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

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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

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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:

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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.