Another Trip to the perfect Spainish city – Valencia
Valencia. Just the name conjures up sunshine, vibrant colours, delicious paella, and that irresistible blend of ancient charm and modern marvel.
It’s a city that has firmly cemented its place as our absolute favourite in Spain, and after our first couple of exhilarating visits, we knew it wouldn’t be long before Alma, our trusty Adria, was pointed in its direction once more.
This time,like last, we planned our stay at Camping Nomadic (GPS: 39.54859°N, -0.34434°W), just north of the city in Albalat dels Sorells.
We were still hearing good things about this motorhome-friendly site, and once again it didn’t disappoint.
It offers spacious pitches, modern, spotless facilities (hot showers are always a win!), and the crucial benefit of easy access to the city without having to wrestle Alma through the urban jungle.
A short stroll took us to the metro station, and a quick, cheap ride later, we were right in the heart of Valencia.
The freedom to explore by day and retreat to the peaceful, secure embrace of Nomadic by night was truly ideal. Plus, with a supermarket and local amenities within walking distance, it felt like a perfect little home base.
Our primary mission for this return visit? A deeper dive into the magnificent Oceanogràfic, Europe’s largest aquarium, a jewel in the crown of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences.
We’d been captivated on our first visit, but with its sheer scale and incredible diversity of marine life, we knew one visit simply wasn’t enough.
Stepping back into the Oceanogràfic was just as awe-inspiring as we remembered.
The architectural brilliance of Félix Candela’s design, resembling a collection of water lily pads, is a spectacle in itself.
We started our journey through the various ecosystems, from the chilly Arctic, where we spent ages watching the graceful beluga whales glide through their enormous habitat, to the bustling Tropics, alive with vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of fish.
The highlight, once again, was the Oceans area, with its incredible underwater tunnel. Swimming above and around us were majestic sharks – Sand Tiger, Grey Reef, and Nurse sharks – along with impressive rays, creating a truly immersive and slightly thrilling experience.
We also spent more time exploring the quieter exhibits this time around. The Wetlands sphere, a towering aviary simulating American mangroves and Mediterranean marshes, was a peaceful haven filled with elegant flamingos and other wetland birds.
The Mediterranean Aquarium offered a fascinating glimpse into the rich biodiversity of Spain’s own surrounding seas. It’s truly incredible how much thought and detail has gone into recreating these diverse marine environments.
As the day drew to a close, and our heads were brimming with images of everything from tiny seahorses to giant walruses, we made our way back to Alma at Camping Nomadic. Valencia continues to charm and surprise us, and the Oceanogràfic remains an absolute must-see.
This second visit felt even more rewarding, allowing us to delve deeper into its wonders. It’s safe to say, our love affair with Valencia, and our trusty Adria, is far from over.
We’re already dreaming of the next time Alma points her nose towards Spain’s sun-drenched east coast.
Paul.