The Valencia Region
The Valencia Region (also known as Levante in Spain) is an autonomous community in eastern Spain. It consists of three provinces: Castellón in the north, Valencia in the center, and Alicante in the south. The city of Alicante is also the capital of the Valencia Region. The Valencia Region borders four other regions, namely: Catalonia (north side), Murcia (south side), Castilla la-Manchá and Aragon (both on the west side).
The Valencia Region has an area of over 23,000 km² and a population of almost 6 million. The Valencia Region has a rich history and culture and is known for its beautiful coastline on the Mediterranean Sea, with the Costa Blanca as a popular tourist destination. In addition to the beaches, the region also offers a varied landscape, ranging from mountains to plains and a rich flora and fauna.
The name ‘Valencia’
The origin of the name Valencia is not entirely certain, but there are several theories about it. One theory is that the name comes from the Latin word “Valentia“, which means “strength” or “power.”
Another theory is that the name is derived from a Celtic tribe called the “Volcae“, who lived in the area before it was conquered by the Romans.
It has also been suggested that the name comes from the Arabic term “wadi al-sinaa“, which means “river of colorfulness” and refers to the Turia River that flows through Valencia.
Coasts
Spain has a total of 17 costas. Two of these costas are located in the Valencia Region: the Costa Blanca (of course) and the Costa del Azahar (Spanish for “Orange Blossom Coast”). The sea on this coast is also called the ‘Gulf of Valencia’.
Places
The Valencia Region has many places. Below is an overview of the 10 largest places (based on population) in the Valencia Region:
- Valencia (790,201 inhabitants);
- Alicante (337,482 inhabitants);
- Elche (232,517 inhabitants);
- Castellón de la Plana (179,705 inhabitants);
- Torrevieja (83,364 inhabitants);
- Orihuela (79,481 inhabitants);
- Gandía (77,156 inhabitants);
- Paterna (67,331 inhabitants);
- Benidorm (67,121 inhabitants);
- Alcoy (60,155 inhabitants).
On vacation
- By plane: Valencia Airport is the main gateway to the Valencia Region and offers international flights from various European cities. Other airports in the region are Alicante-Elche and Castellon;
- By train: the Valencia Region has a well-developed train network that connects various cities in the region and beyond. High-speed trains are available that connect Madrid, Barcelona and other major cities with Valencia;
- By car: if you want to travel from the Netherlands to the Valencia region by car, you can drive to Spain via Belgium and France. The distance from Utrecht to the Costa Blanca is approximately 2000 kilometers. There are various overnight accommodations along the way. Once in the region, you can use the AP-7 and A-7 highways, which run along the coast and connect various cities in the region;
- By bus: there are several bus companies that regularly offer bus trips to the Valencia region. In addition, there are several bus companies that connect different cities in the Valencia Region. Most cities have a central bus station from which you can travel to other parts of the region and beyond;
- By boat: Valencia has an important port and there are ferry services available that connect the region with the Balearic Islands and other parts of Spain and Europe.
