Valencia and Spain’s Royal Sites Highlight Tourist Attractions

Valencia, on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast, blends historic streets such as the Ciutat Vella and Plaza de la Virgen with modern landmarks. Visitors can explore the Gothic cathedral, the medieval Torres de Serranos, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, which includes Europe’s largest aquarium, the Oceanographic, and the Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia. The former riverbed turned Turia Gardens offers green space, and the city is famed for its paella, horchata and churros.

Spain’s royal itinerary runs from Madrid’s Palacio Real, one of Europe’s largest royal residences, to the nearby Palace of Aranjuez and its extensive gardens. The Galería de las Colecciones Reales displays Flemish tapestries, Goya and Velázquez paintings, and historic artifacts. Other highlights include the historic El Escorial monastery‑palace, Segovia’s Roman aqueduct and Alcázar, the Versailles‑style La Granja de San Ildefonso gardens, and the charming town of Chinchón with its Plaza Mayor and Goya‑painted church.