Valencia

Valencia

Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona. The population is approx. 900 000 and it offers a lot of cultural activities: cinema, concerts, museums and historical buidlings to see. The well known architect Santiago Calatrava, gave the city a new life with his project "City of Art and Science", and further futuristic architects followed as a result of the America's Cup in 2007. Its position on the ocean is optimised by the long beaches and the mild climate that reigns during the year. It is not just the buildings and its position that makes Valencia into one of the most important tourist destinations. The locals are very special people, they created the 'real' Paella and the most flipped out and loudest festival in Spain: "Las Fallas", which takes place in March and lasts for 5 days. Decorative wood and paper constructions are displayed, and 'played with', and then with a loud bang, they explode and burn in the streets. This spectacular display is the highlight of the nightlife. In August there is also a tomatoe fight, in which the locals meet in the center of Buñol close to Valencia, and throw tomatoes at each other.
Even though the authorities try to maintain Valenzian/Catalanian as the local language, Spanish is very popular, and understood by everyone. You will not have any problems using your Spanish here.