Playa Almarda Mar Azul

When you are on holidays in Spain one can expect that good food and incredible architectural gems often come hand-in-hand. If you are a foodie interested in setting a great atmosphere for your meals and you gave decided to find a vacation rental in Valencia, for example, you should definitely set aside some time to pay a visit to the Mercado de Colón, or Mercat de Colom (Columbus Market). This stunning and key example of the Valencian Art Nouveau style is a gorgeous historic gem that houses a vibrant and brilliant market within and is, therefore, a must for the most discerning of food lovers who have found a villa in Valencia and are exploring the culinary heritage of the region.

Located right in the historic core of the city of Valencia, between Colón street and Gran Vía Marqués de Turia, the Colón market has been declared an official national monument and was designed by Valencian architect Francisco Mora Berenguer between 1914 and 1916. Since 1890, residents and business owners in the neighbourhood had been petitioning for a more permanent market structure but work did not begin until Mora was commissioned despite earlier proposals for the building by other architects. Ultimately, the project was awarded to Mora in 1913 and he finally satisfied the board with his various alterations to the plans according to their needs and preferences. 

A villa in Valencia is just the thing for those looking to plan a perfect sun holiday in Spain or an idyllic sun-drenched getaway, in general. However, while the beaches and seaside resorts and party towns of Valencia are famous around the globe and present many brilliant reasons to plan a vacation in the area, there is much more to the region. Steeped in history that stretches back millennia, with reminders and leftovers dotted throughout the rich cultural heritage of the region from the various peoples who have lived there at various points throughout the centuries (including the Celts, Romans, Moors, and more), there are endless fascinating tourist attractions to visit. From extravagant palaces to lush parks, elaborate fountains to pretty churches, and architectural gems to incredible galleries, culture vultures who find a villa in Valencia will quickly realise that there is plenty to enrich the mind and lots of stunning places to nip into for a few hours and shelter from the hottest part of the day. Among such tourist attractions, one that is an absolute must for art-lovers, in particular, is the Museu de Belles Arts de València, or the Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia, in the city of Valencia.

Valencia is a beautiful region in Spain that offers visitors the perfect combination of sun, sand, and sea. With its stunning coastline, historic architecture, and vibrant culture, it's no surprise that Valencia is a popular destination for holidaymakers. However, there is one very important aspect of Valencia that should never get overlooked - its incredible culinary heritage! If you are a foodie looking for a truly unique culinary experience during your holiday in Valencia, then look no further than the region's most famous dish: paella.

Paella is a rice-based dish that originated in Valencia, with some suggesting it developed from the 8th century tradition of the servants of Moorish kings bringing home leftover rice, meat, and vegetables and combining them into a dish. It then became a lunchtime meal staple that was long eaten by farmers and farm labourers. By the mid-19th century, it became something closer to the modern iteration with more varieties in ingredients and the name paella becoming firmly attached to the dish.