Valencia, Delta Airlines, Grand Prix and Lladró
Spain's Mediterranean City and Delta's Non-stop Flight From New York
Jun 13, 2009
Some travel destinations have an abundance of good fortune, such as a historical district, sun, a seaside, sporting venues plus a "green zone" for leisure enthusiasts. Valencia, located on Spain's eastern and Mediterranean coastline, is one of those chosen places that has it all.
Perhaps that's one reason Delta Airlines recently began non-stop service from NYC/JFK to Valencia. The Boeing 757 flight cuts up to four hours off a trip between the two cities that normally has a layover in Madrid or Barcelona. It's the only direct flight between Valencia and the United States. Although seasonal, the JFK flights to Valencia are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Return flights from Valencia to JFK are Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
City of Valencia Highlights
Valencia has decidedly changed its look through the years and now has several futuristic venues for its visitors, many who come by cruise ships or on individual mega-yachts and boats. Plus old standby tourist attractions complete the experience.
- Jardin del Turia (Turia Park) was once a river that was transformed into a public park, snaking through the city and running from one end to the other. Along its 14 km route are gardens; bike paths; bridges; sculptures, river beds with flora and futuristic buildings.
- The City of Arts and Sciences, also part of Turia Park, is an avant-guard and cutting-edge architectural complex. It houses Europe's largest aquarium. The Hemispheric Planetarium is eye-shaped and the fourth most visited building in Spain thanks to its computerized astronomic projection system and its IMAX theatre. Also on site is the Palau de la Musica. which was built like a giant greenhouse and is known for its acoustics..Every July bands stroll the streets from the Palau to the Plaza de Toros.
- It's back! The Grand Prix of Europe returns to Valencia for a second year. The race cars travel at 200 miles per hour alongside the Turia's old river bed and the city's waterfront. Famed racing course designer, Hermann Tike, was the architect behind the 3.4-mile-long design that includes 25 curves. This year, a general admission ticket to the Valencia Street Circuit is sold on a daily basis (30-100 euros depending on the race day). Grandstand tickets are the same price as last year – the three-day event ranges from 195 to 480 euros. Race dates are: August 21-23, 2009.
- Valencia and paella are synonymous. The traditional paella is made from chicken, rabbit and vegetables. But with 2,000 years of history behind the Valencianos, they now have approximately 40 different ways to cook this rice specialty. Mercado Central is one of the oldest food markets in Europe where locals and the curious go to purchase fresh fish and vegetables and to sample local specialties, including paella. Open weekdays 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m; weekends 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
- Last year, Europe's most advanced zoo, Bioparc, debuted with 4,000 animals from 250 species. The 25-acre park, also located in Turia Gardens, has open views where visitors feel submerged in the wild habitats of the Savannah, all done with practically no barriers and where different species co-exist as they would in nature. Admission is 21 euros (adults); seniors and children less.
- Lladró porcelain figurines are worldwide collectible items and still made in pint-size Tabernes Blanques, which is a town close to the city of Valencia. Founded by three brothers, the company is now housed in a large complex that includes sports facilities and spacious gardens. Visitors are welcome to watch the artisans at work and to visit the Lladró Museum. Old Master paintings, such as Zurbaran, Pinazo and Sorolla, are also exhibited.
Valencia Discount Tourism Card
The Valencia Tourist Card (VLC) is available in 10, 16 and 20 euros valuations. The time-dated card makes much of Valencia accessible either free or at a discount, including some museums, leisure centers, shops and restaurants and more.
Contact Information for the City Valencia and the Region
For the city of Valencia and for the region, contact Valencia Tourism.
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