Beach of Malverosa and Biopark etc.:
Direct metro access at Pont de Fusta (line 4) 3 minutes walk for the America's Cup port/ marina and the wide sandy 'Blue flag' beach of Malverossa with safe bathing. Cheap and easy @ 0.61 cents (with a 'Bonmetro' 10 tickets for 6.10€) and 18 mins travelling. Sunday Times U.K 21/07/09 rated for party lovers. Cafe del Mar etc.
El Saler, Valencia's premier beach. At 40 km long this glorious sandy beach with a duned backdrop has to rate as Valencia Province's finest unspoilt beach. Take the bus from Plaza de la Reina, 15 mins walk from apt, outside McDonald's is the terminus direct to El Saler, travelling time 30/40 mins. Choice of restaurants- once there. Public showering areas to wash out the salt.
No 'shoe-horning' a space on this beach you might well be pleasantly surprised!.........when compared to other supposedly 'rated' beaches.
Europes largest Biopark easily accessed in 20 mins via metro for over 1000 species of wildlife in a natural setting.
Formula 1 City circuit:
August 2010 is the definitive date in Valencia City for F.1 STOP PRESS 2010 Feb for 33rd America's Cup Defence series - nitial races 8/10/12th Feb - access the port directly from the metro at Pont de Fusta line 4 @ just 4 mins away for a quick direct access. Later during the day the action will be around Malverossa and El Carmen.....why not be there for it ...and benefit from all the easy connections ....Accessed via metro and pleasant direct strolls respectively.
N.B Public transport finishes at just after 23.00 (first course of a Spanish dinner) staying any more then walking distance of El Carmen/old city offering the best and llivliest choices might well involve you forking out for taxis.....if your fortunate enough to find one readily after 1.am ......El Carmen IS Valencia's most renowned nocturnal 'hotspot'.
Shopping in Valencia:
Valencia boasts five El Cortes Ingles, top class department stores. Two at the Nuevo Shopping Centre (over 250 shops) just 15 mins walk away Bus No 8 @ 75m just 5 mins travelling. Top notch Spanish designers, Loewe, Adolfo Dominquez, May Mara and Zara, Mango etc shops are all to be found in the chic Calle Colon area.
For those who really want to be savvy, check out 'Bonaire' one of Spain's largest well-known out of town shopping mall's for upwards of 80% off top designers and typically 40-50% off end of season runs and over-stock. Great for both men and women who want something more exciting like 'hip' Desigual, 'cool' Adolfo Domiguez, trendy Mango and Zara etc .... Regular bus service every 15 minsfrom bus station next to El Cortes Ingles @ Nuevo Centre around 45 mins or cab 15-18 mins
Ski:
Skiing at Javalambria and *Valdineres (*boasting a 8 km 'red' plus 8 other pistes @ 2000m) Limited but fun for a day out or weekend spread between the two resorts. 1.5 hours travelling time easy and stunning drive but you'll need to hire a car to get there. Usually open between Dec 1st and late March. Both resorts use snow-cannons very advantageously so are they are not wholly reliant on snowfall..
For Spain's premier ski slopes then Formigal and Bequiera- which King Juan Carlos favours are 5 and 6 hours away in the Pyrenees. Either resort offers 80km -140km plus of first class International standard skiing. Ideal for intermediates.
Golf:
El Saler, Valencia's premier course. Spectacular scenery set in a natural reserve along the coast just 8km away and 20/25 minutes by car/taxi. Good restaurants close by. Make for an ideal day-out.
Betera just 15k from Valencia accessible via metro/train about 40 mins and then 5 minutes in a cab. Otherwise 20 mins by car/taxi.
WALKING & CYCLING.
Great city for cycling around as it's flat with designated cycle paths. This area takes cycling seriously, particularly in the countryside. For the more adventurous the Sierra Calderona accessed easily via line 4 westbound to Empalme change at Empalme for line 1 Betera direction and at Betera take the metro bus to Serra a charming C.17 village nestling in the foothills and a great 4km hike through pine scented woods for truly sensational views to the Med and onwards to Valencia city. Car 25-35 mins. Public transport cheap and efficient around 1.5 hours.
