Valencia's such a awesome place -- very laidback and relaxed, it's perfect for the slacker-party people because they have late lunches, long siestas, and great well-into-the-night nightlife. Notice that on the way to the city area from the airport it's all very urban, but once you get to the Plaza de L'Ajuntament area it's all distinctively Spanish architecture. Check out the beach. I'm from an island country (Singapore), yet i was so totally blown by the Mediterranean Sea -- clear blue and endless horizon! Best trip of my life!
You know... the traditional paella was made with rat and chicken -vomitive- now is done with rabbit and chicken, in Spain the rabbits are not pets. Seafood paella is only for tourists and in Valencia usually eat the paella at lunch.
Valencia is a beautiful city - if you're a contemporary art fan, a must-visit is the IVAM (Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno) - also, don't be put off by the colour of 'arroz negro' (black paella - it's squid ink), it's delicious.
I lived in Valencia for two years. Rat and rabbit may have been used by few but was never used by a majority -- and I emphasize a few very strongly. Seafood paella is used by everyone in Valencia. But most of the time it's not just seafood -- they will combine chicken as well.
I'm an American student who lives in Valencia this Spring. The best area to get a taste of the city is the old part, called Barrio Carmen. Nightlife is strong here, and so is the local spirit. Paella is a favorite of the locals, but Italian food is the most popular with our crowd. Definitely hit up a creperia for a chocolate crepe and a cafe con leche, or an horno for a napoleatana con chocolate.
Valencia … Hola,
I had a wonderfull experience there. Restaurants, bars, discos, tourism, everything was excellent during my trip. A bit difficult to find accomodation there for my short-stay but finally did the job. Great! Have fun.
Albergue Juvenil Las Arenas in Valencia … I stayed and worked a while as a volunteer here. I admit that it could be cleaner, but I enjoyed every night here, it really was always a party, and the people, workers and guests were all straight up, cool and excellent fun. They have a bonfire and bbq here most nights which makes for a great atmosphere too.
Torre D' Alborache Hostel in Alborache … It has rooms for two people. The showers were slightly cold. Towels meals and sheets and blankets provided. However I'm not sure of the price of meals. There is a common room with vending machines. There is a curfew if only a few people are staying, but just talk with the owner and he can open the gate. There are pubs nearby and the people are friendly. Every room has its bathroom. It's a great place to stay for a couple of days, especially in La Tomatina.
HI - Alacant - La Florida Hostel in Alicante … I would not recommend this hostel. It's f***ing sh*t. There were rats in the beds and prostitutes outside the door. It's f***ing gross. There were lots of gangs hanging in the street. I nearly got stabbed twice, and to top it all off — this is unbeleivable — get this — there were used condoms in the pillowcases. Sick f***s!!!
Magic Complejo Excalibur in Alfaz del Pi … I visited this hostel on July 29, 2005. It has excellent pools, food, and a chalet. There's a bar by the pool, and you can sit by the bar with your feet in the water.
Hostal El Pozo in Chulilla … We (a couple and a single) stayed for three nights, mid Sept. 2005. We found this hostel by pure accident walking through Chulilla. The price was E43 for a double and E29 for a single per night, which included a generous and filling continental breakfast.
The hostel has a friendly, efficient host who spoke good English (however we always tried to use Spanish). It also has very clean airy rooms, and some doubles have a balcony.
Definitely book a table in the Restaurant El Pozo (open Fri. and Sat. night); it was the best meal of our holiday. Try the Ensalada El Pozo starter and the homemade ice cream to finish — we did and the bill for three came to E57 including two bottles of wine!!
Well worth the stay.
Hotel Gran Sol Calpe in Calpe … This is a great place to stay for a few nights. The staff are very helpful.
Hotel Vista Oro in Benidorm … This is a very good hotel, which has an excellent chef and very good staff, perfectly situated to visit the Old Town and the beach.
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