Situated on the Mediterranean coast Valencia is Spain's third city and the capital of the Levante (eastern coast). Rich in agriculture, Valenca is surrounded by orange groves and paddy fields. Paella, Spain's famous rice dish originates from here.

The old center of Valencia known as the Barrio del Carmen is a maze of narrow streets and the hub of the city's nightlife. The city center is ringed by the moat like river Turia, the water from which was diverted away from the city after flooding in the 1950's, leaving a strip of parkland below the old bridges.
Between 12th and 19th March Valencia is overwhelmed by visitors. They come to experience the annual festival of fireworks and fire, "Las Fallas". Giant papier-maché sculptures, usually of a satirical nature are burned in the city's squares. Only that judged to be the best is spared.

Valencia has its own beach the "Malvarrosa" and the entire coast, both to the north and south is packed with beach resorts.