After the wedding we enjoyed a pit stop at my second home in La Vila. Precious time to catch up with family and recharge the batteries. I got a Father’s Day paella with the kids at Restaurant Madrid and snagged a new helmet before heading up to Valencia.
Early check-in mid-morning (thank you MYR Puerta Serranos) then a short walk to Mercado Central for photos and some fat oysters at one of the fish stalls followed by the best lunch of the trip at Ricard Camarena’s tapas joint – outstanding. Seated next to a lovely couple from California who shared stories of life under the mango Mussolini. Heartrending.
Lunch was followed by the sensory overload of Valencia Cathedral, the beautiful Art Nouveau train station (next to the bull ring) and a tranquil modern arts museum. More tapas and late-night cocktails in El-Carmen to finish.
An action-packed day that barely scratched the surface. Valencia needs more time.
Hotel good - MYR Puerta Serranos 4* in El Carmen neighbourhood. Best eats – lunch at Central Bar by Ricard Camarena (local Michelin star chef) in Mercado Central. Best drinks – lots of fun bars in El Carmen (Botanista good for late night cocktails). Best sights – Mercado Central, Estació del Nord (Art Nouveau station), La Catedral del Santo Cáliz (cathedral of the holy grail), IVAM- Valencian Institute of Modern Art.
100 miles from Villajoyosa. 2 hours riding early morning on coast road and motorway in a new helmet. Rookie errors – none.