The third-largest city in Spain is Valencia, and it stands out as one of the most popular locations on the Iberian Peninsula. This is due to its stunning coastline, plenty of intriguing attractions, and a wide variety of options for day trips. Up to 2.5 million tourists visit the city of Valencia annually. With such a large number of visitors, there aren’t many locations that can be considered the true hidden jewels of Valencia, which most tourists are unaware of. In this piece, we will show you a distinct side of the city. This part will be jam-packed with secret sites and activities that tourists in Valencia do not often associate with.
Suppose you prefer to avoid popular sites with the general public and love venturing off the beaten path. In that case, you will definitely enjoy this article.
1. The Archaeological Museum.
Archaeological Museum is in the heart of the city, close to some of Valencia’s most well-known tourist destinations. People often disregard the museum, perhaps because it is underground and constructed adjacent to a massive archeological excavation. The glass ceiling on the top side of the building creates the illusion of a water pool when viewed from street level.
Within the museum’s walls, you will find some of the most significant archaeological discoveries made in Valencia. The list includes various relics from the Arab, Visigoth, and Roman invasions, including past structures, ancient coins, ceramics, and more.
2. La Finca Roja.
Are you searching for a neighborhood that is less frequented by tourists and is quiet? Do you want to relax and go on adventures away from the main streets in the city? La Finca Roja is an excellent choice. This residential area is located east of the main rail station.
Although someone built the area in 1933, it only includes significant historical sites like some of Valencia’s other districts. However, its stunning architecture is well-known, featuring red-brick facades, green tiles covering an entire city block, and attractive coffee shops.
3. La Estrecha: The Narrowest Building in Europe.
4. Casa de los Gatos.
The Cat Home, also known as La Casa de los Gatos, is a small home in El Carmen that provides a sanctuary for stray cats and other animals. In 2003, an artist from the area named Alfonso Yuste Navarro created an artistic facade for the location and gave it the moniker “el casa de los Gatos.” At that point, stray cats had lived there for several years.
This event made the small home one of the city’s most peculiar locations, and it unquestionably deserves a spot on our list of activities not associated with tourism in Valencia.
5. El Saler Beach.
6. Experience the Arab Baths.
The ancient Arab baths, which date back to the 18th century, are one of the most notable structures from Valencia’s Moorish heritage. The bathhouse was constructed in the early 13th century. Historians estimate that the Moorish period saw the construction of more than ten bathhouses in Valencia. However, only this particular bathhouse has survived the test of time.
Interestingly, people continued to use the baths until the middle of the 20th century, 500 years after the Reconquista. The Arab bathhouse has maintained most of its original character despite being recently renovated. If you are interested in history, you should include this location.
7. The Portal de la Valldigna.
The Portal de la Valldigna is one of the oldest historical sites in the region. It is situated in El Carmen, amidst other historical landmarks, in the heart of a quiet backstreet. The structure was constructed in the latter half of the 14th century. For some time, it served as a gateway that divided the Christian and Moorish sections of the city.
The gateway was rather dismal until the middle of the 20th century when it was finally repaired and protected.
