A quick wander around town...

Spain’s third-largest city is a stunning discovery, with architecture, beaches, small-town-in-a-city feel and great value for money.

A leisurely stroll around the historic centre cannot be beaten as you amble from plaza to cobbled street and take in its atmospheric charm.

The maze-like inner section of the old town with abundant cafés and traditional stores and stalls are a delight to experience. You'll eventually find your way to the culture-rich dry riverbed, or modern, palm-lined avenues with terraced cafés to bask in the sun.

OUR TOUR OF THE SIGHTS TO SEE:
(maybe not all in a day, but here are some musts)

• Start off at The Mercado Central.
• Cross the road and visit La Lonja.
• Head up to Plaza Tossal.
• Stroll down Calle Caballeros.
• Continue to Plaza de la Virgen.
• Take the passage to Plaza de la Reina.
• Go via C./ Paz to Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas.
  
• Procede down to the Bullring and the Estación del Norte.
• Follow the Gran Via to the riverbed.
• Bear right on the riverbed to visit the City of Arts & Sciences.
• Go back upriver to the Palau de musica and onward for the museums.
• Swing down to the Torres del Quart and turn right for the Botanical Gardens.
• Relax with a cool, creamy caña and a spot of tapas. See our guide to eateries.

Contact details:

Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas (C/Poeta Querol 2, Tel: 963516392).

City of Arts and Sciences (C/Arzobispo Mayoral 14, Tel: 961974500, www.cac.es).

Museu de Belles Artes San Pio V (C/San Pio V 9, Tel: 963605793, www.cult.gva.es/mbav).

IVAM, the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (C/G. Castro 118, Tel: 963863000, www.ivam.es).

The Botanical Gardens, C/ Quart, 80, Tel: 963156800 www.jardibotanic.org).

NEXT ISSUE'S TOURS:

• the beaches that count.
• the naughty nightlife.