Why you want to make your next trip to Valencia

It is a luxury problem that I hear so many girlfriends sigh about. Of course, we hardly dare to say it out loud and of course we know that we face bigger challenges, but really: the freedom in the form of travel is missed.

More than ever, I flip through National Geographic, search for travel hashtags, and scroll down on Instagram to find old snapshots of ‘that one fun trip.’ Looking back at the time when everything was still normal feels strangely comforting. And then I suddenly saw snapshots from Valencia. Myself cruising on a little bike, completely happy. And then suddenly you think: damn, I miss Valencia! It really is one of the most relaxed, green cities I know.

Unforced. Cozy. Safe. Young. Healthy: a small selection of terms I think of when I think of Valencia. On one hand, it’s a very vibrant city that is alive and where you can find the best tapas bars, but at the same time, it’s not as hysterical and pickpocket-sensitive as most tourist cities. Valencia has no real world-famous major highlights that tourists sprint to with their selfie sticks. Maybe that’s the best thing about the city: everything is possible, everything is allowed, you ‘don’t have to’ do anything.

Still, the city has plenty of special places. The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències for example. You probably know it from your photos. It’s a kind of futuristic mega-complex that is completely contrary to the rest of the architecture, but that’s what makes it so fun. I can still see myself sitting against a tree in the Jardín del Turia. New Yorkers have Central Park, the Valencians have the nine-kilometer-long Jardín del Turia as the cherry on top. A typical park where everyone chills, bikes, jogs, picnics; you name it.

Then just head to the beach (Valencia has three beaches) and end the evening on the terrace with a large pan of paella. Oh, and talking about food: if you ever go that way, eat at Casa Montaña. It’s located on Calle José Benlliure. Eating authentic dishes among the locals is guaranteed. Oh, and those marinated squid and the stuffed peppers with tuna? Heaven. On. Earth.

Okay Kiek, wow, note to self: are you now enjoying a vacation in hindsight? HAHA. The shame is gone. Or by the way, maybe it’s just anticipation. As soon as it’s possible again: vamos a Valencia, chicas.