Valencia

Spain's third-largest city, Valencia has a history stretching from the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Visigoths and, until 714, the Arabs. The city demonstrates a strong artistic flair and is currently crowned CIUDAD DE LAS ARTES Y LAS CIENCIAS.

The historical monuments lie close to each other in the area once enclosed within the city walls. These were demolished a century ago, but two impressive gates can still be admired.

La Lonja, the Silk Market was built in the 15th century by wealthy silk merchants. It's an exceptional Gothic-style building, from the imposing crenellated exterior to the vast interior hall, with spiral pillars rising up to the decorative elements in the vaulted ceiling.

The Ciudad de las Artes y la Ciencias (City of Arts and Sciences) is a cultural project completed in 2003 with four zones: the Reina Sofia Palace of the Arts, where opera performances are staged, the Hemisferic, where IMAX movies are shown, the Prince Felipe Science Museum, Agora - architect Santiago Calatrava - and finally the Oceanografic - architect

Felix Candela - the largest aquarium in Europe.

The Veles e Vent, a building constructed in 2007 for America's Cup yachting spectators, dominates the marina area - architects David Chipperfield and Fermin Vazquez.

These are just a small part of what a warm and welcoming city has to offer.