article_snippet: the market is in a glorious art nouveau building in the old quarter, with more than 500 stalls selling every Spanish food imaginable.
article_snippet: You can also explore the famous rice fields of the Albufera National Park, just 15 minutes outside Valencia.
article_snippet: You can take a boat trip on the vast lagoon or enjoy the pine-fringed, wild beaches and restaurants of nearby El Saler village.
article_snippet: Valencia has fantastic white beaches, too, just five minutes from the city centre.
article_snippet: There are endless orange tree patios (proper orange juice everywhere); walks along the former Turia riverbed; the Unesco listed Lonja (silk hall), which dates to1548; and superb shopping, including five El Corte Ingles department stores.
article_snippet: Balconies of intricate metal designs and specialist cafes called horchaterias, with marble-topped tables serving a traditional Valencian drink made from tiger nuts and sugar, remind me this is the real Spain.
article_snippet: Kirker Holidays (020 7593 1899, www.kirkerholidays.com) has three nights at Melia Plaza Hotel from £559 per person, based on two sharing, including flights from Gatwick, private transfers and B&B. Paella classes cost from £50 (www.escueladearrocesypaellas.com); four-day Paella Project from £475, including accommodation (www.thespanishthymetraveller.com).
highlights_snippet: Valencia has fantastic beaches an easy hop from from the city centre .