Valencia for kKds - An essential traveller’s guide

take all contacts, info etc to back.

Delete from flow of Pauline Swain

text Add DPSs of picture where available. Pic

An essential traveller’s guide

of gullivers

Foreword When Pauline Swain’s partner was offered a job as Marketing Manager of the Americas Cup holder Alinghi, it was with some trepidation that she decided to move the family to Valencia, Spain – the host city of the 32nd America’s Cup. Pauline and her partner Simon decided to live a more Spanish lifestyle, along with their children India (11) and Jenna (5) in a small village 6km south of the city.

The result was two Spanish speaking children, a network of very close Spanish friends, an eye for a good Paella and even Flamenco dancing lessons! Oh and of course this book.

Whether you are moving to the area, considering Valencia as a short break with your family or looking for a place to visit while on holiday on the Costa Blanca, then this guide will keep you and your kids happy for days on end.

An essential traveller’s guide Pauline Swain

Published in 2008 by

Copyright Š 2008 Pauline Swain

Address line 1, Address line 1 Address line 2, Address line 2

All rights reserved. Riure dolorer ostrud dolut utpat lor sustinis nulputatue venibh eum del ex et at. Sim vel ero del ulputat inci eril iuscilit, consequatum dionse commodit, se minibh ex eugue mod modionsed modit alit auguerat vel doluptatet, conulla faccum velit ute modio eu feuis alit adipit laorper il dunt nos aciliquat. Dunt venisim nulputpat

Tel: 00000 000 000 Fax: 00000 000 000 Email: email@email.com

Index Intro

5

CITY LIFE

6

Travel Geting about in Valencia DRIVING BUS METRO TAXI BIKING TOURIST BUS Timetable WALKING HIRING BIKES AND CYCLOBUSES BIKING AMERICAS CUP FOR KIDS SHOPPING

6 6 6 6 6 6 7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8

e b o t

MARKET VALOR CHOCOLATE BAR HORCHATA BARS ICE CREAM JUICE BAR CITY LIFE Activities Pools, skating, Flamenco VALENCIA PISCINA COMPLEJO DEPORTIVO CULTURAL ABASTOS SKATING FLAMENCO DANCING

17 17 17 17 17 17 18 18

CITY LIFE PARKS CABECERA PARK JARDINES DEL REALES (known locally as JARDIN DE LOS VIVEROS)

19 19 19 19

nd e t a d e w e i v e r

Places to visit 9 All day visits 9 THE TURIA 9 HIRING BIKES AND CYCLOBUSES 9 GULLIVER’S PARK 10 MINI-GOLF 10 las artes y las cienciAs (ARTS AND SCIENCES PARK) L’hemisferic Museu de las Ciencias L’oceanografic CLIMBING FRAME PALAU DE MUSICA SKATE PARK

11 11 11 11 12 12 12

Places to visit 13 Quick visits 13 TORRES DE SERRANO 13 FALLAS MUSEUM (night of fire) 13 BULLFIGHTING EXHIBITION 13 (MUSEO TAURINO) BULLRING 13 THEATRE 13 IVAM modern art museum 14 HAIRDRESSERS! 15

15 15 16 16 16

ut o y of la

OUT OF CITY FUN 20 BEACHES 20 El Saler beach 20 MALVEROSSA BEACH 21 DEVESA GARDENS AND CAMPSITE 21 GO-KARTS 21 AQUAPOLIS-CULLERA 21 HERON CITY 22 MONTANEJOS 22 GRUTAS DE SAN JOSE 22 underground river) -Vall dUixo NAVAJAS 23 XATIVA CA STLE 23 BOWLING (ALFAFAR) 23 ALBUFERA BOAT TRIPS 23 CIRCUITO DE CHESTE 23 (Racing circuit)

at the back – see p29–31

4 Valencia with kids

All, times, contact details are at the back – watch for this symbol

Intro My family and I moved to Valencia for a year, where my partner had been offered a job with the America’s Cup. I decided to embrace the opportunity and find out everything that was going on for kids in this vibrant city. I took down phone numbers and addresses from posters, lamp posts and newspapers. I spoke to locals who were only too happy to tell me where they took their kids after school or in the holidays.

I was so impressed I decided to write this guide so could benefit who perhaps otherwise would be ‘blinded’ by the dozens of traditional guide books available. The end result is this detailed book, with a personal touch, that really gets to the nitty gritty of the city.

Valencia for Kids will cut out the usual obstacles and even give you suggestions on where to eat lunch or where to find the nearest clean loos! It really is the perfect destination for a city break with kids.

An essential traveller’s guide 5

CITY LIFE travel Aerobus

If you arrive by plane this is the cheapest way to get to the city centre via Avenida del Cid and Calle Angel Guimera. It leaves from the departures floor of the airport every 15 minutes from 6am to 10pm costing just €2.50.

Driving

Driving in Valencia takes a certain amount of bottle but once you get used to the brisk pace it’s quite easy.

Hiring a car at the airport or the city is straight forward and there are plenty of underground parking facilities in the centre. Two of the best are in Plaza de la Reina and at the El Corte Ingles stores. Should they get over crowded the Valencians have a unique style of double parking, leaving the handbrake off, so your car can be pushed gently out of the way. This is perfectly acceptable in the city and actually works very well. Try it and see.

6 Valencia with kids

Bus

The main bus has an extensive service covering most of the urban centre and a lot of the suburbs. The cheapest ticket is a 10 journey Bonobus card costing around €5. Buses are in abundance although not ‘on the dot’ they are fast and cheap – about €1 to most places.

Excellent maps of the public transport system are available from the Tourist Offices.

Metro

This is fast, clean, modern and cheap with 4 lines crossing the city, both over and underground. A single ticket costs €1.10 with a 10 journey ticket costing €5.60. It runs from 06:00 until 23:00 except at weekends when it is less frequent and stops at 22:00.

Tram

The Valencia tram, line 4, at Pont de Fusta, is ideal for visiting the beach. This is situated opposite the centrally located Serrano’s Towers. A single ticket costs €1.10 and a carnet of ten costs €5.40.

Taxi

There are plenty of taxis with minimum rates from €4. Expect to pay about €20 from the airport to Valencia city centre.

Keep your phrase book handy as very few drivers speak English.

Biking

Valencia is a city on the move and a cyclist’s paradise due to the warm climate and flat landscape.

Mountain and leisure bikes can be hired from the many companies operating in the city at very reasonable prices.

Helmets and maps highlighting tourist routes are included.

Tourist Bus

Always a good way to get your bearings in any new city. Buses start from Plaza de la Reina but you can hop-on or off anywhere you please. It has 5 stops in total taking in all of Valencia’s best attractions along with a multilingual audio system. Kids enjoy the open top double-deckers with a shaded area towards the back if the sun’s too hot.

Tickets cost €12 including headsets and are valid for 24 hours.

Walking Valencia is an ideal ‘walking’ city. Explore on foot and you will experience the hustle and bustle of real Spanish life.

Follow the pretty winding narrow streets of the old quarter by crossing the Puente Serranos from the old river bed, known as the Turia and visit the pedestrianised Plaza de Virgin with its wonderful cathedral. Other places of interest are Plaza de la Reina and the fabulous central Plaza de Ayuntamiento with its enormous fountains. There are guided walks around the old quarter and the Turia is a perfect strolling area as it is traffic free so safe for children.

The Valencia Travel Card is ideal for tourists and offers discounts in shops, restaurants, museums and many leisure activities.

Valid over 1 or 2 days 1 day

€6

2 days

€10

3 days

€12

at the back – see p29–31

You can buy these from tourist information offices.

Tourist bus times and reservations Hiring bikes Walking, guided walks

An essential traveller’s guide 7

Place 1 – see page 34

Place 1 – see page 34

Place 1 – see page 34

Place 1 – see page 34

Valencia – plan

Place 1 – see page 34

tThis is a low res map - i have the original at the office and can shoot it high res if req.!

Place 1 – see page 34

Place 1 – see page 34

An essential traveller’s guide 9

CITY LIFE

home to 12 teams, and families can enjoy every second of the atmosphere as there is free access to the America’s Cup park with interactive attractions and exhibitions for all ages.

Americas Cup for Kids

This is where the world’s greatest yacht race was hosted and teams from all over the world competed.

It was a hugely exciting event and has changed the pace and profile of the city. The whole family can really enjoy seeing what was involved by visiting the newly built port area of Valencia. It is

10 Valencia with kids

A new Super yacht pier has been built with plenty of bars and restaurants to relax in and watch the impressive boats go by. Experience the simulator boat, watch the drama of a race on film, talk to the sailors or visit the team shops full of merchandise. This is a superb and memorable day out for all the family, whether you like sailing or not.

CITY LIFE

The Turia The Turia is a unique and wonderful attraction. This old riverbed runs the whole length of the city and has been sculptured into beautiful parklands with sports facilities, shady trees and walkways. The river flooded in 1957 and was diverted south of the city leaving the bed to dry up and become what it is today. It has seventeen bridges stretching across it so no matter which bridge you are near you will always find steps leading into the gardens.

It has cycle paths and walkways taking you past delightful cafes dotted along the way. It is not unusual to see a Tai Chi or Yoga class in progress amid the orange trees or families picnicking on the grass. It has so many fun ideas for the kids as shown below and has an entertainment area for circuses, markets or local fiestas. So look out for posters while you are there.

An essential traveller’s guide 11

CITY LIFE The Turia Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias The Arts and Sciences Park

Allow a few days to visit everything the Arts and Science Park has to offer. It is located at the end of the gardens at Avenida Autopista al Saler. The architecture is wonderfully futuristic designed by Santiago Calatrava, a Valencian architect, who has made this ‘park’ his showcase. It is, quite simply, spectacular.

There are many attractions in the park. The first is L’Hemisferic an Imax 3D cinema and planetarium in the same space. The second is the Museu de las Ciencies. A highly interactive museum which can be enjoyed by all ages with three floors of permanent science exhibitions. Just to the south of this is the Oceanografic – Europe’s largest aquarium. Every marine zone in the world is represented from the Artic to the Mediterranean joined by underwater tunnels with sharks and other sea creatures swimming around you. A fabulous dolphin show has the kids squealing with delight. The queues can be long so arrive when

12 Valencia with kids

it opens at 10.00hrs. Next to this is the very impressive opera house. Another futuristic design surrounded by pale blue shimmering at the water. Not to be missed at back – see night as the whole lot is lit up p29–31 and is totally breathtaking. opening times and contacts

A ticket combining these attractions can be purchased for €29.90 for adults €22.40 for children Kids under 3 free.

There is plenty of parking to be found right on the doorstep.

CITY LIFE The Turia Hiring bikes and cyclobuses

In the Arts and Science Park area of the Turia you can hire bikes to explore the 10km gardens for around €4 an hour.

There are small bikes for kids and even the odd tandem or bike with baby seat.

The cyclobuses are great fun, stable and safe carrying 4–8 people all with inbuilt sun canopies. Four people pedal at the same time making it easy work and kids can sit right up at the front. This is the best way to cruise the entire riverbed stopping exactly at the where it takes your fancy. The back – see owner speaks perfect English p29–31 and prices are between €12–€18 per hour.

Hiring bikes and Cyclobuses

Gulliver’s park

Gulliver’s park, based on the book of Gulliver’s Travels, is fantastic for kids of all ages and is free! Situated between the bridges Puente de Angel Custodio and the Puente del Reina. A giant sprawling figure of Gulliver lies in the park designed for children to climb and slide on. It is a great place particularly in the cooler parts of the day as the slides heat up quickly. On-site refreshment machines are well stocked with drinks and ice cream. It also has good loo facilities.

Mini golf

There is mini golf next to Gullivers Park.

You can hire clubs and balls from the nearby café for just a few Euros.

Mini train

Take a leisurely ride on the little white train that runs up and down the Turia. A relaxed and fun way to enjoy the sights.

see p7 for other transport

An essential traveller’s guide 13

CITY LIFE The Turia Climbing frame

Under the Puente de Flores bridge is a huge red spider’s web shaped climbing frame standing in a large sandpit. It is a popular place for kids of all ages with plenty of shaded benches surrounding it and a nearby café with a decent loo.

Palau de musica

The Palau de Musica is a wonderful building with a glass fronted enclosure overlooking a large paved area in the Turia with spectacular fountains. Kids often bring toy motorboats to this large expanse of water for fun or use this area to show off their skateboarding/skating skills. Large speakers often spout a performance from the previous evening providing a relaxing backdrop to picnic with the family.

Skate park

Close to the Arts and Sciences Park is a well-equipped skate park. It has all the usual equipment, free for public use, with a small separate skate rink, for younger kids.

at the back – see p29–31

opening times and contacts

14 Valencia with kids

CITY LIFE Places to visit Shopping

For shopoholic teenagers there is a mass of choice. A new stylish complex has just been built called Aqua. It is close to Las Artes and Ciencias Park on the Rotunda de Europa and boasts many well known brands such as Mango and Zara. El Saler Commercial is another recommended indoor mall with a comprehensive list of stores. The Nuevo Centro mall is close to the Turia metro on the north side of the river and is also excellent. All these malls have good restaurants and toilet facilities.

El Corte Ingles is a famous department store selling almost anything and worth a visit – certainly the most well known Spanish chain store and Valencia has three of them! There is also a huge Decathlon if you need any type of sports goods just 10 mins west out of town in Alfafar. To buy typically Spanish goods like fans, shawls and castanets visit the Plaza de la Reina area where a few of the more traditional shops can be found.

Markets

The Mercat Central, an under cover bustling food market, is right in the centre of the city. It is held almost every day in Placa del Mercat in a wonderful old building built in 1928.

This region of Valencia is renowned for its fruit and vegetables and colourful displays of produce which are perfect for picnics. Numerous deli-style counters sell delicious meats and all types of cheeses. It is worth visiting with kids who will be amazed to see live eels, lobsters and massive octopus. It’s a great way to get a taste for Valencian life and practice your Spanish! Just outside the entrance there is a bar selling Paella for €3. It’s quick, fresh and welcoming with enthusiastic staff and an ideal stop after a busy trip inside the market.

Theatre – Estrella Theatre

The Estrella Theatre is on second floor of the UCG cinema complex close to the Nuevo Centro shopping mall. It is an intimate theatre with enchanting décor and is particularly suitable for young children. This is on the north side of the river near the bus station. Even though the performances are in Spanish it is easy to understand with a highly visual and self explanatory style. This one hour show costs very little and is a really good wet weather option. The gift shop sells old-fashioned wooden and tin toys.

It is open on Saturdays performances starting at 13.30 Simply turn up and pay.

IVAM modern art museum

This is a very interesting place and in my opinion – it’s always good to introduce kids to art galleries early. Exhibitions change frequently so there is always something new to see – plus it has a good café/restaurant with seating inside and out on the terrace. It’s free on a Sunday or €2 during the week.

America’s cup for kids see p 10

An essential traveller’s guide 15

CITY LIFE Places to visit Bull ring

The bullring is a magnificent building to visit. It is one of the largest in Spain and many bullfights are still held here during the build up to the Fallas fiesta in March.

It often hosts other events, many for children, such as stunt motorbike riding and dinosaur exhibitions. Check with the box office and posters around town. It is located next to the train station, Estacion North, in the centre of the city at Calle de Xativa.

Flamenco dancing

If you have kids who are interested in watching a local Flamenco show, bar ‘La Claca” has an early 8pm performance on Sunday evenings. This is unusual as most Flamenco shows do not start until after midnight. This is a really cosy intimate theatre with some seating for those who arrive early or kids can sit on the floor down the front. Lucila Duarte is a name to look out for, as she really is a superb dancer – visit www.laclaca. com. Entry is about €12 per person.

La Claca is situated on Calle SanVicente 3 right next to Plaza de la Reina.

If you want to buy Flamenco dance wear, there are two good shops, in the city, selling everything including shoes in fabulous colours for very reasonable prices. xxx xxx xxx xxx

16 Valencia with kids

at the back – see p29–31

Hairdressers

Although an unusual kids outing for fun, I discovered a great hairdressers, with friendly staff who love kids. Children can play on the large marble floor to the delight of everyone until it is time for a quick cut. An outside courtyard is home to a fabulous old leather barbers

chair in front of a huge mirror – providing hours of entertainment. This place is considered a funky hairdressers and right up to date with all the styles. Prices are much cheaper than the UK with no prior booking necessary. at the back – see p29–31

xxx xxx xxx xxx

An essential traveller’s guide 17

CITY LIFE Quick visits Torres De Serrano

These towers were originally the gates to the city and considered the most impressive gothic city walls in Europe. These are situated next to Puente Serranos and are great fun to climb up and see fabulous views over Valencia.

The towers are free on Sundays and are open until 4pm.

Fallas (Night of Fire) museum

This small cosy museum, situated close to the Arts and Sciences park, is well worth a visit. It highlights the skill and artistry of local model makers for the annual Fallas Fiesta. Kids love the humorous and somewhat grotesque, caricature models called ninots saved from the flames of the fiesta that takes place every March. It exhibits all the posters from past annual Fallas festivals from around the 1920s to present day and paintings of past Fallas Princesses. It takes about half an hour to get around the museum and costs â‚Ź2.

Bullfighting exhibition (Museo Taurino)

This museum, founded in 1930 is the smallest and one of the oldest in Spain. A tour takes 15 minutes with original bullfighter’s costumes, posters of past events and even bulls heads decorating the walls.

It is situated very close to the bullring itself and entrance is free.

18 Valencia with kids

CITY LIFE Quick visits Eating Paella, ice cream, juice bar, sweets Paella

You can find this everywhere! Valencia is the home of this famous rice dish with chicken, chorizo and seafood. Most cafes have plenty, a great quick lunch for everyone.

Ice cream

For fabulous ice cream try the Hagan Dazs bar on Gran Via Marquis de Turia 63 or Plaza de Virgen in the city centre.

Juice bar

In the heart of the city, on Calle la Mar, just off Plaza de la Reina, is a great indoor juice bar called Zumeria Naturalia. This has more variations and blends of juices than you can possibly imagine. Adults can have cocktails but there is a whole non alcoholic range for kids served in huge glasses whilst you relax in low wicker chairs. A real chill out place for the whole family.

Sweets

Look out for the chain of sweet shops called CASA DE LOS CARAMELOS – the House of Sweets. They have a huge variety of sweets for kids to feast their eyes on.

Valor chocolate bar

Time to treat everyone! This fabulous bar, located on the Plaza de la Reina is every kids dream. Dedicated to chocolate lovers with over 60 products on the menu including chocolate sandwiches, chocolate with Trinidadian cocoa and peppery Mexican seasoning, exquisite drinking chocolate, crushed ice chocolate drink… the list is endless.

Horchaterias

Don’t forget to try the traditional Horchata drink in Valencia. It is a cold milky drink made from crushed tiger nuts with sugar and water. It is very sweet and full of nutrients thought to be especially good for delicate stomachs. You can find stalls and Horchateria’s all over Valencia. Great with the traditional long iced buns called Fartons which children will love.

An essential traveller’s guide 19

CITY LIFE Activities Cabecera Park

This park is a mixture of playground and nature reserve found at the western end of the riverbed near the Nou d’Octubre Bridge. It has a central lake with swan shaped pedalos and boats for hire. A small beach and a huge ‘ship’ climbing frame with a grassy picnic area are right next to it. There is a wooden openair auditorium, hosting live music and theatre throughout the year with an outlook point to admire the views and a good café. This park is unsuitable for skating due to the path surfaces but absolutely fine for buggies, bikes or an afternoon stroll.

Jardines Del Reales (known locally as Jardin De Los Viveros) Jardines del Reales is Valencia’s largest and greenest space situated near Puente del Real alongside the riverbed.

This is a great park with a mini traffic system for children to enjoy on their bikes or skates and is very popular on a Saturday morning. In the centre of the park is a café, only open at weekends.

Next to it very young children can enjoy a drive around the track on mini motorbikes, for only €1. Playgrounds with the usual swings, slides and a bird aviary add to the fun. In the park there is a multitude of sculptures and fountains making it the city’s most outstanding garden.

Skating

Although the Turia (see pxx) might seem the obvious choice for skating, Plaza de Virgen is really popular with the locals as it has a polished marble surface throughout. Great for skate boarders and skaters alike to share tricks and skills.

It is a fairly large area with a great back drop of Valencia’s Cathedral and has a fun lively atmosphere, particularly early evening. One of Valencia’s favourite ice cream bars sits right on this Plaza and boasts many wild and wonderful flavours

Indoor swimming pools Valencia Piscina

The Valencia ‘Piscina’ is a traditional old building located next to the Turia. It is still very popular and cheap with all the usual facilities including a smaller pool for children. In Spain it is compulsory to wear swimming caps which can be bought at most pools for about €5. For contact details and opening times see back.

20 Valencia with kids

Sports centre – Cultural de Abastos

This complex has recently been developed from a lovely old market building with a choice of three swimming pools. There is something for everyone including a shallow warm pool and two lap pools. It also has a separate spa pool.The building has a glass roof making it wonderfully light and is open on Sundays until 14.00. Anything open on a Sunday is unusual, so this was a good find.

OUT OF CITY FUN EL SALER BEACH

When the heat and hassle of the city become overbearing, head for the beach. Everybody else does!

El Saler beach has 5km of fine golden sands sheltered from western winds by dunes and pinewood forests giving its surroundings a wild rustic feel. It has some great restaurants, all with a friendly relaxed attitude. You can hire sun loungers during the summer months and buy ice creams from small blue and white striped huts along the beach. Volleyball nets are set in place for public use too. This beach sometimes gets a few waves when boogie boarding can be fun. Lifeguards are on duty between about May and September.

There is ample free car parking and the village of El Saler is a stones throw away with shops selling everything for the beach.

Running parallel to the beach are traffic free pathways winding through trees for many kilometres designed for walking, cycling or buggy pushing. It gets busy at weekends and in the height of summer, when traffic can build up towards El Saler, so arrive early.

To reach this beach you can take the yellow bus for â‚Ź1 from town and get off at El Saler village. From there it is only a 5 minute walk.

To drive, take the CV500 out of town heading south.

An essential traveller’s guide 21

OUT OF CITY FUN Malverossa Beach

This beach is only 15 minutes from the city. The easiest way to reach it is by tram from the Pont de Fusta, close to Calatrava bridge, which takes around 10–15 minutes. This popular white sandy beach has a fun vibrant atmosphere with plenty of parasols and sun loungers for hire. Volleyball nets are set up ready for use and the board walk is fantastic for rollerblading, bikes and skating.

Cafes, restaurants and ice cream parlours are dotted along the way.

Go-karts

Devesa Gardens and campsite

Only open at the weekends, these gardens are perfect for younger kids with a lovely relaxing atmosphere and friendly staff. You only pay for the activities you choose making it a very reasonable day out. Kids can ride on Shetland ponies at €5 for 15 minutes and visit the mini zoo that has donkeys, a tiger, goats, monkeys and all the usual small animals for €2. In the hot summer months, from mid June onwards, there is an open-air pool surrounded by stunning gardens for public use for a few euros. There is a bouncy castle and a soft play area with a slide for very small children. It also has a good café and tennis courts operating on a pay as you play basis. Enjoy a boat trip from here along the canals. Devesa Gardens is situated in El Saler, just 15 minutes out of Valencia, on the Yellow bus route.

Found in El Saler, open weekends only, this is a noisy, fun, go kart track. Just turn up, pay €6 which includes a crash helmet and select your ability level. Off your kids go for 10 minutes around the track whilst you have a coffee and wave from the viewing area. There is even a car for very young children to sit next to an adult and enjoy a trip round a small separate track.

Best visited by car as buses do not stop near by. Just head for El Saler from Valencia – the track is on the left just before the village.

22 Valencia with kids

OUT OF CITY FUN AQUAPOLIS – WATERPARK

Swap hot sticky days in the city for summer sun and a refreshing water slide!

This is a wonderful water park in Cullera, a 35 minute drive from the city. A huge hit with the kids and not the usual ‘queue for everything’ kind of place.

Aquapolis has many exhilarating rides and slides for older kids and a large area for little ones with gentle slides and a watery ballpark. It also has a huge wave pool for everybody to enjoy.

When hunger hits a good choice of café’s and restaurants serve paella, hamburgers, and pizzas at reasonable prices. You can buy memories of your day’s activities from the photo gallery at €3.50 per photo. See back for details.

Heron City – also known as Kinepolis

This is a 15 minute drive out of town towards the north of Valencia. There is loads to do here and children love it. Designed as a modern complex it lacks a certain Spanish feel but the facilities really are very good. It has a large cinema, trampolining, bowling, and an indoor laser game.

There is an upmarket leisure club with gym and indoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi and separate kid’s pool. Non members are welcome and pay €8 each. Relaxation areas, free internet and a very good café serving excellent food are available. Shops, restaurants and masses of parking surround the complex.

Bowling

The shopping complex Heron City and the Nuevo Centro complex both have good bowling facilities as does the purpose built complex in Alfafar, just at the 10 minutes outside the back – town heading west. The see p29–31 parking facilities are good in all these places.

Grutas De San Jose Underground river boat trip

Heading out towards the mountains for about 45 minutes to Vall dUixoCastellon,you will find, an underground river. You enter the cave by boat leading to a vast beautiful subterranean lagoon surrounded by stalactites and stalacmites. It is very well organised and reasonably priced at €8 for adults and €4 for children.Bring your own picnic as there is a large area with BBQ’s and tables for everyone’s use and plenty of Spanish locals cook up paella for the entire family. Next door is a park with swings and slides.

If you choose to eat in one of the two very good restaurants, either get there early, or book a table as they can get very busy. Another good stress free alternative is to pick up a picnic of boccadillos, tortilla, fresh coffee etc from a local café on route. Close by is an open air swimming pool open in the summer months only, so don’t forget your costumes.

Navajas

Navajas is a delightful gem hidden in the mountains about 40 minutes to the north of Valencia. This 30ft waterfall cascades into a river.The water is colder here than the sea or your average pool and is fantastic for the family to spend a day off the tourist tracks in the beautiful mountains. A large grassy shaded area nearby is great for a picnic.

When you feel like a dip you can cool off under the waterfall or leap off the rocks into the river. It is well used by the locals and parking is fairly close by.

There is a wooden footbridge across the river that kids love to take fishing nets onto or use to explore the area. Because it is a riverbed, wetsuit or plastic shoes are a good idea. There is no café here so a good supply of food and water is essential.

Bowling

An essential traveller’s guide 23

OUT OF CITY FUN Montenejos – Natural spa.

Montanejos is not to be missed as it is a truly beautiful area with a natural spa to keep you of sound body and mind. A one and a half hours drive of 90km takes you into the cooler mountains and this wonderful natural paradise. You can jump off rocks and swim in the clear waters of the gorge with a double slide for kids and a small café right by the water.

Close by is a fabulous place called ‘El Refugio’ which organises adventure activities such as rock climbing , kayaking and mapped out walking routes .You can pitch your own tent, stay in one of their dormitories, Moroccan tents, or rustic timber framed cabins (cabanas) right on the hillside with fabulous views. at the They are open back – all year for see p29–31 reasonable prices. prices and contacts

Albufera boat trips

Head south through El Saler to El Palmer and you will find the Albufera. This is a very peaceful and tranquil natural lake. You can hire a boat with guide that takes you to watch herons flying out of the reeds and ducks bobbing along with their young. Typically Spanish houses, called barracas, made of clay painted white with thatched roofs are nestled around the lake. There are many

places to hire boats but I particularly recommend - Vicente Torrent Estevens.

Don’t forget sunhats and sunscreen as there is no shade.

You can also visit the Albufera by tourist bus from Plaza de la Reina.

The bus leaves at 10.30, 13.00, 16.30 and in May to September at 19.00 as well.

Call to book.

at the back – see p29–31

Phone numbers

24 Valencia with kids

Historical interest

Xativa Castle

This castle is one of the loveliest in the Valencian community.

Perched high on a hillside with magnificent views.This impressive castle appears to be built on a ridge but as you approach it you will see that the walls rise up from the town itself. Climb the twisty road by foot or take the mini train to the top. It has a real sense of history with Iberian, Roman and Moorish influences.It is well worth a visit either by train from Valencia Nord station which takes about 30 minutes.

Alternatively go by car which takes about the same time travelling in a westerly direction.

Entrance is just â‚Ź2 and the cafĂŠ/ shop stocks drinks or ice creams and a selection of souvenirs.

An essential traveller’s guide 25

Useful Contacts, timetables and further info Tourist bus times and reservations Hiring bikes Walking, guided walks Arts and sciences park

Boat trips Vicente Torrent Estevens – Albufera boat trips

0034 961 620 286/ 0034 629 675 092 Calle Pintor Marti Gisbert 13 46012 El Palmer

Tourist Bus Timetable

Mar–Dec 10.00,13.00,16.00 Thur–Sun May–Sep 10.30,13.00,16.30,19.00 Mon–Sat

Grutas de San Jose – underwater river trip

Reservations: 96 341 44 00/699 982 514 www.valenciabusturistic.com

Vall d’Uixo – Castellon 0034 964 690 576/ 0034 964 696 761 Open all year except Dec 25th, Jan 1st and 6th.

HIRING BIKES

Doyoubike www.doyoubike.com Tel: 0034 963 155 551 Hire from 3.5 Euros

Addresses: 1. Marques de Busianos 4 (Corner of Musico Magenti and Puebla Larga). Mon–Sat, 10:00–14:00, 15:00–20:00 2. Avd. Puerto 21. Mon–Sat, 10:00–14:00, 15:00–20:00 3. C/ Puebla Larga 13 Mon–Sat, 10:00–14:00, 17:00–20:00 Orangbikes www.orangbikes.net Tel: 0034 963 917 551 email info@orangebikes.net Hire from 3 Euros.

Address: Santa Teresa 8. Mon–Fri, 09:30–14:30, 16:30–19:30. Sat 10:00–14:00

Walking Guided walks within the old city (12 Euros adults and 6 Euros for children) in English and Spanish starting at 10am for 2 hrs.

Tel 963 851 740. The entrance is at the tourist office on Plaza de la Reina.

L’Hemisferic

Mon–Fri 11am–2pm, 4pm–8pm Weekends 11am–2pm, 4pm–9pm

Museu de las Ciencas Av Autopista al Saler 1–7 Tel: 0034 902 100 031 Mon Fri & Sun 10am–6pm Sat 10am–8pm

Oceanografic

Mon–Fri & Sat 10am–6pm Sun 10am–8pm Buses from Valencia city 13/14/15 to Centro Comercio de Saler

26 Valencia with kids

Tourist Information Tourist Information Office Plaza de La Reina 0034 96 315 3931 Tourist Information Office Estacion Del Norte-Main Train Station 0034 96 352 8573

Transport Trains Estacion Del Norte -Train Times Xativa 0034 902 24202/ 0034 902 243 402 www.renfe.es/

Buses Tourist Bus Timetable Mar–Dec 10.00,13.00,16.00 Thur–Sun May–Sep 10.30,13.00,16.30,19.00 Mon–Sat Reservations: 0034 96 341 44 00/ 0034 699 982 514 www.valenciabusturistic. com

TAXIS Radio Taxi Calle del Gremis 8 0034 963 703 333 Taxi Valencia Calle Ontinyent 4 0034 675988 675 Onda Taxi Calle Fragata 6 0034 963 475 252 Tele Taxi 0034 963 571 313 Auto Taxi 0034 963 959 560

Bike Hire Orangebikes Santa Teresa 8 0034963 917 551 www.orangebikes.net Bike Tours – Guided tours Paseo de la Pechina 32 0034 963 851 740 www.valenciabikes.com Doyoubike Calle Marques de Buslanos 0034 675 730 218 0034 963 155 551 Calle Puebla Larga 13 Avd. Puerta 21 www.doyoubike.com

Pools Pool-Indoor Piscina De Valencia Arquitecta Mora 21 0034 963 604 708 Monday–Friday 8.00–22.30 Saturday 9.00–14.00 Closed Sundays.

Pool-Indoor Cultural Abastos Calle de Alberique 18 0034 963 130 049

Other useful numbers Theatre-Estrella theatre 16 Tirso de Molina 0034 963 562 292 Walking Tours Paseo de La Pechina,32 0034 963 851 740 www.valenciaguias.com Paseando Valencia 0034 656 359 504 www.paseandovalencia. es Valor Chocolate Bar Plaza de La Reina 0034 965 890 950

Exhibitions and museums Bullfight Exhibition Plaza de Toros Pasaje Dr Serra 0034 963 511 850 Bus Turistico (Tourist Bus) 0034 96 341 44 00/ 0034 699 982 514 www.valenciabusturistic. com Devesa Gardens Carretera de El Saler 0034 96 161 11 36 www.devesagardens.com El Refugio Montenejos Castellon 0034 964 13 13 17 Fallas Exhibition Plaza de Monteolivete 0034 963 525 478 Flamenco Clothes Las Marismas Calle de Quart 111 0034963 259 537 Caroly calle de Quart 135 0034 963 846 311 Ivam -Modern Art Museum Guillem De Castro 11 0034 963 863 000 Tue-Sun 10.00-20.00 Closed Mon. La Claca C/ San Vicente 3 Plaza de La Reina www.laclaca.com Ivam -Modern Art Museum Guillem De Castro 11 0034 963 863 000 Tue-Sun 10.00-20.00 Closed Mon. La Claca C/ San Vicente 3 Plaza de La Reina www.laclaca.com

An essential traveller’s guide 27

NOTES

28 Valencia with kids

NOTES

30 Valencia with kids