SPANISH DELIGHT

Marty O'Neill heads to the Spanish town of Valencia.

- Marty O'Neill

DID YOU KNOW?

The port of Valencia generates over 50 per cent of Spain's GDP. It's mind blowing that over half of Spain's working population is connected to the port in some way.

Spain has numerous stunning and vibrant cities, but the one that seemed to offer so much for me has to be its third largest, Valencia. Nearly every box for me was ticked with this lively city. Open spaces - check. Easy access to a good beach check! Good food and a mouthwatering food tour with a banquet in a 10th century hidden church - check!

THINGS TO SEE & DO

Founded way back in 138 BC by the Romans, you're not going to run out of things to see and explore in Valencia.

The town has many inviting public areas in the old town and new, with the hustle and bustle of everyday city life never too far away from these relaxing spaces such as the Botanical Gardens, the Jardines de Viveros and Turia Park.

Turia Park gives you the feel that it naturally runs to the sea, because it was once a mighty river. When the city suffered catastrophic floods back in the 1950s, the powers of the time decided to divert the river around the city, and after many crazy suggestions, they opted to turn the old river bed into a park. A stunningly beautiful green area that Valencia's residents seem to use to the max.