#LAMARCAESCAPES Valencia by Marta Ortiz

"Valencia is known for its beautiful beaches, the paella and 'Las Fallas', our traditional festivities which we celebrate once a year, and we basically burn the city down." Marta Ortiz, a Spanish model and native of Valencia shares with us in this wellness guide the beautiful city from a different point of view. "I grew up in Valencia, surrounded by the smell of orange blossom and gunpowder," mentions Marta.

This city is a quick train or drive away from Madrid, making it an easy and ideal seaside escape.

WHAT TO DO: Valencia has great weather and everything is quite close to each other. The best thing to do is to rent a bike and cruise around the old part of the town and try out the horchata.

• Walk around El Carmen, the old part of the town.
• Visit el Mercado Central, you can grab an "aperitivo" at Ricard Camarena inside.
• Visit la Plaza de la Virgen and it’s cathedral.
• Cruise around El Río, a 11km park that goes along the town.
• Visit El Museo de las Artes y las Ciencias, Calatrava's beautiful masterpiece.
• Try la Horchata in Orxateria Santa Catalina.
• Visit El Palacio De Dos Aguas, impressive from outside and inside!
• Book a traditional boat ride to watch the sunset in l’Albufera.

WHERE TO EAT: You can’t leave Valencia without trying out the paella or the horchata, our traditional drink. Here’s a couple places you can’t miss!

• L’Alqueria del Pou: Perfect for foodies. The best are their duck or their crab rice.
• L’Establiment: A very typical place where locals go on Sundays to enjoy their paella looking right at L’Albufera.
• Arrocería Duna: Ideal to enjoy a meal right on the beach.
• Lambrusqueria: The best Italian food in Valencia!
• Canalla Bistro: A restaurant from Michelin star Ricard Camarena.
• Nozomi Sushi Bar: How about going to Japan while being in Valencia?

WHERE TO STAY:

• Hotel Helen Berger: A new scandinavian type of hotel.
• Hotel Caro: A very unique boutique hotel next to la Plaza de la Virgen.
• Hotel Palacio Vallier: A little bit of French savoir faire in Valencia.
• Parador el Saler: Perfect for golf lovers.
• Apartment rentals.

WHERE TO SHOP: Valencia is well known for its artisans. When cruising around the old part of the city, just lose yourself and discover hundreds of little shops where you will find baskets and made in Spain products. But if you also want to shop luxury items you can’t miss out on these stores!

• Chapeau
• Chapeau accessories
• Alfredo Esteve

WHY I LOVE IT: This is my hometown. I grew up surrounded by the smell of orange blossom and gunpowder.  It’s known for its beautiful beaches, the paella and "las Fallas", where we basically burn the city down. The weather in Valencia is great and everything is quite close to each other, so you can cruise around in a bike. There are many beautiful artisanal shops where you can find “Made in Spain” baskets and products. You must try the paella and the horchata!