So, I'm back to Madrid this summer (all of July) and have a three day weekend free from my teaching gig. I'd like to see something different, would love to be near water, and am thinking of Valencia. Any idea how long that is by train? Is it a good choice for a middle-aged American (no discos) for me with lousy Spanish who likes to eat fish, or can someone recommend somewhere better. And by the way Jer, this message board is great.
Oh, and when the hell is the Euro exchange rate going to improve? Alan Greenspan, are you reading this message board? :cry:
It takes 3 1/2 hours if you go on the Alaris train and costs 37 euros. :z: The beach is nice and the water is warm , but Valencia isn`t that great. You will eat good seafood and great paella!!!! :s:
Does anyone have other recommendations. I've seen Madrid, Segovia, and Toledo, about had it with cathedrals :jeje: -- so what else should I see on a free weekend?
Dinty
Posts: 9 | Location: Altoona, PA, USA | Registered: 25 June 2003
I have to disagree with Gringa. I think Valencia is a nice city! Yes, it has a cathedral and all... but it is something different from the Castilla/Leon that you have seen (Toledo/Madrid/Segovia). One of my favorite places in the city is La Plaza de la Virgen.
They have turned the old river bed into an endless source of outdoor activities from botanical gardens to reflecting pools to athletic facilities...
That along with the "new" Ciudad de las Ciencias, outdoor theater etc... Valencia has plenty to explore.
If you are up for something smaller, I recommend a weekend trip to Pe�iscola which is in Castell�n. It has a lovely castle and beautiful beaches.
Don�t forget that Barcelona is also a very do-able weekend trip!
Try Castellon, it is right next to Valencia, there is a town call Benicasim, i love it, in the summer like around now, great see food, go to "El Grao" it is sort of an area, or just to Benicasim to " el pueblo" the village. Don�t know where you could stay for cheap, i know there are hostals, or bed&breakfasts. There are lots of terraces where you can have dinner outdoors at very reasonable prices, nice beach, specially if you go to the one by "El serradall" ummm what else, terraces at the beach itself. To get there i would catch the "auto res express" , it is a bus with 3 seats per row instead of 4 , and it is considerably cheaper than the Alaris. You catch it at "Conde Casal" the metro station. Hope it helps!!
Thanks and Regards<br /> Ruth and Thom
Posts: 20 | Location: madrid | Registered: 04 May 2004
with lousy Spanish who likes to eat fish, or can someone recommend somewhere better. And by the way Jer, this message board is great.
