serious hill walking). The variety of terrain is a surprise for first time visitors with a series of ridges running west to east, north of Alicante to the border with Valencia province. The highest of these ridges is the Sierra Aitana which rises to 1558 metres and offers views from its crest to the Mediterranean coast as far south as Cartagena and Ibiza on a clear day. Its not only dramatic and beautiful scenery that you will find here. The empty countryside bears evidence of its varied and long history. The hill tops are dotted with the remains of Moorish fortresses, and on the high peaks you find huge ice houses, the largest of which had capacities of 1.3 million litres of ice, dating from the 14th to 17th century. Valencia City has taken off as one of the country’s most popular short break destinations and it’s easy to understand why. The city is reminiscent of Barcelona thanks to the wealth of historic and modern attractions all located within easy proximity of some fabulous beaches. The old quarter (Ciutat Vella) is a fascinating area to wander round with main attractions including the city’s 13thcentury Cathedral, the La Lonja de la Seda World Heritage Site and Europe’s largest fresh produce site at the Mercado Central. El Barrio del Carmen is best known for nightlife with a fine selection of bars and restaurants. The biggest modern attraction is the magnificent City of Arts and Sciences which attracts more than 4 million visitors per year. The city is also home to the famous Lladró factory and museum. Last but not least the city was the birthplace of Paella, the dish most associated with Spain. Paella Valenciana is the version that is made with chicken and rabbit. Another local speciality are ‘churros’, a doughnut string dessert. To the north of Valencia you find the Costa del Azahar, or Orange Blossom Coast. The area forms part of the provinces of Valencia and Castellón and is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt regions of Spain. Not only offering great beaches but beautiful towns and countryside. The town of Peniscola with its great medieval castle and Oropesa, which conserves the 16th century Tower of the King, erected as a defense against pirates. The enchanting town of Morella is a true pearl, with its narrow lanes, enclosed by 14th century walls. The countryside is filled with orange and lemon groves, protected parks and nature reserves with plenty of scope for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and rural tourism. The hall of columns inside of Lonja de la Seda, Valencia City of Arts, Valencia Morella, Province of Castellon The “Tomatina” is held on the last Wednesday in August in the town of Buñol (35km inland from Valencia). This unusual fiesta brings together crowds of people every year, ready to have a great time of laugher and fun, hurling tomatoes at each other. The origins of this mass tomato battle date back to a fight amongst children in 1945 and it has been celebrated every year since then. seeing red 54
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