This Mediterranean region, located south of Cataluña, is famous for its magnificent orange groves and the beauty of its long beaches. There has been a harmonious blending of Mediterranean traditions here while the centuries of Moorish presence have resulted in a profound Hispano-Moorish heritage.
Valencia is the capital of the region. It is world famous for its unique fiesta of Saint Joseph, known as "Las Fallas", when enormous papier-mache sculptures are set ablaze. The city has a priceless Gothic-style architectural heritage, including the Lonja and El Miguelete, the cathedral bell tower.
The Valencian Coast lies alongside the capital, and a short distance away are two enormous beaches. It also includes other tourist centres such as Cullera, Gandia and Oliva.
La Costa Azahar (Orange-blossom Coast) stretches to the North of Valencia alongside the province of Castellon. Its most important tourist centres are Vinaroz, Benicarlo, Peñiscola, Alcoceber, Oropesa and Benicasim. Of special interest in the zone are:
Castellon, with its Santa Maria cathedral and the impressive ashlar-stone façade of the City Hall Building.
Peñiscola, a village located on a high promontory that is dominated by a medieval castle, within the walls of which are houses and streets creatively positioned to take advantage of the scarce, irregular terrain.
Oropesa, which preserves the so-called Tower of the King, built in the 16th Century.
The Desierto de Las Palmas Carmelite Convent, located inland on the same latitude as Benicasim.
Alicante, the capital of the province of the same name, is the second most important city in the Community of Valencia. Located south of Valencia, the city has two large beaches and is dominated by the great Moorish castle of Santa Barbara, with its marvelous view of the entire date-tree-dotted city.
La Costa Blanca, which runs alongside the region of Alicante, is one of the most popular tourist zones in Spain thanks to its excellent installations and magnificent, large, fine-sand beaches.
Benidorm is one of the most important tourist cities in Spain. It has two splendid, well maintained beaches, an excellent hotel infrastructure and a nightlife full of attractions.
Other important tourist centres of the Costa Blanca are Denia, Javea, Moraira, Calpe, Santa Pola, Guardamar de Segura, Torrevieja and Campoamor.
Of special interest in this zone is the Rock of Ifach in Calpe, an enormous rocky spur jutting out into the sea. It is one of the most impressive natural formations on the Mediterranean coastline.
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