The two autonomous communities of Valencia and Murcia form the area of Levante which lies along the Mediterranean coast between Cataluña in the north and Andalucía in the south.

The region of Valencia has one of the sunniest and warmest climates in Spain, making it a favourite year-round destination for tourists. Valencia and Murcia are sometimes known as the 'market garden of Spain', with acres of orange and lemon groves, orchards, fields of vegetables, vineyards and rice paddies- yes, this is the home of paella after all! Valencia has over 350 kilometres of stunning coastline and an interior of rugged mountains and gentle river valleys. The Communitat Valenciana incorporates the three provinces of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante.

Valencia the city is also the region's capital and is Spain's third largest city and one of its liveliest. Situated on the coast, with beaches on its own doorstep and many cultural and historical attractions, it is a popular tourist resort. In 2007 and 2010 Valencia hosted the America's Cup, making Valencia the yacht racing capital of the world. It is also the venue for European Formula One Grand Prix with a street circuit around the America's Cup port.

One of Valencia's major attractions is the world famous Falles festival (Las Fallas in Spanish) which takes place in March and is an event not to be missed. This consists of five days of festivities, one aspect of which is the 'ninots', the puppets/dolls which are ................ READ MORE ABOUT VALENCIA