Paella & pyrotechnics – A Valencia walking tour with photographer Paul Knowles

In this episode we’re talking and walking Spain’s third biggest city – the beautiful Mediterranean city of Valencia. Guiding us around Valencia is photographer and guide, Paul Knowles who runs his own walking private tour, Streets of Valencia.

In the episode Paul talks history and reveals some of Valencia’s most important sights, including the Catedral de Santa María de Valencia, La Lonja de la Seda – a beautiful 15th-century Gothic silk exchange, the Palace of the Marqués de Dos Aguas a Rococo nobility palace with its elaborate facade.

Then on to the Central Market of Valencia where we see what fresh produce is on offer. Next, the Serranos Gate, one of the twelve entrances to Valencia that formed part of the ancient city wall. From there we head to the lively neighbourhood of Russafa (Ruzafa in Valenciano) to check out the bar and restaurant scene.

Of course we head to Valencia’s various beaches too and en route stop off at the city’s Turia Gardens, an eight kilometre long park that winds through the Valencia, once a river that was diverted because of the serious flooding it inflicted on the city. In the Turia Gardens we admire the imposing futuristic architecture of the numerous buildings that form the Park of Arts & Sciences.

Along the way we look at food and drink options including the famous Valencian dish- Paella. Paul advises when and where to eat it and how to spot an authentic one. Valencia is full of oranges – so it’s apt then to try an Agua de Valencia – Cava, Orange juice and Gin or Vodka. To finish off, we talk Las Fallas, Valencia’s annual feria of fire and fireworks like no other festival in Spain.

To book one of Paul’s walking tours which include a set of professionally taken photos around the city, visit https://www.streetsofvalencia.com and to see Paul´s fantastic photography of Valencia follow him on Instagram streetsofvalenciatour

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