The Bite Magazine - Autmn/Winter 2020 - Issue 28

bitetravel Vicent made the beach a totem in a famous novel. Divers can make use of the Malvarrossa Reef while activities like surfing, canoeing and windsurfing are available. To avoid the hustle and bustle of the city, retreat to La Patac- ona beach in the neighbouring municipality of Alboraia. It is an extension of La Malvarrosa but separated by a stream with a bridge over it. The sand strip here is much wider to give its visitors a sensation of space and tranquillity. In the early morn- ing hours or at sunset, you are likely to catch a group of cyclists riding along the seashore. You can still experience some inter- esting gastronomic dishes and partake in leisure activities on this beach. The Old Town, founded over 2,000 years ago, has seen the Ro- mans, Visigoths (early Germanic people), and Muslims pass through it since 130 BC. It is packed with street art, cafés, and amazing architecture such as the Valencia Cathedral and La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia. Visitors can also wander the maze-like cobbled alleys and backstreets where they will come across pretty squares, tiny churches, street art and colourful murals, and quirky cafés. For fresh local produce, pay a visit to the architectural Mercat Central (Central Market) located across from the Llotja de la Seda and Santos Juanes church in central Valencia. This fantas- tic work of Valencian Art Nouveau has more than 1,200 stalls with fresh fruit and vegetables, including oranges, tomatoes, and beans. You will also find meat, cheese, spices, nuts, fishes, and other seafood here. For those who do not wish to buy any products, you can get tapas (assorted dishes) and sandwiches from the Central Bar. Going to the City of the Arts and Sciences, a staggering en- semble of ultra-modern structures with reflecting pools is a must-visit in Valencia. Here you will find cultural venues and first-class family attractions like L’Hemisféric, a planetarium and IMAX cinema or the breathtaking L’Umbracle, a botani- cal collection of plant species native to Valencia. There is also the state-of-the-art oceanarium with 45,000 individual animals from 500 different species like beluga whales, sand tiger sharks, and dolphins. Bioparc Valencia, a 25-acre zoo located in Cabecera Park within the former Turia riverbed, opened in 2008 is unlike any other zoo you may have visited. It has specially designed habitats that allow thousands of animals from 150 different African species to live comfortably as if they were in the wild. Bioparc’s zoo immersion concept aims to enable visitors the opportunity to experience the African continent and learn the importance of protecting natural environments. The use of rivers, ponds, streams, rocks, plants and glass, instead of cages and enclosures, separate visitors from the animals, so they can watch with ease how they live. Bioparc Valencia has reproduced eco-systems of the many species in this facility including an essential collection of African plants such as the iconic baobab tree. Watching the animals roam free within their environments is an emotional and unique experience and feels like they are in a safer and modern Jurassic Park. Each area has its selection of animals. ‘Savannah’ is where you will see the rhinoceros, zebras, ostriches and hyenas. ‘Wetlands’ house the giraffes, antelopes, gazelles, meerkats and lions. The Bioparc - Elephant Sculpture at Entrance by Fernando Gonzalez Valencia - Mercat Central - Paella Valencia - Street Art - Cruz Roja - Carrer de Liria