we're driving to Spain, again, for holiday, staying near Valencia this time, never stayed in that area before, any info re places to visit within i hour of city and in city would be great.

we're driving to Spain, again, for holiday, staying near Valencia this time, never stayed in that area before, any info re places to visit within i hour of city and in city would be great.
Don't know much about it as a holiday destination but went to a conference there earlier in the year. Lovely city. Clean, friendly. Take time to have a look round it's cool.

Thanks Cath, we're actually staying further down, but while teenage daughters are doing the sunbathing/nightlife bit, OH and i are looking for some places to have a nosey round.

If you like beautiful beaches visit a little place called Javea about an hour away. You can snorkle there - it's gorgeous

I'll second that. I lived in Javea for 9 months a few years ago and the bay is really pictoresque and lovely in the evenings. There are two beaches, both are beautiful and clean but one is a pebbled beach. Its a few years since I was there but it was a classy place. The Northern part of Alicante is a lot greener than the Southern part. You don't say when you are going but there are some excellent fiestas with fantastic 3D firework displays in Javea and also surrounding areas.

There are some interesting places nearby, Altea is very pretty with a lot of Moorish influence - only a small place but lovely views as its very high (hence the name!).

Javea and Altea were where we always went for scenic days out when I was staying with my parents in Oliva! They are both beautiful.

If you like beautiful beaches visit a little place called Javea about an hour away. Don't tell everyone that, it's rubbish, and the Arenel is smelly, especially at breakfast time and especially don't go to Achill or Mesena at night.

No.. give Javea a very wide berth :)

Don't tell everyone that, it's rubbish, and the Arenel is smelly, especially at breakfast time and especially don't go to Achill or Mesena at night.

No.. give Javea a very wide berth :)

Sorry I was thinking of somewhere else. Javea is where all the abandoned coal mines and the sewer works are isn't it?

... and the mutant killer jellyfish.

I went two months ago. To Valencia city and also to a place called Xativa in the hills inland. It has a huge castle on the hilltop which is quite picturesque.

Valencia has lovely little Gothic backstreets, much like Barcelona's gothic quarter, only not so teeming with tourists.

I lived near Valencia for years. It's a good city, friendly people and excellent nightlife. Don't park your car in town with British plates though, or it will most probably get broken into.