Valencia Open more than just a Tennis Tournament

The second edition of the Valencia Open 500 boasts a great line up of top quality players, unique in this category of events. Murray, Davydenko, Soderling, Ferrer, Verdasco, Del Potro, Youzhny, Tsonga and Robredo are amongst the big names who’ll be battling it out for the title and although the spotlight is bound to be on them, as well as the FUNPARK, the free access shopping and entertainment area which has considerably increased its offer this year, the Tournament also offers a series of parallel activities related to tennis which gives the event a projection beyond the courts.

The first of these activities will be the Masters Circuito Jóvenes Promesas MARCA, from 27 to 29 October on the practice courts and Court Number 1, situated in the Museo Príncipe Felipe. The event is organized by the Registro Profesional del Tenis (RPT) and will feature the top 16 youngsters (8 men and 8 women) from the circuit of more than 3200 under-16 players who play in the Masters throughout the year. It should be a great spectacle for tennis lovers and a chance to see the up and coming “Spanish Armada”

The Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias will also be hosting the Simposium Nacional RPT during the first weekend of the Tournament (30 and 31 October) in the Auditorio Santiago Grisolia and on the practice courts in the Museum. The event will include a special presentation by D. J. Luis Escañuela, The President of the RFET, and will deal with issues surrounding the game, both on the courts and in the classroom such as “Employment future for tennis coaches”, “Educatennis; videos and tennis programmes” and “How to eliminate fear and insecurity in tennis through Kinesiology’ amongst others. For more information and reservations, please visit www.rptenis.org or contact rpt@rptenis.org.

 

Solidarity at the Valencia Open 500

Another of the most important acts to be held alongside the Tournament is the exhibition match organised by the Fundación Laureus on Saturday October 30 on the Centre Court at midday. Following the agreement reached between the Tournament organisers and the Fundación, the Tournament will donate one euro from each ticket sold to the Fundación Laureus España which works to fight against child obesity.

The Foro Emilio Sánchez Vicario ‘Deporte para vivir más y mejor’, which is also supported by the Fundación Laureus España will also be held during the Tournament at the Auditorio del Museo Príncipe Felipe de la Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias on November 2 at 10:00 and will be an open space for all sports lovers to come along and hear the well-known speakers including Cristóbal Grau (Councillor in charge of Sports at the Ayuntamiento de Valencia), José Antonio Samaranch Salisachs (President of the Fundación Laureus España and member of the IOC), Emilio Sánchez Vicario (Founder of the Sánchez Casal Acadamy), Gabriel Masfurroll (President of the Fundación Alex, Member of Wings 4 Business and Vice-president of the Fundación del Fútbol Club Barcelona) and Dr. Antonio Nieto (Vice-president of the Asociación Española de Pediatría). Each of the speakers will be giving their personal and professional vision of sports and how this can be a tool for social change. If you are interested in attending the forum, you can sign up by sending an email to foroopen500@laureus.es.

 

Another of the parallel activities being held are the VI Jornadas Técnicas de Actualización: Entrenamiento con jugadores de competición, organised by the Área de Docencia e Investigación of the Real Federación Española de Tenis (RFET) which will take place in the Auditorio Santiago Grisolia on Wednesday November 3 from 9.30 to 14.30. The Jornades are aimed at deepening and optimising the training of trainers and coaches and add to their ongoing education. For more information and to sign up, contact docencia@rfet.es.

 

The best Wheelchair Tennis in the country will also be present at the Tournament

For the second consecutive year, wheelchair tennis is again a protagonist at the Tournament with the holding of the II Open de Tenis en Silla de Ruedas Valencia Open 500. Games will be played between 5 and 7 of November on Court Number One and in the Ágora and the eight top Spanish wheelchair tennis players- Francesc Tur, Álvaro Illobre, Daniel Caverzaschi, Martín Varela, Juan José Rodríguez, Rubén Pérez, Juan Manuel Ramos and Miguel Torres -will be fighting for the title. Quarter finals start at 13.00 on Friday 5 November on Court Number One, semis are the next day at the same time in the Ágora and the final will be held at 11.00(time to be confirmed) on Sunday 7 November.

 

Saturday’s games will also feature a special guest as the world’s top wheelchair tennis player Esther Vergeer from Holland, who was the winner of this season’s. La Roland Garros and the US Open, will hold a tennis clinic on Court Number One at midday. Francesc Tur and Spain’s top woman’s wheelchair player, Lola Ochoa, will also take part in the clinic. All fans with tickets to the Agora can see all the wheelchair Tournament games on presentation of their tickets.

 

LIST OF PARALELL ACTIVITIES

 

• MASTERS CIRCUITO JÓVENES PROMESAS MARCA. Date: From 27 to 29 November all day. Venue: Practice Courts and Court Number One .

• SYMPOSIUM NACIONAL RPT. Date: 30 and 31 October. Venue: Auditorio Santiago Grisolia and Practice Courts.

• EXHIBITION GAME FUNDACIÓN LAUREUS. Date: 30 October, 12:00. Venue: Edificio Ágora.

• FORO EMILIO SÁNCHEZ VICARIO ‘DEPORTE PARA VIVIR MÁS Y MEJOR’. Date: Tuesday 2 November, 10:00. Venue: Auditorio Santiago Grisolia.

• VI JORNADAS TÉCNICAS DE ACTUALIZACIÓN: ENTRENAMIENTO CON JUGADORES DE COMPETICIÓN Date: Wednesday 3 November from 9:30 to 14:30. Venue: Auditorio Santiago Grisolia.

• II OPEN DE TENIS EN SILLA DE RUEDAS VALENCIA OPEN 500. Date: From 5 to 7 November. Venue: Court Number One and Edificio Ágora.

• WHEELCHAIR TENNIS CLINIC WITH ESTHER VERGEER. Date: Saturday 6 November, 12:00. Venue: Court Number One .

 

For accommodation in Valencia visit - Valencia Accommodation with online booking and instant confirmation

and for further info regarding the Valencia Open 500 visit - Valencia open 500

or the official website of the Valencia Open 500

The beach terraces continued...

So following a quick walk along the beach, here are some picture i took to help show the problem that has now arrisen with the terraces on the beach of Valencia...

Time on the beach alone....

Just taking a spot of time to sit on the beach here in valencia, alone! Lovely day too.

The terraces of Valencia and Costas

The Restaurant terraces on the Beach of Valencia...

 

My first knowledge of what was happening on the beach of Valencia was this summer during one of my many strolls along the promenade, all the restaurants had tables out with paper and pens asking people to sign their petition..To stop Costas taking away their terraces...people were jumping on passers-by and telling them of this fight against, what I must admit struck me as an absolute disastrous idea...Valencia are wanting to increase its tourism and improve in the tourist industry, so what are they doing...taking away one of the most popular "tourist" attractions they have..the beach restaurant terraces!.

 

Now here you can read what the local had to say about it all this weekend, when the deadline for all the covered terraces to be knocked down comes into force.... 

 

Quote: Las Provinicas.es...

Sunday 14.30hrs. 25 degrees by the sea. Mid-October, the end of the summer season, hundreds of people walk along the promenade, enjoying a chilly but sunny day, something typical of the privileged climate of Valencia.
However, yesterday looked like a storm had forced some of the Restaurants to close the doors, they will probably have lost a few thousand euros, because they had to stop waiting tables in the covered terraces that Costas is determined to take away after having allowed them a few years ago.

Those who had opted to open did not have any free tables. The people of Valencia had decided to support the bars on the first Sunday after the withdrawal of the terraces. In some restaurants the guests waited patiently for someone to finish eating to take turn. "We are over-run, now more than ever because there is less room," said a waiter while coming and going at full speed from the kitchen to the terrace. Those that have not closed, moreover, were dilapidated premises, with their covered terraces half demolished.
Others had not even begun the work: "tomorrow", they said. Hastening to the last minute time limit to yield to the demands of the Provincial Coastal Demarcation of letting locals of 150 square meters and 50 meters outdoor. 
There is great indignation, both from the innkeepers, who are spending up to 30,000 euros for breaking down the metal structure which the Coastal Authority allowed them to place in 1995, and from the customer. "We like to come several times a year, and we feel very badly about what is happening. What will happen to all these waiters? "Asked Tina, one of the customers. "Justice is not the same for everyone," said Clara.

"Does the government not realize they are hurting the people of Valencia, not the environment? These are restaurants that are on the seafront promenade, not even touching the sand. What harm do they do? "Miguel Pallardó criticized.

Some of the owners have decided to delay the demolition until after the weekend when trade calms down, in some cases the terrace they have to knock down is where they are actually working.

And there are other cases where the tenants are waiting for when the owner decides to comply with the ultimatum of Costas. "I do not think that they would risk fines for overcrowding," they say in the restaurant. Some have decided to take the required demolition to close for renovations and vacations. Casa Miralles has a sign announcing it will open its doors on November 12.

And while the waiting staff who have already lost their jobs and others who rush his final hours. "I do not know if it will pick up next year. I know that today is my last day, "said one worker, who asked to remain anonymous, while serving fast food and more food to dozens of restaurant patrons. In total, restauranteurs estimate that about 70 workers will be affected by the layoffs. Fewer tables, less customers.

Since 2007, the situation of Valencia Beach restaurants has deteriorated greatly. It was at that time when the Provincial Coastal Demarcation changed its view and began to implement a 1988 law differently from what it had done so far. So Costas premises that have become possible to build illegally. Now overwhelmed by the threat that they would not renew their leases, pending since 2008, restauranteurs have had to give in. Last August it was published in the Official Gazette of the Province that it is approved to grant an extension until 2013, with terraces of 50 square meters and 150 meters local.

But restaurateurs have not thrown in the towel. They know that to fight against the administration is very complicated. In addition, most of whom have faced Costas have ended up losing the battle. "We're going to try, because it is our business, we have more than half a century old history, long before it reached the Coastal Act that now allows us to install terraces," says one of the hoteliers. The lawyer for the owners moved that the request for the renewal of concessions is to have 300 square meters.
"There is no right to this injustice. If the leaders do not support us, what we have? "Complained one of the owners, who already feels tired of lawsuits, meetings or writing. "We serve food to people, thats all we want to do. And to provide jobs, because we are entrepreneurs, "he said.

 

 

Now after my stroll along the beach that day, I returned to my local bar and started chatting with the owner and saying how ridiculous it all seems and that I couldn´t see any reason in favour of the Costas wanting to take away such a positive thing for Valencia... only to be told a "second" side to the story.....

The restaurants on the beach were all built a certain set size, and they put tables and chairs outside making outdoor terraces...then.... they covered in those terraces and made them part of the restaurant and..... put more table and chairs outside. So a 150m square restaurant with outside terrace, was now a 200m square restaurant with outside terrace! The owner of my local said, if he puts just one table and chairs outside his bar he gets fined! Now if these restaurants are allowed to continue as they are, whats to say if in another 10 years they cover over these outdoor terraces and put more tables and chairs outside again?

So basically by covering in their terraces they have ilegally extended their restaurants, and have the bonus of outdoor terraces again as well.

 

So I have to say, I am glad I did not sign any petitions, this is a lot more complicated than just Costas wanting to take away the terraces! But it does highlight once again the Spanish legal system, they seem to overlook so many things and then eventually someone decides to look back over it all and start enforcing the laws.

 

Outdoor terraces on the beach are a good thing! but it has to be done correctly and be fair to everyone!

 

 

Why visit Valencia...?

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Why Valencia.wmv (16244 KB)

Valencia is a Mediterranean City where, they say, all roads lead to the sea, it has a blend of over 2000 years of history, traditional and modern archicture, beautiful sandy beaches and one of the greatest Natural environments in Europe.

 

The varied and long history has left some cultural jewels in the City of Valencia, where you can admire a range of spectacular architecture dating from the Middle Ages right up to the 21st century. From the "origin of the City" L´Almoina Archaeological Museum to the City of the Arts and Sciences a XXI century masterpiece by Calatrava. Valencia is proud of its heritage and has many venues in which you can view and learn all about its vast history.

 

Being on the Mediterranean Coast, Valencia as you would expect also offers beautiful sandy beaches, the cooling sea breeze makes a stroll along the long palm tree lined promenade a real pleasure, the warm waters ideal for bathing and a fine selection of sea food restaurants with ample terraces for that lunch, tapas or evening meal al fresco. At night, the warm summer evenings bring everyone to the beach front, picnics along the promenade, street markets and a real buzz of activity offering an amazing atmosphere, with chic restaurants, lively music bars and open air night clubs.

 

The Naturaleza is also a very important part of Valencia, with one of Europes largest Nature Reserves, the L´Albufera. Here you can see 100´s of species of birds, walk the nature trails or take a peaceful boat trip in a traditional eel fishing boat. Valencia also offers 14km of gardens in its dried up river bed the Turia, which runs the length of the City.  At the head "La capacera" you have the newly opened Bioparc Zoo which is designed "without bars" allowing the animals to live in their own natural habitats. You can hire bikes or walk along the sheltered garden paths amid fountains and streams, until you reach the spectacular modern architecture of Calatrava that is the City of Arts and Sciences, a leisure area aimed at all the family made up of a Science Museum, IMAX Cine, Sheltered walkway, Opera House, Agora stadium and Oceanographic Aquarium.

 

Valencia is growing in popularity and has been chosen as host city for many top flight events including the 32nd and 33rd Americas Cups, Formula 1 Grand Prix, Open 500 Tennis, Global Champions Tour, MTV Winter and continues to be an essential player in the calendar of major cultural and sporting events.

 

If you are still not convinced of why you should visit Valencia, then take a look at some photos...who would want to miss out?

 

Related links:

Holiday Accommodation in Valencia

Valencia Tourist Website

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

9th October Valencia´s National Day

So we have a bank holiday coming up here in Valencia, The National Day of Valencia 9th October. Celebrations will be held throughout the region of Valencia, from Alicante to Castellon.

 

The tradition on this day is to give a knotted hanky filled with marzipan sweets, which come in all shapes and forms, known as La Mocadorá in honour of Saint Dionís.

 

 

The main event in Valencia is when the lower the Regions Flag over the balcony of the town hall and parage around the city, lay a floral tribute at the statue of James 1st, then to return to the town hall square and raised up over the balcony once again.

 

This of course is then followed by a spectacular Mascletá, as no celebration in Valencia is complete without fireworks and bangers! The town hall square booms like a battle field of noise, the smell of gunpowder, the shaking of the ground, an experience not to be missed if you happen to be close to Valencia on the 9th October.

 

In Alicante, they have a parade of papier-mache figures with oversized heads dancing to traditional Valencian music.

 

In Castellon the onus is on the "children" with workshops, theatre and fun for all ages.

 

9th October - National Day of Valencia.

Stunning apartment for group holidays

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group holidays.wmv (7715 KB)

Yesterday I had the pleasure of viewing one of the nicest apartments I have seen in a long time...It is actually a house I suppose, its a 5 storey building which has been spectacularly converted into a holiday accommodation that can sleep up to 20 people. Now this large capacity alone makes this an exceptional place and unique in Valencia. But the design and styling of this accommodation is also very unique and attractive, meaning you would probably choose this accommodation for your group on that alone!

 

The lounge area has 3 large Italian designer sofa beds with a bright and modern colour scheme sponsored by Estrella Damm lager. (they even put a crate of lager in the fridge for your arrival!) and there is a spacious, fully equipped kitchen next to a large dining room with tables and seating for 20!

 

The sleeping areas are on 2 floors, a mixture of queen and single beds makes your stay more than comfortable, there is also a large walk in wardrobe to store all the suitcases and hang clothes. This is large enough to be a changing room too, if you have any shybees in the group!

 

The real star of the accommodation has to be the roof top terrace, a lovely area for relaxing, taking in the sun and atmosphere from the streets below, and of course enjoy a few cold beers before heading out to enjoy the local scene, because...yes.... this accommodation is situated right in the heart of the night life area of El Carmen, you couldn´t be any closer!

 

Take a look at the slide show and you will see what I mean, this is ideal for group holidays in Valencia you can check the availability on the website www.holidayaccommodationinspain.com

corre foc - fire running in Valencia

So what is a Corre Foc? watch these 2 videos to see the spectacular "running fire" its easier than trying to explain it. Do you think this would be allowed in the UK? replies on a postcard please! lol

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MOV016.3gp (2276 KB)

Download now or watch on posterous

MOV020.3gp (1470 KB)

Group holidays in Valencia

The new "Barcelona" is what they are saying...so what can you do in Valencia if you come in a group, what can you expect?

 

Valencia, Spains 3rd largest city has certainly been making headlines over the last few years, first it won the Americas Cup and managed to retain it for a second edition, then it took on the world of the Formula 1 Grand Prix all leading to the major overhaul of the port and marina area. This Marina area and the beach along side, are now one of the best night life zones, with trendy bars, chic restaurants and open air night clubs.

But the liveliest of the "nightlife" zones still remains the El Carmen Barrio, Valencias historic old quarter and home to the largest and most varied selection or bars, restaurants, nightclubs, shopping and sight seeing, it has it all. The nightlife generally starts late in Valencia, restaurants start serving at around 9pm, from there you move on to the bars and then the nightclubs, which open around 2/3 am and continue into the early hours, it can be even be followed up by an "afters" bar taking you into the next day!

 

But Valencia is not all about drinking and eating, what else is on offer? I hear you ask.. Valencia offers a wide variety of activities and culture to suit all..how about a champagne cruise, paintballing, kayaking, go karting, wine tasting, golfing, Vineyard tour or a football match against a local team just to mention a few options!

 

All in all Valencia is a great place for groups, so if you want to celebrate a stag or hen do, or birthday or any special occasion or be it just a group or family holiday, contact us and we can help arrange it all for you!

 

Why not check out our accommodation in Valencia for groups, with capacity up to 20 people. Group Flat 20

Contact us on info@holidayaccommodationinspain.com

 

Valencia Beach in September

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Valencia beach september.wmv (7820 KB)

So what is the Beach of Valencia like in September? take a look at my mini film of photos taken on the 30th September. A pleasant temperature of 26º at midday, miles of golden sand and warm waters all for you..

 

Check out holiday accommodation in Valencia and contact us at info@holidayaccommodationinspain.com for reservations.

HollyDay Daily Twitzine, view online

The Holly Day Daily Twitzine is an online, daily gathering of the most popular tweets that are going around about Valencia. Why not take a look and sign up to the HollyDay daily. Today, 1st October has the top story by @Grahunt with a post from the NY Times, and further articles from @absolutevalencia, @sailingvalencia covering the 34th Americas Cup and @bioparc Valencias´zoo highlighting its new seasonal opening hours.

 

Anyone interested in Valencia, living here, visiting or thinking of visiting should follow the HollyDay Daily and keep youself informed about everything Valencia. Read more...

 

If you are looking for accommodation in Valencia, be it hotels, apartments, hostels or private villas with pools then check out : Holiday Accommodation in Spain.com