Video of Chimpanzees at Valencia Bioparc

Watch this playful chimp with his brother. The Valencia Bioparc is a great day out in Valencia, I can totally recommend it for all the family. view the website www.bioparcvalencia.es

Chimpanzees_Bioparc.wmv Watch on Posterous

Valencia Marathon

Just a quick "rant"... Sunday gone was the annual Valencia Marathon, the whole city was closed off basically and I had to get from one side to the other for a birthday lunch.

No buses reached where I lived or where I needed to go. So it was an adventure in the car! Now the only website (so it appears) that has the full route map on was the Marathon´s own official page, which on Sunday wasn´t working! typical.

The bus website mentioned practically every street in Valencia listing the affected areas, and I found a map for the 10km which was running alongside, but that map showed streets that weren´t mentioned on the Bus page.

It took me 20 minutes to get out of my barrio, along with everyone else trying to get out, then finally by going right around the outskirts and winding my way through areas I didn´t even know existed (thankfully I had a Valencian with me) I managed to get to my destination. 1 hour for a normally 15 minute drive.

Anyway.. I believe the Valencia Marathon was very succesful and the website is now up and running..

http://www.maratondivinapastoravalencia.com and if you visit the site, I can recommend watching the video, quite clever!

If you are visiting Valencia or any part of Spain, you can book you accommodation online with instant confirmation from here - www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com

Spanish Banks

> Having a little bit of trouble understanding the Spanish banks at the > moment. Or should I say feeling a bit "mift" by the whole system..
>
> It all started with my branch being closed down, which was very handily on > my doorstep. It was a very well used office and we now have to all join > the already long queues that the office at the other end of the street > had. Pain!
>
Then I got charged commission for receiving 2 payments that the sender had already paid commission on (finally finding out it is because the money came from outside the monetory union, but it took them a while to find out why and explain to me the reason!)

Then another time, they rejected my Social Security payment through lack of funds, and never told me, BUT they can send me a text message saying "your next bill we will be paying out of your account will be for 46.54€ to orange" "we will be receiving a payment into your account that has a 5€ commission charge" oh yes, thats great! but something important like a my SS payment they couldn´t say "your next bill we will be paying out of your account is xx and you don´t have sufficient funds at this time.." or "we were unable to pay the bill..." anything, some kind of notice, why can they do it for some and not for others.
>
And now to top it off they have sent me a letter saying they are changing the name of my account, and will be charging me for use of it if i dont have over 2000euros in it! Now this is an account that was set up to run alongside my loan, so it is soley used for the repayments, therefore never has much in it, a little over the monthly payments.
> And all this from the bank whose motto is "we dont charge commissions to > any one for any thing ever!"
>
> So seriously thinking about changing banks...although with the loan this > is probably going to be hard or expensive.
Then today I had to make a payment into the bank account of a client. After realising I was unable to use the cashpoint as I dont have my own account at this particular bank, I joined the queue to the cashier. After a 5 minute wait and seeing her turn 2 other people away, I asked if I could pay the money in..."that service can only be made between 8.30 and 11 am" came the reply!! AND I think she might even have said Tuesdays and Thursdays, I was too in shock and not listening by that time! Is this not a bank, is that not what you are here for??? oh and the time was 11.15!
> Obviously it is not her fault, and even if I did want to make any > comments, she had already answered the telephone and not even > acknowledging I was still in front of her, so I left with a couple of > disgruntled remarks to other customers on the way out.
>
So...the question now is...if i go through the hassle of changing banks am I going to just be changing the problems?
> I remember one day I went into a different branch again, asking for some > change...they didnt have any!
>
They all have to make their money somehow I guess so the charges are going to be there somewhere just displayed in a different way.

I just want my branch office back, where I knew the manager and cashier, they were part of my neighbourhood, they new my account, my phone number and name!.

Anyone else got any Spanish Bank problems, stories, gripes? would love to hear about them, or maybe you´ve got the perfect bank account, if so definately want to know about it!

May Day weekend

  What a lovely May Day Weekend I have just had here in Valencia.

 

First I visited the river Turia where they are holding the Valencian tribute to the Feria de Abril which is a traditional event in Seville and Andalucia.

Lots of ladies in traditional flamenco dresses and big flowers in their hair. I managed to get a ringside seat for the dancing horses, nice cool lager on tap, great music and amazing performances.

Check out the video here to see a horse dancing flamenco...Flamenco Horse

 

Then it was on to the "Day of the Worker" celebrations hosted by the UGT workers union. Giant paella for all, inflatables and games for the children, live music and spectaculars and of course lots of beer tents!

 

The sun was hot, the atmosphere buzzing, what a great bank holiday weekend in Valencia.

 

View Photos Here - May Day Weekend and Feria de Abril in Valencia

Party House in Valencia

Have you ever thought of planning a group holiday, rugby or football tour, stag or hen weekend in Valencia?

Well we have just the house for you!

This huge mansion in Sagunto, Valencia is perfect for large groups and families wanting to holiday together. It has 9 bedrooms offering sleeping for 20 people, spacious lounge diner with open fire place, fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher), 3 bathrooms all with bath and shower, games room with pool table, fussball, darts etc, chill-out / yoga room, and many terraces with views over the pool and gardens to the surrounding countryside.

The spacious grounds provide many areas of relax in the countryside and of course a super sized swimming pool!

You can view the Party House in Valencia by following this link. Party House in Valencia

We can also help you with any activities you might like to do whilst here in Valencia, booze cruise, wine tasting, paintballing, football matches, go karting, to name just a few of the acitivities on offer for groups in Valencia. contact us for more information on Group Activities in Valencia

email: info@holidayaccommodationinvalencia.com

Links: Party House in Valencia

Easter in Valencia, Semana Santa, Holy Week

Easter in Valencia - Semana Santa (holy week)

Valencia likes to celebrate, and how better to follow on from the vibrant and noisy Las Fallas celebrations than with the Easter, Semana Santa, holy week festival.

 

In Valencia Easter celebrations are known as "Semana Santa Marinera" because it is celebrated mainly by the maritime areas of Cabanyal and Grau, in an attempt to hold on to their identity and traditions, having formerly been separate towns.  Consisting of a full week of parades and fiestas in celebration of the death and resurrection of Christ, starting with Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus arriving in Jerusalem, all the houses, buildings and roads are adorned with Palm leaves for the procession.

Processions of 28 different "brotherhoods" all with their own coloured robes and pointed hoods (which could easily be mistaken for the KKK) and floats mounted with statues of Jesus parade around the maritime district to music from their own accompanying bands.

Processions are held in Valencia but the main events are based around the maritime districts of Cabanyal and Grau.

Easter in Valencia in general brings good weather, which the locals like to enjoy with picnics on the beach or in the nearby countryside.

A great atmosphere envelopes the city of Valencia during Easter, Semana Santa, a good time to take in the atmosphere of the historic old quarter, El Carmen, with its many open air plazas and artisan shopping.

Take a visit to the Semana Santa Museum where you can see all the costumes, regalia and images from the history of Easter in Valencia including video of past processions. Although this doesn´t match up to seeing it live with the atmosphere in the streets.

Easter is a great time to visit Valencia, Semana Santa in Valencia. An apartment on the beach or an apartment in the historic old quarter of Valencia would be ideal in order to enjoy all that Valencia has to offer during its Easter Celebrations.

Links

Apartment on Valencia Beach

Apartment in Valencia City

Las Fallas Programme

Las Fallas Programme

So here we are in March and Las Fallas is starting to warm up...today they have closed off over 300 roads so the party tents and statues can start to be mounted.

 

Here is a brief run down of the main Las Fallas Programme for 2011...

 

Thursday 10th

2.00pm - Mascletá (fireworks and fire crackers displya) in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square, just follow the crowds!)

6.00pm - Armed Forces Tribute to Valencia´s Falleras in the San Juan de la Rivera Barracks, Paseo de la Alameda.

 

Friday 11th

2.00pm - Mascletá

 

Saturday 12th

2.00pm - Mascletá

11.00pm - Cabalgata Folklórica (Folklore Parade) finished by a firework display in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento

 

Sunday 13th

2.00pm - Mascletá

 

Monday 14th

2.00pm - Mascletá

3.00pm - Closing ceremony of the "ninot infantil" exhibition

 

Tuesday 15th

8.00am - Planta of all "childrens Fallas"

2.00pm - Mascletá

6.00pm - Closing ceremony of the "ninot infantil" exhibition

12.00midnight - Firework Display in the Paseo de la Alameda

 

Wednesday 16th

8.00am - Planta of all Fallas

2.00pm - Mascletá

4.30pm - Childrens Fallas award ceremony, in front of the town hall.

1.00am - Firework Display in the Paseo de la Alameda

 

Thursday 17th

9.30am - Fallas award Ceremony in front of the Town Hall.

2.00pm - Mascletá

4.00pm - First day of the Flower Offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados (La Ofrenda), Plaza de la Virgen

6.00pm - Ballooning display in the RiverTuria Gardens in front of the Torres Serranos

1.00am - Firework dispaly in the Paseo de la Alameda

 

Friday 18th

11.00am - Tribute to the Poet Maximiliano Thous at the monument dedicated to his memory, Calle Sagunto, followed by Mascletá

12.00noon - Tribute to Master Serrano at the monument dedicated to his memory, Avenida Reino de Valencia, folllowed by Mascletá

2.00pm - Mascletá

4.00pm - Second day of the Flower Offering, plaza de la virgen.

6.00pm - Ballooning display in the RiverTuria Gardens in front of the Torres Serranos

1.30am - "Nit de Foc" Grand night of Fireworks in the Paseo de la Alameda

Saturday 19th

11.00am - Flower offering to San José on the Puente de San José, followed by a Mascletá

12.00noon - Solemn Mass in honor of the Patron Saint Joseph in Valencia Cathedral

2.00pm - Mascletá (the last in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento for this year)

7.00pm - Cabalgata del Fuego, Parade of Fire in the city centre

10.00pm - Cremá, the burning of all the childrens Fallas

10.30pm - Burning of the winning childrens Falla

11.00pm - Cremá, Burning of the childrens Falla in the Town Hall (plaza del ayuntamiento)

12.00midnight - Cremá, burning of all Fallas 

12.30am - Cremá, burning of the winning Falla

1.00am - Fireworks and burning of the Fallas in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square)

Programme provided by the Central Fallas Committee.

View Programme Online

Last Minute Accommodation for Las Fallas  

Spanish attempting English, bless ´em!

Spanish speaking English

I had a lovely conversation yesterday with a couple of Spanish friends, both mature in age. The first said "I know English!" (in Spanish of course) ..."owar" was the next word to come out of her mouth. "I know that one!" stated my other friend..."owar yoo" came the reply! I was creased up laughing. Its not the first time the Spanish have left me in stiches with their attempts at the English language, its great. I remember when I lived in a village, the first year of my moving to Valencia. Now in the villages they speak a very closed Valencian and I found it very hard to understand, but they were always very keen to show off the few words of English that they knew.

I remember one particular conversation between 2 neighbours trying to out do each other with their vocabulary, the conversation went a bit like this...

1st neighbour "hello"

2nd neighbour "goodbye"

me "hahaha"

1st "nor, eat, sow, wet" complete with arm movements pointing in the correct directions.

2nd "muza, faza" (mother father)

me "hahahahahahaha"

and so it went on, can´t remember much more but it was hilarious. Do you have any funny conversations that you remember? Would love to hear about them here...

Valentines Day in Valencia

Valentines Day in Valencia, ideas for a romantic day in this beautiful city.

 

So the most romantic day of the year is aproaching, St. Valentines, so I thought I would give you some ideas of how to treat that special person to a romantic time in Spain´s 3rd City, Valencia.

 

Start the day with a breakfast on one of Valencia´s many open air plazas - The Plaza de la Virgen has a lovely tranquil feel to it, totally pedestrianised with a large fountian offering that relaxing water effect. (photo)

 

Then from there a short stroll past the Cathedral in to the Plaza de la Reina where you can take a romantic Horse and Cart ride through the most historic areas of the city, peacefully trotting through the winding streets admiring the architecture that dates back over 2000 years. (photo)

 

Don´t forget to pick up some flowers from one of the many florists around the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (town hall square) (photo)

 

Or how about burning off a little bit of energy, why not wander down in to the dried up River bed and hire a "bicycle for 2", you can tandem ride the whole length of this beautiful leisure gardens that was once the River Turia.

There are cafes with open air terraces for that "almuerzo" (elevens´s) or lunch.

A cycle along the River Turia in one direction will take you to the City of Arts and Sciences, a beautiful space age leisure zone offering a science museum, IMAX cinema, Shaded garden walkway "Umbracle" and the Oceanografic Aquarium complete with Dolphin show. Or in the other direction..to a beautiful Lake with large Swan peddle boats, and the Bioparc Zoo, a journey into Africa awaits you inside this new generation zoo. (photos)

 

Another option is to head out to the beach, its long palm tree lined promenade is lined with wonderful seafood restaurants ofering the best in Mediteranean cooking.

You can make use of Valencia´s new bike hire system..Valenbisi to help you get around, just sign up online or at one of the pay stations, and you can jump on and off bikes all over the city, a great way to get around.

 

Then as evening comes, check out the best of the Restaurants in Valencia, modern and sophisticated or traditional and homely, there is something to suit all tastes. Beach front, city centre or the trendy Avenida Francia with views to the Opera house.

Why not take in a film or the theatre, check out Whats on here. Theatre in Valencia Cinema in Valencia

 

If you are thinking of coming to Valencia and are looking for accommodation then what could be nicer than a lovely beach front apartment with beautiful views over the harbour - Port Saplaya Apartment or maybe you want to be in the heart of the historic city centre - Historic City Centre Apartment

 

Hopefully I have given you some food for thought, whatever you plan for St. Valentines, I hope you have a wonderful and romantic day.

 

Links:

 

City of Arts and Sciences

Bioparc Zoo

Valenbisi

Restaurants in Valencia

Theatre in Valencia

Cinema in Valencia

Port Saplaya Apartment 

Historic City Centre Apartment

Tips for enjoying Las Fallas, Valencia

Tips for enjoying Las Fallas, Valencia

 

Are you planning to visit Valencia for the Las Fallas fiesta this March? if so here is a crucial guide as to how to get the most out of this spectacular fiesta..

 

In March Valencia is filled to overflowing for the Las Fallas festival of Fire, accommodation gets booked up very quickly and especially during the main events..15th-19th March, movement around the city can get very restricted.

 

First a WARNING...if you have never been in Valencia for Las Fallas please be warned that this festival is based on Firecrackers, gunpowder and fire! Everyone from as young as they are able to hold one, will be throwing/lighting firecrackers and fireworks at every turn of the corner! Its almost like walking in a war zone sometimes.  All in good harmless fun though.

 

Don´t expect to take a car into the city centre, every year I am amazed at how many try to get their car as close as they can, causing no end of traffic congestion. The buses and taxis are able to pass through areas that cars can´t, so first TIP..Don´t even attempt to take your car into the city of Valencia during Las Fallas!

 

Las Fallas actually starts each day with "la despertar" when the "falleros" walk around the streets playing trumpets and throwing fire crackers in order to wake everyone up ready to start the days fesitivities. This starts about 8am. These falleros party most of the night too, so I reckon that most of Valencians sleep for the whole month of April to make up for lack of it in March!

You might think that the "siesta" hour is a good time to hit the streets, but with so many tourists around that is not necessarily true.

My TIP to avoid the crowds whilst viewing the statues is to start early, even with the "despertar" they don´t seem to hit the streets too early. Then you have the whole day to get around, slowly and steadily as there is so much to see.

My next TIP is to plan your route around the Fallas, there are guides available showing the major prize winning statues, so make sure you get to see the best.

TIP- lunch early! the restaurants and bars will fill very quickly, but fortunately the main lunch rush deosn´t start til 2pm for Spanish folk. The falleros all have lunch at their prospective "casals" (large tents mounted in the streets in order to hold their private celebrations). These casals put on their own private fiestas, many with discos in the streets. So keep an eye for those.

TIP - look out for the Paella competition days, each casal holds there own, they cook the paellas of all different sizes in the streets over log fires. As a tourist, take a long a spoon, they will be only too glad to let you taste, every Valencian is proud of their Paella!

TIP- if you are not actually staying in the city centre, then to get in and out and night could be very tricky, check your local area, there is bound to be a local "Ninot" (statue) that will be burnt on the night of the 19th close to you, and certainly you will get a better view, with less hastle than if you try to watch the main events in the city centre.

 

TIP- link to: Apartment available for Las Fallas with balcony views to the local Ninot 

This apartment is situated in a beautiful beach resort with views to an internal harbour from all its rooms and balcony. With access to the city via taxi or bus and metro, it makes this the ideal "hassle Free" way to enjoy the Las Fallas fiesta, you can enter the city during the day and return to the tranquil beach and marina setting for a chilled evening. Then enjoy the local festivities on the terraces below or from your balcony above.

 

TIP- link to: Las Fallas Programme 2011 check out the Programme to make sure you don´t miss anything!

 

TIP- The days of the "ofrenda" (flower offering) it is great to find an open air terrace and enjoy the atmosphere as all the "falleras" parade around the city in full traditional dress with bands playing traditional music, lovely.

 

TOP TIP- You cannot visit the Las Fallas without being present at atleast one "Mascletá" (daytime firework display) in the Town Hall Square (Plaza Ayuntamiento). To get the full effect, get there early, it starts at 2pm on the dot, but to be in the think of it you will need to guard your place from about 12.30 onwards! but don´t worry if you can´t wait around that long or don´t like crowds (and I mean crowds!), there is plenty of space on the outskirts, and you will most definately be able to hear even if you are on the edge of the crowds.

TIP- if you are close...open your mouth to protect your ear drums!

 

Well I could go on...but best to keep this to reasonable reading length! If you are coming, enjoy yourselves!

 

Links

Routes around the Las Fallas

Apartment available for Las Fallas with balcony views to the local Ninot (statue)

Las Fallas Programme 2011

Hotels for Las Fallas in Valencia

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Renewing Residency Card in Spain

Renewing Residency Card in Valencia, Spain

 

This is my first hand experience, having just completed the renewal of my "tarjeta de Residencia" Residency Card today!

 

I also had to change my address, so, not being able to contact the comisaria (police station of issue) by telephone, I took the initiative and decided to get a certificate of Padron before I went.

Now as I am already "padronado" all I had to do was go to the Junta Municipal for my district with my Residency Card (which is out of date!. so took passport along as back up!) and they issued the certificate there and then in an instant.

The worst part was expecting there to be queues and a long wait, but having arrived 30 minutes before they open, i found myself second in the queue, so all very quick and painless.

 

Then my next trip was to the Comisaria for renewal of DNI etc. (not the same as the place if you are applying for the first time!, so be aware). Again worried about queues, I arrived 20 minutes before opening, and again was second in the queue.

A very "stern" policeman (for not wanting to use a rude word) came out on the dot of 9am and started shouting orders for everyone to form an orderly queue and if they were there with friends and not wanting actually do any paperwork then to "clear off" in no uncertain terms. I must admit, we were all in an orderly queue until he appeared, so i guess he has learnt over the years and puts order straight away!

 

I entered straight away and took my seat, asked for renewal of my TR and change of address, he asked for my card and padron! (pat on back for my initiative!). He then asked if i had paid the "FEE" ..."what fee?" I asked, there is a 10€ fee, he issued me with a form which I had to take to a bank and pay, then return with all the previous documents and my Passport! (fortunately again my initiative one through as I had my passport in my pocket!)

 

So a quick dash to the bank, payment made and returned to find no queues at all, the (this time almost polite) policeman ushered me right through, I handed over all the documents and the very nice man handed me the NEW CERTIFICATE of Residency.

He advised me that this certificate doesn´t have to carried on me, it is solely for use if demaded by banks or other official uses. I must carry ID issued by own country be it an ID card or Passport. I asked if a photo Driving Licence was sufficient and his answer was that a DL is solely for permission to drive, some shops may accept it for use with credit cards etc but it is not an ID.

 

So there you have it. My next test/mission is to change my UK driving licence to a Spanish one as it is about to expire this year, so keep following my posts here....

Formula 1 in Valencia

Formula 1 training in Valencia

 

All 12 teams from the F1 world championship will be trainging at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste Valencia next weekend, a session that will open the World Championship season of 2011. The highlight for the mainly Spanish audience will be Fernando Alonso who is exptected on the 1st and 2nd of February, it has been announced by Ferrari that he will be introducing the new F150 car in which he will race this year.

 

The main bulk of teams will be training at the circuit in Valencia from the 1st-3rd of February, but it is thought that 5 teams will present their new cars on the 31st January.

 

The spectacular will be opened by Sauber with Japanese driver Kamui Kobayashi and Mexican Sergio Perez showing off the new C30 at 11am on Monday. Also to be presented that day is the new Lotus Renault with drivers Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov.

 

This will be followed on Tuesday by the presentations by the reigning World Champion Team Red Bull and their drivers Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. The earlier start of 8.30am will see the new car built to retaining the title.

 

The presentations then continue with Toro Ross and GP Mercedes W02 car to be driven by Michael Schumacher and Nico Rosberg.

During these days the practice sessions for modifying and testing starts a 10.00am, on the 2nd and 3rd of February the  training will start an hour ealier at 9.00am. All 3 days close at 17.00.

 

The general entrance fee is 5€ for the 3 days which gives access to the Yello, Blue or Green stands. If you want to enter the boxes or Orange gallery the price will be 10€ per day.

 

DISCOUNT

If you buy tickets for the training session at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit in Cheste, Valencia, you will benefit from a 15% discount on your purchase of tickets for the European Grand Prix to be held on 26th June in Valencia Street Circuit.

 

Buy Tickets for the Formula 1 Training Session at the Ricardo Tormo Circuit Cheste, Valencia

Reserve Accommodation in Valencia

Valencian History

A little bit of Valencian History

 

In the cathedral of Valencia, each Thursday at twelve o'clock noon, you can see the meeting of El Tribunal de las Aguas de Valencia. These are the trustees of the canals that irrigate the orchards, they arbitrate disputes over irrigation which may occur between individuals, in an oral and direct way, always in the Valencian language. A touch of history that hasn´t be won over by offices and email.

From here, we can go through the narrow winding streets to the Central Market, a modern marvel that opened in 1928. It is the largest market in Europe and in the building, its architect Veti has managed to capture the spirit of Valencia.

Opposite the market rises, more than five hundred years of history, in La Lonja - The Market of the Merchants. This building displays Valencian gothic, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its architecture and charm can captivate you for hours if we study it carefully in every single detail.

Opposite is the Church of Saints John, with his typical pardalot, offers an extraordinary Baroque facade. You must visit the interior and large picture collection. Nearby, we find the singular Plaza Redonda, the first European moll according to some historians.

Apartment for rent in the historic city centre of Valencia

See and download the full gallery on posterous

Semana Santa Marinera - Maritime Easter Week

Valencia Fiestas

Semana Santa Marinera - Maritime Easter Week

 

The fishing area of the city of Valencia has a long history in Easter celebrations, in the fifteenth century there were concordias of penitents, of which Saint Vicent Ferrer was prior.

 

Today is is one of the most popular festivals where passion runs high with a multitude of events in which 27 fraternities partake. Thousands of people take part, dressed in traditional robes and lavish costumes representing biblical characters.

 

A bright and colourful fiesta which includes the procession of the Holy Burial, and on the night of the Resurrection mud pots and dishes are thrown from windows and balconies into the middle of the street.

The fishermen's area of the city of Valencia has a long history in the celebration of Easter. In the fifteenth century there concordias of penitents, of which Sant Vicent Ferrer was prior. Today is one of the most popular festivals of passion and participation, with a multitude of events and 27 sororities or fraternities. Thousands of people involved, whether wearing the robes or representing biblical characters of lavish costumes. A bright colorful fiesta in which desteco the procession of the Holy Burial Friday and Perols duffle coat, the release from the windows and balconies in the middle of the street of mud pots and dishes on the night of the Resurrection .

Search for your Easter holiday accommodation in Valencia

Valencia Las Fallas

Las Fallas in Valencia

Most international of our parties, changes the entire city of Valencia during the month of March, from the moment when, from the Torres de Serranos, the Crida (the Sunday closest to March 1) invites all the world to participate in the party.

 

But the big days come from the night of 15th, with the "planting" of the more than 500 monuments of papier mache. The floral offering to the Virgin of the Helpless on the days of 17th and 18th, the mascletás of the Town Hall Square, the fireworks and daily awakenings, make the series of events in this largest of street parties, that comes to a close on the evening of 19th, Feast of San José, with the spectacular Crema, the burning of all the Fallas. 

 

Many other Valencian towns celebrate with great enthusiasm this spectacular satirical celebration. If you can´t make it into Valencia city then the following towns also have very good celebrations of Las Fallas: Gandia, Alzira, Xativa and Torrent.

 

During the Las Fallas Festival, accommodation is very quickly booked up, so if you are still looking for a hotel in Valencia or an Apartment in the City or outskirts, you can search here...ValenciaHolidayRentals.co.uk

European Formula 1 Grand Prix, Valencia

European Formula 1 Grand Prix in Valencia 2011

From 22nd-26th June
Race day Sunday 26th June

The change of date in the calendar has already multiplied the requests for tickets over and above those of the same time last year.
The organisers are for ever looking to improve year after year including improving the visibility from the Grandstands and opening them up for day tickets.

Tickets are now on sale for the Valencia F1 GP through Servientrada Bancaja, El corte Inglés Department Store or on the internet at www.valenciastreetcircuit.com.

Groups can also by tickets for the European Formula 1 Grand Prix from the Circuit de la Cominitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo Ticketing Services.

You can book your accommodation for the Formula 1 in Valencia right here.
Email us- info@holidayaccommodationinspain.com

MALVARROSA BEACH PARK

As last year, once again the Malvarrosa beach will be the spectacular setting for the visitor entertainment during the Grand Prix in Valencia.

A great meeting point for the GP, situated right next to the Valencia Street Circuit, all F1 and motorsports lovers will be able to enjoy 5,000 sqm devoted to exactly that Formula 1 and Motorsports.

The Valencia Street Circuit sponsors will be the protagonists, with thematic spaces devoted to motorcars.

We can guarantee a vibrant atmosphere with the F1 fans and thousands of holiday makers enjoying the spectacular beach of the Malvarrosa.

Location of Malvarrosa Beach Park: Paseo de Neptuno meets Marcos Sopena in front of the public parking near Hotel Las Arenas.

OPEN GATES at the Valencia Street Circuit:

On Friday 24th and Saturday 25th of june, The Valencia Street Circuit will open its gates to all visitors who wish to gain access and walk on the tarmac of the race track, imagine setting foot where your idol, be it Fernando Alonso, Lewis Hamilton, Jensen Button or the great champion himself Michael Schummacher, have been zipping past just minutes earlier.

So exchange your coupon from your Official Free Guide to the Valencia Street Circuit at the official stand in the Valencia Street Circuit Beach Park.

Every one of these coupons needs to be exchanged for 2 valid tickets for the Friday or the Saturday where it indicates the time of entry to the Street Circuit in Valencia.

Valencia Street Circuit Information

As during previous years, Valencia Street Circuit will be divided in to areas to aid access points.

Main Area - Tinglados (pits)

Paddock and Grandstands - Main straight throught to first corner

Malvarrosa - Northern area and Grandstands before the bridge.

Nazaret - Southern section from the bridge exit back to the Grau area where you have the last of the Grandstands.

ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE for Formula 1 in Valencia

For large Groups, capacity 20 people! City centre, El Carmen

Beach front apartment, capacity 6 people, 3km from the Circuit along the beach.

City Centre apartment, capacity 8 people, El Carmen

Private Villas in Villages close to Valencia with easy access to Valencia Street Circuit

 

 

Valencia Historical City Centre

Valencia Historical Center

 

 
The strategical place to start visiting the city of Valencia is where it was born, the present Plaza de la Virgen. On one side we have the great religious buildings, the Cathedral and the Basilica of Our Lady of the Forsaken, behind the Archbishop's Palace. The other, the great political buildings, the Palacio de la Diputación the Kingdom, now known as the Generalitat Valenciana Palau, and rear Plaza de Manises, the palaces of the Batlia and dels Scala, the Provincial Headquarters.

Calle del Caballeros (Knight Street) hosts a succession of glorious medieval mansions, carefully restored, where cream of the nobility once lived.

 
In the El Carmen you must visit the church that gives its name to the neighborhood and wander through its winding alleys of artifact shops, bars, caverns, bodigas as well as looking out for the odd Gothic palace or a modernist building. A historic neighbourhood with a lively and dynamic  character, giving home to Valencias most vibrant nightlife.

 

Before leaving the neighborhood you must visit the Instituto Valenciano de Arte Moderno (IVAM) and teh Cultural Centre of the Charity in the Diputación de Valencia which hosts the Museum of Valencia Prehistory.

 

So if you are looking to visit Valencia, whether for a historical insight, sightseeing or a fun weekend with a group of friends, what better than to be in the heart of the El Carmen. An apartment in El Carmen, Valencia means you have everything on your doorstep!

 

Take a look at an aparment in El Carmen, Valencia which sleeps up to 7 people. Situated just off of the famous Calle Caballeros with the Plaza de la Virgen just 2 minutes away.

Group Holidays in Valencia

Group Holidays in Valencia

 

So what is there for groups in Valencia and why should you bring your stag party, hen party, football team and groups to Valencia for a holiday?

 

Valencia is fast becoming the place to come for a weekend group holiday, the city centre has a very lively night life. The district of El Carmen is full of restaurants, bars and night clubs of all tastes, with a lively atmosphere into the early hours of the morning attracting a very cosmopolitan partication.

 

The beach front of Valencia also offers a great night out, with open air nightclubs and late night disco bars. The street market along the promenade open into the early hours also helps attract many to the area. With all night buses, communication with the city centre is excellent.

 

Stag and Hen Parties Valencia - Close to the Port of Valencia is the perfect "beastial" restaurant for stag and hen parties! its even called so..Los Bestias. Here they specialise in Stag and hen parties, the louder and crazier you are the better!

 

Group Activities - Valencia has much to offer including...Go karting on the beach front, paintballing, wine tasting, organised pub crawl, champagne/beer cruise, football tours and much much more. If you are looking for activities for your group then contact us!

 

Accommodation in Valencia for groups - There isn´t a lot of accommodation in Valencia aimed at large groups, so to find one that is purposely designed to accommodate up to 20 people, and in such style, is a real bonus! This Group Accommodation is also situated in the nightlife area of El Carmen, and even extra bonus! 4 floors of accommodation perfect for large groups, 2 floors of open plan sleeping, large kitchen and dining room with seating for 20 people! but the real attraction of this group accommodation has to be the roof terrace, a perfect place to relax in the sun, have that sangria or cool lager before joining the atmosphere in the streets below!

 

Links:

Stag and Hen Party Restaurant

Group Accommodation in Valencia

Contact us by EMAIL

 

 

Blue Monday

 

BLUE MONDAY

The most depressing day of the year is known as "blue monday" and is usually the 3rd Monday of January. It is based on a formula which calculated by weather conditions, debt level, time since christmas and failing of New Years resolutions which all add to low motivational levels. Scientific fact? well it certainly makes sense! ..so what do we do about it...? Judging by the amount of enquiries I received over the weekend, it seems that the majority of people start to plan their summer holidays and weekend breaks away!

So are you suffering from the Blue Monday, or just fed up with the lousy weather, dark nights and cash flow? Why not take a look at a short break away, or plan ahead your summer holiday. If you book early you will more often than not get a discount, and with online bookings you only have to pay a deposit at the time of booking, so you have the rest of the time to save up for the rest of the payment!

Check out www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com for guaranteed lowest prices on hotels and apartments in Spain. A simple online booking system with instant confirmation by email, and only the deposit to be paid up front!

You can also look up your CAR HIRE with our trawler that compares prices and gives you the best offer available. 

So forget those Blue Monday feelings and look forward to a city break, weekend escape or summer holidays.

Links:

 Book Holiday Accommodation

CAR HIRE

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Beach Apartment in Valencia

Valencia Beach Apartment Rental

Are you planning your summer holidays, or long weekend away? why not take a look at this lovely apartment...Its situation is on the beach front of Valencia with views to the beautiful internal harbour from all of the rooms and balcony.

The apartment is made up of  2 bedrooms with double beds (and an extra double bed can be put in the lounge for 6 people). There is a lounge diner and american kitchen. 2 bathrooms with showers and 1 with bath.

A typcially Spanish resort complex with lovely internal harbour, many restaurants and bars with open air terraces creating a lovely holiday atmosphere.

 

Ideal for families, couples and small groups, located just 4km from the city centre of Valencia with excellent communication by taxi, bus/metro.

 

Contact info@holidayaccommodationinspain.com for bookings and prices.

View more photos here...Valencia Beach Apartment

Barcelona Parade 17th January

Cabalgata dels Tres Tombs 17th January, Barcelona

 

As if the Festive season isn´t long enough here in Spain, Barcelona continue the partying until the 17th of January with a street parade in honour of San Antonio, the patron saint of animals. The Cabalgata dels Tres Tombs is a huge parade of animals made up of pets and their owners, but not only cats and dogs, oh no, you can see a whole farm of animals being paraded around the streets, and then being blessed.

 

But as with all Spanish fiestas, it doesn´t stop there, the visitor can enjoy a whole array of Catalan traditions including fireworks, live music, traditional and regional foods.

 

Book hotels and apartments in Barcelona for the Cabalgata dels Tres Tombs here.

Valencia Open 500

The Valencia Open 500 has its dates set for 2011.

 

The tournament is growing in popularity following its 2nd event in 2010, its spectacular setting at the City of Arts and Sciences and its Fun Park open to the public all add to this spectacle.

 

This years winner was David Ferrer who is also one of the Event organisers.

 

Valencia Open 500 Dates:

29th October - 6th November 2011

 

book your accommodation early. Valencia Holiday Rentals

Smoking Ban..how its going so far...

Spain Smoking Ban the first day....

So yesterday saw the start of the strict new smoking ban in Spain, now this might not sound like such a big thing...but when you consider that the vast majority of Spanish smoke and up until just a few years ago they were allowed to smoke just about anywhere..in banks, offices, shops ..pretty much anywhere they wanted, then this is a giant step for them.

 

The Spanish lifestyle is a very sociable one, where a coffee, breakfast, elevensies, lunch, tea break or dinner is more often than not taken in a bar, and that is associated with "having a fag!". 

So how will they take to not being able to have their ritual smoke with their coffee...?

Quotes I have heard.."I won´t be going out to any bars anymore" "I will have my coffee at home before I go to work" "I won´t  be lunching in a bar anymore!" "I spend 30 minutes over my morning coffee!" this last comment, I actually decided to answer back.."can you not go 30 minutes without a smoke?, take one before going in and one when you leave!" the reply was.."yeah right, walk along the street puffing like an idiot to finish it before arriving!" I decided this was a discussion I was not going to win!

 

So does all this mean that the bars and restaurants are going to all close, or will the desire to sit and chat over coffee or lunch win over the fact of having to walk out into the street for the cigarette? 

What happened this weekend... I was with a group of Spanish friends all weekend for the New Years celebrations, we went to the bar on Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday they decided they didn´t want to go! Now the bar has a terrace, so we could easily have sat outside (the temperature was lovely) but no, they were not allowed to smoke in the bar so they preferred to stay at the house we had rented for their elevensies.

 

I passed the bar later on the way home and the terrace was full. So it appears not all think that way!

When I got back home, I popped into my local, where the owners are the worst offenders of smoking..behind the bar, in the kitchen..every 5 minutes! So I found it very pleasing to find them all stood out on the pavement when I arrived...the only problem...I was alone in the bar with no one to serve me! but hey, I could breathe cleanly!

 

The bar had signs of having been busy..the tables were all to be cleaned and there were people in the restaurant side too. I saw several people leave the restaurant, pop outside for a quick puff, then head back.

So my group of friends, were they being pig headed, was it "group pressure" as they were in the majority and could make a first stand against the law?

 

There is bound to be a drop in business for the smaller "local" bars, the ones who have the old men and ladies who come in everyday for their game of cards, ludo or dominoes surrounded in a cloud of smoke, can´t very well see them adapting, after years of the same ritual. Where will they go? What will they do?

 

So what will the bars do to tempt the people to come out...?

 

on the news yesterday I saw that lots are buying street heaters to help make the smokers more comfortable when they  sit on the terraces...now this has offended me as a non smoker, if I didn´t want to go into a bar because of the smoke, I would sit on the terrace...in the cold!... I feel discriminated against, the owners didn´t care about me not wanting to be in a smoking environment, but they care about the smokers not being in a smoke free one! (guess who are their bread winners!)

 

Only time will tell, but I can see it working..eventually. I had my doubts, but yesterday helped change my mind. Good luck to the smaller bars and I hope they ride out the harder times that are bound to happen to start with.