L`Horta properties for sale in
Valencia. Where to go.
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 L'Horta
is a mix of urban landscape and countryside, of agricultural and industrial
activity and also friendly, extrovert and hospitable people. The market
garden stretches up to the asphalt, with the architecture an eclectic
combination of modern buildings, elegant city domes, and ancient farmhouses
with the sea reaching as far as the orange tree's roots.
This region toasts its visitors with a thousand
and one possibilities - tasting the well prepared local dishes, it is after
all the home of paella (as rice is still grown here, the paddy fields are
extensive), buying famous ceramic and porcelain in its place of origin,
practicing tennis, golf, sailing, visiting the museums and discovering a
little about its history through its many monuments.
L'Horta literally embraces its capital -
Valencia. During the 14th and 15th centuries Valencia was the
cultural and economic capital of the Mediterranean area. The main trade
routes passed through Valencia and it was a thriving period for artists and
writers.
 Valencia
can now be considered a European cultural capital due to its continued
investment in the arts and culture in general. Massive projects in this area
include the building of new avenues, museums, cultural centres, the
restoration of the old city, the building of concert halls, convention
centres, the extension of the city to include spectacular views of the
Mediterranean sea from the new promenade and, most spectacularly, the
investment in the future of science and technology in the City of Arts and
Sciences.
Alboraya – is a good
place to start the day with a typical Valencian breakfast of ¨horchata and
fartons¨! Just north of the Capital where the ancient art of farming
`chufas’ (a type of bean) which is dried and then made into a drink –
horchata – dates back to the times of the Arabs. Fartons are a sweet type
of pastry.
Port Saplaya on the
coast is not to be missed with its pretty houses surrounding the inner
harbour and its good beach.
For more serious minded sailors then the larger
port of La Pobla de Farnals
further up the coast has even more to offer. There is a yacht club and a
lively town as well as Patacona
beach.
For Luxury shopping the world famous Lladro
porcelain comes from Tavernes Blanques
which is inland.
Back to the coast we find
Puçol which again offers
water sports a small yachting marina and Valencia’s only Casino which is on
a hill overlooking the sea next to the 5 star hotel in
Monte Picayo both of
which are well worth visiting.
Nearby in El Puig
one finds the impressive monastery, which was started in the 13th
century. It houses the first book, which was edited in Spain in 1474.
Going back to the city passing the orange groves
we find on the outskirts Godella
and Rocafort. Once
used as an escape from the city in the summer, but are now prime residential
areas.
 Towards the south of Valencia is the famous nature
reserve of la Albufera
with its paddy fields, lakes, rivers and houses with thatched roofs. Not
far from El Saler
beach and its famous hotel is its prestigious 18 hole Golf Course.
In urban towns such as
Sedavi, Benetusser,
Alfafar and
Catarroja more than 40%
of Spain’s national furniture is produced resulting in a huge shopping
experience for those wishing to furnish their homes
Passing through the towns of
Silla,
Albal and
Picassent with their
famous Arab towers we go through Aldaia
well known for its fans and arrive at Quart de
Poblet and Alaquas
who make the best clay cooking pots in the area (as well as handcrafted
fans)! After all this shopping a stroll to see the convent and the castle
would be of interest.
Through Picanya
on the way to Torrent
are many pine forests and restaurants which specialise in charcoal grilled
meat and paellas.
Following the river
Turia we come to
Paterna which from the13th to 15th
century competed with Manises
as the ceramic capital, but is now content with being known as the fireworks
capital!
Manises is the main
ceramic centre of Spain and even in the 15th century supplied the
Royal household. A visit to the museum is a must even if you can shop no
more! This is where Valencia’s airport is to be found, as well as a 9 hole
golf course.
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