Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VALENCIA TO MORELLA
FOOD FOR BODY & SOUL
Begin in
(1) Valencia
. Its jaw-dropping Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias is the
perfect complement to the charming Barrio del Carmen, while its cathedral, which
showcases the major architectural genres from centuries of European history, has
sweeping summit views and contains what could be the Holy Grail. At least once,
order a paella (Valencia and its hinterland are where paella was born and are still
home to the most authentic paellas in Spain) and spend a night prowling the bars of
the Barrio del Carmen.
Journey north along the coast and, just as you begin to despair of the over-devel-
opment, stop off in
(2) Peñíscola
and let yourself be drawn into the quiet embrace
of its castle and medieval byways. Venture inland to the secluded El Maestrazgo re-
gion where you'll find
(3) Morella
, an ancient fortified town strewn with monuments
and restaurants serving up the hearty mountain cooking for which Valencia province
is famous.
VALENCIA TO CARTAGENA
FAR FROM THE
MADDING CROWD
Tens of millions of visitors may converge on the region every year, but the vast ma-
jority of these head for the coast and scarcely move thereafter. This itinerary shows
you what they're missing.
After a day spent sampling the delights of
(1) Valencia
, head down the N340 to
(2) Xàtiva
with its epic castle, cool mountain air and expansive views. Veer south,
then southwest to
(3) Villena
, another town with a medieval castle that's at its best
when floodlit at night. Continue on to
(4) Elche
and spend at least half a day here
pretending you're Lawrence of Arabia riding your camel (well OK, bicycle) through
the most extensive palm groves in Europe. Just across the provincial border,
(5)
Murcia
is a window on urban Spain without the tourists; you could spend hours ad-
miring the newly renovated Real Casino de Murcia and the Gothic cathedral. A
short trip down the A30 brings you to
(6) Cartagena
, a study in late-19th-century
architecture, with a slew of Roman ruins set back from the water.
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