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Geography
Location	Valencia – Valencian Community – Spain
Latitude	39.4645225
Longitude	-0.3617881
Altitude	22 meters
Orientation

Information
Owner	Comunitat Valenciana
Camera	Hikvision
Visitors	17 349 visits

Details
Format	3K 6 Megapixels
Category	City

Informations

Located on the southeastern coast of Spain, along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, the province of Alicante — called Alacant in Valencian — is part of the Valencian Community.

It is a land of contrasts where golden beaches meet rugged mountains, where age-old traditions blend with vibrant modernity, and where historical heritage merges harmoniously with a leading tourism industry.

The provincial capital, also named Alicante, radiates across a vast and diverse territory, from the fertile plains of the Vega Baja del Segura to the limestone peaks of the Sierra de Aitana.

Blessed with a particularly mild Mediterranean climate, with over 300 days of sunshine per year, the province attracts both tourists in search of relaxation and European residents seeking a superior quality of life.

Its iconic seaside resorts such as Benidorm, Torrevieja, Altea, or Calpe are world-famous, offering long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and a highly developed tourist infrastructure.

Benidorm, in particular, surprises with its vertical skyline of seaside skyscrapers, contrasting with the picturesque villages found inland.

But Alicante is not just about the coast. The hinterland reveals a more secret face, marked by authentic rural life, olive and almond groves, troglodyte caves, and hilltop villages like Guadalest or Biar.

Natural parks such as the Serra Gelada, the Salinas of Santa Pola, or the wetlands of El Hondo showcase the region’s ecological wealth, delighting hikers, birdwatchers, and photographers alike.

Historically, the province bears the legacy of a rich past shaped by Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, and especially Muslims, who left profound marks visible in the architecture, place names, and irrigation systems.

Ruined castles line the ridges, like those of Villena or Sax — remnants of a time when Muslim and Christian kingdoms vied for control of these fertile lands.

The Christian reconquest led by the kingdoms of Aragon and Castile left a lasting imprint on the province’s cultural identity, blending Catalan, Castilian, and Arab influences.

Economically, Alicante has traditionally relied on agriculture (notably citrus fruits, vineyards, almonds, and artichokes), industry (especially shoe manufacturing around Elche), and above all, tourism, which today stands as the main pillar.

The city of Elche, the province’s second largest urban area, is globally known for its thousand-year-old palm grove (El Palmeral), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and for its sacred theatrical tradition (El Misteri d’Elx), a unique medieval religious performance.

Alicantinian gastronomy is another major attraction, featuring a wide array of rice-based dishes, seafood, and olive oil.

Arroz a banda, caldero, octopus tapas, and turrones de Jijona (nougats) are among the region’s signature specialties.

Traditional festivals also play a central role in the province’s collective identity: the Hogueras de San Juan in Alicante, the Moros y Cristianos in Alcoy or Villajoyosa, and the Holy Week processions are just a few of the fervently celebrated events that bring communities together throughout the year.

With a modern transport network including Alicante-Elche International Airport (the fifth busiest in the country), a dense highway system, a coastal tram line, and high-speed rail (AVE) connections, the province is easily accessible from both Spain and the rest of Europe.

In summary, the province of Alicante captivates with its geographical diversity, quality of life, cultural and historical richness, and its unique ability to combine tradition with modernity.

It’s a land where, in a single day, you can swim in a crystal-clear cove, enjoy seafood rice with your feet in the sand, explore a thousand-year-old castle, and get lost in the whitewashed alleys of a hillside village.

An authentic, radiant, and multifaceted Spain, where every corner tells a story.

Comunitat Valenciana

The Comunitat Valenciana, or Valencian Community in English, is one of Spain’s seventeen autonomous communities. Located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula and bordered by the Mediterranean Sea, it spans over 23,000 km² and comprises three provinces: Alicante (Alacant), Valencia (València), and Castellón (Castelló). This territory, rich and contrasting in geography, combines paradisiacal beaches, rugged mountains, fertile plains, and traditional villages, all marked by a strong cultural identity, its own language — Valencian — and a millennia-old history.

Valencia, the regional capital, is a modern and dynamic metropolis, known for its architectural innovations such as the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, for its vibrant festivals like Las Fallas (listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage), and for its iconic gastronomy — especially paella, which originated in the nearby rice fields of La Albufera.

The Comunitat Valenciana enjoys an ideal Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and long, sunny summers, making it one of Europe’s top tourist destinations. Its coastline, known as the Costa Blanca in the south and the Costa del Azahar in the north, is dotted with famous seaside resorts: Benidorm, Dénia, Gandia, Peñíscola, Xàbia, Torrevieja, and Altea. Crystal-clear beaches, secluded coves, and marinas coexist with old fishermen’s quarters and lively promenades.

But beyond coastal tourism, the Comunitat Valenciana boasts an exceptional natural heritage. Natural parks such as Serra Calderona, Tinença de Benifassà, Sierra de Mariola, or the Desert de les Palmes offer countless outdoor activities: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, and birdwatching. The inland regions also harbor a mosaic of medieval villages, hilltop castles, hidden monasteries, and vibrant local festivals.

The region also preserves a rich archaeological and artistic heritage, inherited from successive civilizations: Iberians, Romans, Visigoths, Arabs, and later Christians. Cities like Sagunto, Elche, Orihuela, or Morella bear the traces of this historical diversity through ancient ruins, fortified walls, Gothic churches, and Baroque palaces.

Economically, the Comunitat Valenciana stands out with its solid entrepreneurial fabric, particularly in ceramics (around Castellón), agri-food, textiles, furniture, and shipbuilding industries. Agriculture thrives thanks to ancient irrigation systems: citrus fruits, almonds, rice, pomegranates, artichokes, and high-quality olive oil are exported throughout Europe.

Culture holds a central place in daily life. Valencià, the co-official language alongside Spanish, is taught in schools and spoken in regional media. Museums, contemporary art centers, music festivals (like FIB Benicàssim, Low Festival, or Rototom Sunsplash), and festive traditions (like the Festas de la Magdalena in Castellón or the Moros y Cristianos throughout the southern region) shape local life year-round.

The Comunitat Valenciana also looks to the future. It is committed to sustainability, innovation, and inclusion. Tourism is shifting toward more responsible forms, promoting ecotourism, rural, gastronomic, cultural, and sports tourism. Initiatives such as the "Mediterranew Musix" label, the enhancement of cycling routes, or the promotion of traditional festivals with respect for the environment reflect this desire to balance attractiveness with preservation.

Finally, thanks to its modern infrastructure — international airports (Alicante-Elche, Valencia, Castellón), a dense highway network, high-speed trains, and urban tram systems — the region is well-connected both within Spain and across Europe.

In summary, the Comunitat Valenciana is a land of light, culture, diversity, and passion. It enchants both visitors in search of sun and sea and those eager to discover an authentic, warm Spain, deeply rooted in its history and embracing modernity.

For more information, travel ideas, upcoming events, or personalized recommendations, the official website www.comunitatvalenciana.com is a valuable and comprehensive resource.

Valence

Presentation

Valencia (València in Valencian), the third largest city in Spain after Madrid and Barcelona, is a vibrant and charming Mediterranean city, capital of the Valencian Community and the seat of the province of the same name. Located on the eastern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, it offers a skilful blend of millennial history, architectural modernity, popular traditions, renowned gastronomy, and exceptional quality of life.

Founded by the Romans in 138 BC under the name Valentia Edetanorum, Valencia has a rich history marked by Iberian, Roman, Visigothic, Arab, and Christian influences. This past is still visible in its walls, streets, and iconic monuments. The historic center, one of the largest in Europe, is a maze of narrow and winding streets lined with ancient buildings, baroque churches, gothic palaces, and lively squares.

Among the must-sees, the Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange), a masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recalls the city's golden commercial age in the 15th century. Nearby, the Valencia Cathedral, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, blends Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles and houses in its Chapel of the Holy Chalice what some consider the true Holy Grail. The Miguelete, its famous octagonal bell tower, offers spectacular panoramic views over the entire city.

One of Valencia’s most unique features is the spectacular transformation of its former riverbed, the Turia, diverted following the great flood of 1957. This vast green space, now the Jardí del Túria, runs through the city for nearly 9 kilometers, offering an exceptional green corridor with gardens, bike paths, sports fields, playgrounds, and shaded promenades — perfect for residents and visitors alike.

At the end of this park lies one of the city’s contemporary symbols: the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències), a futuristic complex designed by Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava. This large ensemble includes several major cultural and scientific institutions: the Hemisfèric (IMAX cinema and planetarium), the Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe (interactive science museum), the Oceanogràfic (Europe’s largest aquarium), the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía (opera house), and the Umbracle (botanical garden and art promenade).

Valencia is also the city of paella, the emblematic dish of Spanish cuisine, born in the Albufera marshes just a few kilometers south of the city. This vast natural park features a unique ecosystem composed of lagoons, rice fields, dunes, and pine forests. Visitors can take boat rides, observe migratory birds, or taste traditional Valencian paella in surrounding villages like El Palmar.

The city also boasts a remarkable coastline with long, wide, and well-equipped urban beaches such as Playa de la Malvarrosa, Playa del Cabanyal, and Playa de la Patacona. Lined with lively promenades and dotted with restaurants, these beaches allow one to enjoy the Valencian summer just steps from downtown. The maritime district of El Cabanyal, a former fishing neighborhood, is undergoing a marked revival with the restoration of its colorful modernist houses and the development of an artistic and bohemian life.

Culturally, Valencia is particularly rich. Museums (Fine Arts Museum, IVAM – Museum of Modern Art, Fallas Museum…), performance halls, contemporary art centers, galleries, and festivals punctuate the year. But the most emblematic festival remains undoubtedly the Fallas, celebrated in March. For several days, the city turns into a vast popular theatre where huge sculptures made of cardboard and wood are erected in every neighborhood before being burned during the spectacular cremà. Listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, this festival combines satire, art, music, fire, and collective emotion.

Economically, Valencia is a major regional hub with an important seaport (the largest container port in Spain), an active industrial sector, a thriving technological innovation ecosystem, and a renowned university. The city also attracts an increasing number of teleworkers and creatives drawn by its climate, moderate cost of living, and quality of life.

Finally, Valencia is easily accessible: it has an international airport, a high-speed train station connecting Madrid in less than 2 hours, and a well-developed metro, tram, and bus network, making it a perfect hub to explore the rest of the Valencian Community and beyond.

In summary, Valencia is a city where the old dialogues with the contemporary, where nature integrates into the urban fabric, and where tradition coexists with avant-garde. It is a multifaceted destination: historic, gastronomic, festive, artistic, seaside, and technological. A Mediterranean city in all its splendor — charming, fascinating, and profoundly alive.

To plan your stay, discover events, book activities, or explore the city’s hidden gems, the official website www.comunitatvalenciana.com is a comprehensive and regularly updated resource.