From Madrid to Valencia

If you're dreaming of a sun-kissed adventure in Spain, then Valencia should be on the top of your list! From its stunning beaches to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Valencia stole my heart from the moment I arrived. Valencia was our favorite place that we had visited in Spain and I would recommend at least 3 nights here as there is so much to see and explore. If you're planning your first trip to Spain, here is how my boyfriend Christopher and I did it as my first-ever trip abroad.

Second Stop: Valencia

Temperature:

Valencia, being closer to the coast than Madrid, was by far the most humid place we visited. And let me tell you, it was no joke!

As we stepped out of our hotel room, we were greeted by the sweltering heat that made us feel like we were walking through a sauna. Within just five minutes, we were drenched in sweat!

Staying hydrated became our top priority during our time in Valencia. We also made sure to dress in light, breathable clothing to beat the heat and keep ourselves as comfortable as possible. You can view my travel essentials for Spain here.

Despite the humidity, we were determined to make the most of our time in this vibrant city. We wandered the charming streets, marveling at the stunning architecture, indulged in the local cuisine, and soaked up the Mediterranean vibes on the beautiful beaches. Yes, there were moments when we felt like we were melting, but the memories we made were absolutely priceless.

How We Got There:

As a new traveler, I was a little nervous about navigating the train system, but it turned out to be a breeze. We decided to take the train from Madrid to Valencia because we heard the views along the way were amazing, and thanks to Spain's high-speed train system, the ride was only 1 hour and 35 minutes!

We waited until the day before our departure to buy our train tickets. The Madrid Atocha train station was stunning and filled with live plants, but it was also super busy. We waited in line for about 40 minutes just to buy our tickets from an automated machine.

*Travel tip: don't forget to bring your passport, as it's required to purchase train tickets in Spain.

With our tickets in hand, we returned the next day for our actual train ride.

Finding the right platform to board our train was a bit confusing, as the station was massive, and everything was in Spanish. I had to ask for help from a few people, but not many of them spoke English. Oh, and here's another thing I learned about traveling in Europe - you might have to pay to use the restroom in some public spaces, like the Atocha station, so make sure you have some Euros handy.

To access the platform, we had to pass through a security check, similar to an airport, where we had to load our bags into a metal detector. It was a unique experience for just riding a train, but it was reassuring to see the extra precautions being taken. Once through security, we entered a large waiting room where we had to wait for our train number and time before lining up to have our tickets scanned and board the train.

When we arrived in Valencia, we had to catch another bus from the train station to the main train station in the city. Fortunately, there was a small bus shuttle right outside where we got off.

When you arrive at the main train station in Valencia, there is another free bus shuttle out front of the station that will bring you all around the outskirts of the downtown city in Valencia. But here's a travel tip we learned the hard way - on the free bus in Valencia, the bus won't stop unless you pull the stop cable. We missed our stop and had to walk back, oops!

Once we reached the city center of Valencia, we realized that cars weren't allowed unless you were staying at a hotel with a pass. So if you're renting a car like we did, make sure your hotel has parking and provides a pass to drive into the city, or you'll have to park outside and walk in. It's good to be prepared!

Overall, our train journey in Spain was a great experience, although navigating the stations and language barriers could be a bit challenging for new travelers like us.

Where we stayed:

Our adventure began with high hopes as we checked into the Hotel Ad Hoc Carmen, a historical gem from the late 15th century nestled in Valencia's old town. I was captivated by the charm and uniqueness of this place when I booked it, but little did I know that getting our roller bags across the cobblestone streets in the sweltering 90-degree heat and 100% humidity would be a nightmare! Note to self: pack lighter next time and opt for backpacks instead of roller bags.

As we entered our room, I was greeted with a blast of heat and a feeble attempt at air conditioning from a small unit that barely worked. The room was sparse, with only a bed, a desk, and a small bathroom. The window opened up to the street, which was a cool feature during the day, but it made me nervous about security at night, as it had just one latch to keep the shutter doors closed. Being a light sleeper, I soon realized that the hotel had zero soundproofing, and I spent most of the night tossing and turning, listening to the noises of other guests. Suffice it to say, this was not my ideal accommodation.

We had originally planned to stay only one night in Valencia, as we had heard that there wasn't much to do in this town. But as soon as we arrived, we were smitten by its beauty and charm, and we decided to extend our stay. So we bid adieu to Hotel Ad Hoc Carmen and found a new haven at the Plaza Mercado, right in the heart of Valencia. This modern hotel was a breath of fresh air, with clean, quiet rooms and efficient air conditioning that actually worked! One interesting quirk we noticed about hotels in Spain was that they required us to keep our room key in a slot in the wall to keep the AC running, to conserve energy. The staff at Plaza Mercado were friendly and helpful throughout our entire stay, and we instantly fell in love with the location. Stepping outside the hotel, we were right in the midst of the city center, surrounded by restaurants, bars, and shops. It was perfect for exploring and experiencing everything Valencia had to offer. We loved this hotel so much that we ended up booking an additional night, making our total stay in Valencia three nights of bliss.

The Rental Car

So, let me tell you about our Spanish adventure! We were lucky enough to have Christopher's family who owns a condo in Moraira, Spain, and they generously let us stay there for a whole week. That's why we decided to make Spain our vacation destination. Our original plan was to spend 3 nights in Madrid, then 1 night in Valencia, and then rent a car to drive to Moraira from Valencia for the rest of the week. But, as it often happens during travels, we changed our minds and decided to extend our stay in Valencia for another three nights. That meant we needed to figure out what to do with the rental car.

We picked up the rental car from Hertz on our second day in Valencia and called the hotel where we were staying. They told us they had one spot left in their parking garage, but warned us that it was tight and could only fit a small car. Luckily, we had rented the smallest car we could find, so we knew it would fit. The hotel instructed us to drive up to the city center and onto the cobblestone streets to their location, and then call them when we were out front so they could help us park. Sounds easy, right? Well, it was a bit more challenging than we expected.

Driving into the city center felt like driving on a sidewalk, with people walking all around us. We had to patiently wait for pedestrians to move out of the way to let us through. Plus, being in the heart of the city and relying on my travel pass phone plan, my GPS was completely lost and couldn't guide us properly. We couldn't seem to find the hotel, and at this point, I was exhausted from a sleepless night and the heat was making it hard to think clearly. I told Christopher I would get out and walk around to see if I could find the hotel while he waited in the car.

I wandered around, but still had no luck. I finally decided to call the hotel and ask for help. To my relief, the guy who answered the phone was the same person who had helped us check in earlier, and he spoke English fluently. I tried my best to explain where I was, and he immediately knew and offered to come find us on foot. I couldn't express how grateful I was. Finally, I spotted him coming around the corner, and I was overjoyed! He got in the car with us and guided us back to the hotel. I can't praise the hotel staff enough for their friendliness and helpfulness. We would have been driving around aimlessly for hours if he hadn't come to our rescue.

What we ate:

Being a vegetarian, I was thrilled to discover that Valencia is a culinary haven with plenty of options for plant-based eats. Of course, I had to indulge in the local specialty - paella - but made sure to try the veggie version, which was bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables and aromatic spices.

Apart from paella, I also had some of the best Patatas bravas and queso croquettes in Valencia. The tapas scene here was on point, with many restaurants serving up delicious small plates that were perfect for sharing and trying a variety of flavors. I couldn't resist sampling different dishes at several eateries to fully immerse myself in the local cuisine.

One highlight of Valencia for food lovers like me was the Central Market. This bustling market was a paradise for the senses, with its vibrant stalls piled high with colorful fruits, fragrant cheeses, and savory cured meats. I couldn't resist picking up some fresh fruits and pastries to snack on as we explored the city. One of my favorite finds was the ice-cold fresh fruit smoothies available at every counter, which were a refreshing treat on a hot day.

Exploring the neighborhoods of Valencia was also a culinary adventure. Ruzafa, in particular, stole my heart with its bohemian vibe, street art, and hipster cafes. Wandering through its narrow streets, I stumbled upon quirky boutiques and cozy cafes where I could unwind and savor more delectable bites. The combination of artsy ambience and scrumptious food made Ruzafa a must-visit spot for me during my time in Valencia.

What we did:

Our first day arriving in Valencia we wandered the streets of the old town and fell in love with the architecture. The buildings were adorned with doors of various colors, each one more charming than the next. It was like stepping into a fairytale, unlike anything I had ever seen back in America. But little did we know that the best was yet to come.

As we wandered, we stumbled upon a lively street festival that was unlike anything I had ever seen. The streets were filled with dancers in traditional outfits, and the air was filled with music and laughter. It was one of those unexpected moments that make traveling so magical. We found a cozy restaurant along the parade route and settled in to savor the moment with some sangria and tapas. The sangria was the best I had ever tasted, and the tapas were bursting with flavors that left me craving for more. It was a truly unforgettable experience and one of my favorite moments of the trip.

The rest of our time in Valencia was spent exploring the streets, popping into boutiques and vintage stores that were scattered throughout the city. Every corner held a new surprise, and I was captivated by the unique charm of Valencia. The boutiques were filled with local crafts, and the vintage stores were treasure troves of one-of-a-kind finds. I could have spent hours getting lost in the labyrinth of streets, discovering hidden gems at every turn.

Three days in Valencia were simply not enough to fully explore all that this city had to offer, but we made the most of our time there. I fell in love with Valencia and its vibrant culture, and I am already dreaming of returning one day to continue my love affair with this beautiful city. If you're planning a trip, I would highly recommend allocating at least 2-3 days to truly immerse yourself in the magic of Valencia. Trust me, it's worth it.

Next Stop: Moriaria.