural Park — A vast freshwater lagoon and wetland south of Valencia, famous for its rice paddies and stunning sunsets. It's a birdwa…
- Benidorm — A high-rise beach resort city famous for its skyscraper skyline and long golden beaches. It's the entertainment and nig…
- Chulilla — A dramatic village perched above a deep river gorge, popular for its hanging bridges and turquoise pools. It's a favori…
- Xàbia — An elegant coastal town with dramatic cliffs, the iconic Granadella cove, and a charming old quarter. It combines upsca…
- Sagunto — An ancient town with a well-preserved Roman theater and a sprawling castle atop its acropolis. Layers of Iberian, Roman…
Where to eat
- Casa Montaña (Spanish Tapas, El Carmen, Valencia). Order: Boquerones en vinagre with local wines.
- Horchatería Santa Catalina (Traditional Valencian, Centro, Valencia). Order: Horchata with fartons (pastries).
- Restaurante Navarro (Modern Spanish, Ruzafa, Valencia). Order: All i pebre (traditional eel and potato stew).
- Casa Montaña Vertical (Spanish Modern Tapas, Ruzafa, Valencia). Order: Jamón ibérico with pan con tomate.
- El Pepica (Seafood/Paella, Beachfront, Cullera). Order: Paella de marisco (seafood paella).
- Casa Montaña (Traditional Spanish, Centro, Xàtiva). Order: Espinacas con pasas y piñones (spinach with raisins and pine nuts).
- Vertical (Contemporary Spanish, El Carmen, Valencia). Order: Chef's tasting menu with wine pairings.
- Palmira (Seafood/Paella, Centro, Gandia). Order: Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock).
- Los Pescaítos (Mediterranean Seafood, Pescadería, Dénia). Order: Gamba roja (red prawns) with citrus.
- Casa Pacheco (Traditional Castilian/Wine Region, Casco Antiguo, Requena). Order: Rabo de toro (oxtail stew) with Requena wine.
- La Pepica (Seafood/Mediterranean, Beachfront, Peñíscola). Order: Fideuá (noodle paella) with local fish.
- Ricard Camarena (Contemporary Spanish/Molecular, Ruzafa, Valencia). Order: Signature esferified all i pebre.
- Casa Montaña (Traditional Valencian, Centro, Alcoi). Order: Gazpaet (local bean and potato dish).
- El Tollo (Seafood/Paella, Playa, Puzol). Order: Paella de peces (fish paella).
- Oca Bruja (Modern Spanish/Vegetable-Forward, Ruzafa, Valencia). Order: Market vegetables with anchovy butter.