Today Carnival ends, but the crazy costumes are not packed away yet! There is one more celebration to mark the end of Carnival’s indulgences – El Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardines). If you are studying Spanish with us in Spain or just happen to be in one of our destinations tonight, we highly recommend you check out the festivities! Here are a few of the best celebrations and where to find them.

Madrid

Tonight at 6pm the famous Giants and Big-heads parade begins from San Antonio de la Florida, where the people walk along the river Manzanares and finally bury the tiny fish in its tiny coffin near the Fuente de los Parjaritos (Fountain of the Birds) at approximately 8:30pm. Aside from the fake-somber (it’s actually very fun) funeral procession, there is also a lively parade trailing behind, complete with gigantes and cabezudos (giants and big-heads).

Alicante

The funeral begins at 9pm at the Plaza Santa Teresa and ends at Plaza del Carmen, where the poor fish is burned and people dance in the plaza. If you want to see the procession, it passes by the following sites: Panteón de Quijano, Plaza España,Calderón de la Barca,Tomás López Torregrosa, Duque de Zaragoza, Plaza Ruperto Chapí, Calle del Teatro, Bazán, Gerona, Rambla Méndez Núñez, Miguel Soler, San Nicolás, Abad Nájera and finally, Plaza del Carmen.

Tenerife

Head to Calle Juan Pablo II in Santa Cruz at 9pm to watch the Burial of the Sardine. Join the hysteria as a loud trail of mourners, pregnant men and widows follow behind an oversized fake sardine on a thrown. It is quite a spectacle with all of the townspeople crying out for the sardine – or perhaps the end of Carnival.

Most towns in Spain have some version of this corky festival, so regardless of where you might be in Spain don’t miss out on the festivities, hilarious role-playing and public displays of hysteria! 

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_be9ddc92-6a89-4b88-83a1-967bbfd19cbf

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_b8c4308d-b3ed-451c-80dd-7f38829a54e0

It's February and you know what that means – it’s time to get ready for Carnival! Here in Spain everyone has their carnival outfits picked out and ready to go, in anticipation for the last weekend of February. Prepare yourself for bizarre parades, weird customs, great food and brightly decorated streets across the country. Here are some of our favorite, lesser-known Spanish Carnivals and their fun, sometime bizarre, traditions!

Sitges, Catalonia

Just outside of Barcelona is a small yet spirited town called Sitges. On a typical day it is a charming white-washed lovely seaside town with a large gay community. Carnival here is known for its lively parties, complete with glamorous drag shows which attract talent from all across Europe. About 225,000 people show up to enjoy the Carnival celebrations in Sitges each year.

Avilés, Asturias

Several towns in the Asturias in the north of Spain celebrate Carnival in colorful ways full of disguises, charanga bands, processions, dancing, music, fireworks and sweet crepes typical of Carnival. Avilés has a special event called the Descenso de Galiana (Descent of Galiana Street) which includes foam and a parade. People dance, sing and form large crowds in the foam.

Aguilas, Murcia

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Iberian Peninsula, the people of Aguilas celebrate with over 4,000 street performers and a battle of eggshells! Plastic eggshells usually filled with confetti are thrown around as they sip on cuerva, a drink similar to sangria which is thought to invoke the spirit of Carnival.

Madrid, Madrid

Madrid hosts a wonderful Carnival, which is a great mix of all the best carnivals. As in Cadiz, people sing hilarious original songs. The Parade of Buffoons features elaborate masks and Venetian costumes, jesters and clever costumes, similar to Venice. Murgas and chirigotas are quite common as well; they are groups of people who perform satirical songs, jokes and plays in the streets. And finally, similar to Carnival in Tenerife, The Burial of the Sardine is a Carnival highlight, which is celebrated in satirical funereal clothes while a sardine (usually fake) in a coffin is passed around to mourning townspeople.

Carnivals are celebrated around the world, but Spain’s Carnivals have something special you just have to experience for yourself!

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_e2a3732f-adea-49a2-a488-46d31567e9f0

So you want to finally achieve fluency in Spanish and study abroad! Congratulations! Where do you begin? What do you look for? Finding a Spanish school can be daunting at first. Choosing the perfect school is not a one-size-fits-all kind of decision, everyone is different, like a unique snowflake. Here are 10 essential questions you must find answers to before signing up.

We suggest doing your research! You can ask the school to speak to former students, do a simple Google search to find out what Spanish schools are recommended by your favorite organizations and read online reviews. Find personal blogs of former or current students and contact them. Some good resources are Trip Advisor and GoAbroad.com. And with the following information you should be able to make a great decision.

Where do I want to study?

There are over 500 million Spanish speakers world-wide and 21 countries where Spanish is the official language. This is great news - you have options as to where you can study Spanish! Do you have a professional reason for going to one country or another? Do you prefer a developing country? We suggest you think about dialect, business opportunities, safety and travel restrictions and advantages. Or what about a multi-destination Spanish program where you study at multiple schools? If you are limited on time, there are also online Spanish classes.

Where is the school located? Is it in the center of the city and well connected by public transportation?

One of the worst things that could happen is that the school does not meet your expectations. Make sure you are able to have the experience you want. So, if you are dreaming about a cosmopolitan city, don’t go to a school that is in the suburbs of Barcelona where you don’t have easy access to buses or subways and people drive everywhere. Ask before signing up!

What kind of accreditations does the school have?

Look for the prestigious Instituto Cervantes accreditation, which guarantees high course standards, excellent facilities and qualified teachers. Other accreditations such as FEDELE and ACELE and affiliations with international-acclaimed educational organizations are an additional guarantee of academic excellence.

Who are the teachers? Do they have any training or college degrees?

The quality of teachers makes a huge difference. Teachers should be experienced and trained in teaching Spanish as a foreign language. Ask if the school’s teachers hold a four-year degree or any other post-graduate degrees such as a masters or even a Ph.D. If you are interested in taking specialized courses, such as DELE preparation course or business Spanish, teachers should be experienced professionals in their field.

What is the teaching method or vision at the school?

Make sure your Spanish school uses updated and relevant material. Industry best practices are constantly shifting and the school should be able to keep up. In don Quijote, we use the communicative approach and publish our own material to create an authentic environment where students learn in a natural way and are continuously practicing.

What’s the maximum class size?

This is a no-brainer: you will get more personalized attention and practice in smaller classes. Don’t take a course where there are 30 students in one class! It is not to say learning with peers is not useful – with a group class you have more opportunities to speak with second language speakers and practice conversational skills.

What type of courses are offered? Does the school offer the program that interests me?

Know that you have options! Sure, most people just take a general Spanish class because they want to improve their overall ability, but there are options for all ages, levels and goals including: adult programs, intensive courses, volunteer and internship programs, business Spanish, official exam prep courses, etc.

What extra services does the school offer and do they offer extracurricular activities?

Find out which describes the school best: “all work and no play” or a “work hard, play hard”? Personally, I prefer the latter! Schools can offer more than just grammar classes, take advantage of schools that offer enriching activities and excursions.

What kind of housing does the school offer or do I have to find it on my own?

Some schools (but not all) offer homestays, student residences or shared apartments. Which fits your personality the most?

What is the cost and what is included?

Ask about the entire package, what is included in the price and what kind of hidden fees might there be? No surprises ¡por favor!

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_717f5d39-1021-4153-8794-b062d7ddf7d6

If you're interested in studying Spanish in Madrid with don Quijote this winter, you're in for a unique spectacle. With the cool temperatures of autumn, the city enjoys a charming transformation: the air becomes crisp, t-shirts and sandals are put away and give way to sophisticated coats and boots, many dishes, comforting and warm, and the urban vegetation is tinged with vivid reds, oranges and yellows. Apart from the typical seasonal changes, Madrid also offers fun events during this season. So take your Spanish learning experience out of the classroom and pay attention to our guide of the best things to do this November in Madrid.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_1a2bb0a0-cbc2-4ba4-a80d-b0d559388e09

If you come to learn Spanish in Valencia you’ll find our new, stunning donQuijote school waiting for you. It is a beautiful new location with 18 modern and spacious classrooms, large courtyards, terraces and gardens where you can relax between and after classes.

The school is located right in the heart of the city on Calle de Cadirers. So, besides being located in an excellent area that is well conntected with the rest of the city, the beach and beautiful parks, it is also found in the most historic part of Valencia. To give you an idea of just how historic the area is our new building was a Gothic Palace built in the 15^th century and was the city's former Círculo de Bellas Arts (Fine Art Center). If its walls could talk, they would tell a thousand stories about the city, its culture, history and art!

It is an impressive, majestic building but at the same time, it is also very welcoming. You'll feel right at home while studying Spanish there... And you'll find treasures of Valencian art throughout the school! For example, if you find yourself learning Spanish with us in this beautiful school, take a good look at the stairs while you walk up to your classes. Did you know that the little column you find at the start could be the work of Pere Compte, the architect of the famous and beautiful Lonja de la seda?

Journey into Valencia's Golden Age

It’s not that far-fetched... after all the Lonja de la seda, an example of Valencian Gothic architecture, is only a three minutes' walk from the school! It’s true, as soon as you finish class you can walk to this incredible building that is as grand as a cathedral. Built between the 15^th and 16^th century, it was dedicated to the activity of the increasingly influential Valencian bourgeoisie. Its wide nave, its twisting columns, high ceilings and the hidden messages found in its reliefs will make you feel as if you've wandered into the bustling Valencia of the Golden Age.

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_b69c4a6a-cfc5-4d18-8120-653cfca5c1cb

Enjoy the best of autumn in Barcelona: the most extraordinary vineyards, exquisite wines and breathtaking landscapes in all of Catalonia.

In October autumn is officially upon us. And who doesn’t love this beautiful and refreshing season? The stifling heat of summer is finally waning, replaced by a brisk chill in the air that has us gleefully reaching for our favorite sweaters and scarves. No longer are the days of sticky sweat and ice cold showers! Gone are the bitter and contentious battles with your air-conditioning unit (because it’s either broken or running up your electricity bill)!

Autumn is the ideal season to come learn Spanish in Spain, especially in Barcelona. Along with the high temperatures, the intense crowds of tourists also dwindle, making conditions infinitely more agreeable to go out and discover this exciting city. And trust us, just because summer is over, it doesn’t mean the fun is as well! A plethora of concerts, music festivals, art expositions and other cultural events kick off in the fall months.

Of course, autumn also brings about breathtaking changes in Spain’s landscape. Rolling hills of lush green landscapes slowly transition into lovely panoramas of rustic yellows, oranges and reds. If you’re studying Spanish in Barcelona this season, it’s the perfect time to take a day or weekend trip out of the city and check out all the exquisite and colorful catalán countryside. And while you’re out there, why not take a tour of a local vineyard or get out to a wine tasting event?

Vineyards near Barcelona

It’s no secret that Spain is famous for its incredible wine, but did you know that Catalonia receives some of the most wine tourism in all of Spain? The vineyards in the region of Penedés, between Barcelona and Tarragona, are so popular in part due to their proximity to these great cities and the beautiful vistas they provide… but perhaps the most compelling factor is the cava. That’s right, this tasty sparkling wine (often known as the “champagne of Spain”), was originated in Catalonia and is primarily produced there to this day. If you haven’t tried this bubbly ambrosia yet, or are just generally a wine enthusiast, check out our recommendations for lovely vineyards near Barcelona where you can enjoy some terrific wine and cava tasting this autumn.

Cavas Codorníu

We’re starting with this winery as homage to cava’s origins. Codorníu is the world’s oldest producer of cava; its history dates as far back as 1551. The company continues to be the second-largest producer of this bottle-fermented sparkling wine. The breathtaking, sprawling complex was designed in 1895 and features the period’s great Catalan Art Nouveau architecture. The winery offers all types of visits and tours, including combined events where you can visit the Codorníu and also take a bicycle tour, a Simón Coll Chocolate tour or even visit the impressive Montserrat mountain. Or if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, simply come hungry and enjoy a delicious Mediterranean breakfast or lunch on the estate.

Location: Cavas Codorniu, Avenida Jaume de Codorníu, s/n, 08770 Sant Sadurní d'Anoia

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 45 km (40 minutes by car)

17^th century wine barrel in the entrance of the Codorníu winery

Oller del Mas

Oller del Mas is a small winery that boasts of 1,000 years of history. Located within a 10^th century medieval castle, this family-run winery creates a comprehensive experience for its visitors: you can do a tasting of their wines and olive oils, take a tour of the vineyards, the wine cellar and the castle, and even take a scenic ride on a mule-drawn cart! The estate also includes a restaurant and recreation area complete with swimming pool and sports such as volleyball, paddle tennis and golf. The idyllic grounds also offer breathtaking mountainous vistas, as it’s located at the foot of the Montserrat. Complete your perfect day visiting the monastery atop the Montserrat or checking out the nearby town of Manresa.

Location: Carretera de Igualada C37Z, km 91, 08241 Manresa

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 60 km (1 hour by car)

The stunning Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey

Alta Alella

This modern, relatively young winery is located a mere 2 kilometers from the Mediterranean Sea, meaning you’ll get some stunning views of picturesque vineyards surrounded by vast blue waters. Alta Alella is known for producing some of the best cava in Catalonia, is a certified organic property. In fact, they’ve recently inaugurated their Celler de les Aus (“The Bird’s Winery”), an eco-friendly wine cellar that strives to remove the use of sulfites from the winemaking process. The winery also holds frequent events, such as seasonal wine tastings, yoga, poetry events, gourmet cooking workshop and even a wine art workshop for children!

Location: Camí Baix de Tiana, s/n, 08328 Alella

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 22 km (40 minutes by car)

Vineyards of the Alella wine region along the Mediterranean Sea

Cavas Freixenet

This is a brand that might ring a bell; after all, this centuries-old, family-owned winery is one of the biggest producers of cava in the world! With 18 cellars throughout 7 countries, Cavas Freixenet is undoubtedly one of the biggest players in the game and a can’t-miss if you’re in Catalonia. Visiting its headquarters in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia, you’ll not only get a tasting and winery tour but a history lesson as well. Visitors first receive an audiovisual presentation of Freixenet’s history, then hop on a mini train to check out the cellars. Group and private tours are available, and they’ve even created kid-friendly visits so that the whole family can get involved!

Location: C/ Joan Sala, 2, 08770 Sant Sadurní d'Anoia

Distance from Barcelona: Approximately 45 km (40 minutes by car)

The headquarters of Cavas Freixenet in Catalonia

With all the magnificent vineyards and wineries to be discovered around Barcelona, this autumn is the perfect time to get out of the city and into its beautiful local countryside. So don’t wait, take advantage of all the magic the fall season has to offer and plan your day or weekend trip today!

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_03efb2e6-34f5-4f77-ae1a-e4dde2be7089

One of the most curious phenomena of the Spanish language – and one that causes plenty of headaches for its students – is that our words have genders. As we know, masculine words tend to end in –o, and feminine words in –a (although there are plenty of exceptions to this rule!). Many times, the masculine or feminine character of a word is reflected by the actual gender of the person or animal; they are words that are within the same semantic category. For example chico vs. chica (boy vs. girl), toro vs. vaca (bull vs. cow) or caballo vs. yegua (horse vs. mare).  However, there is another phenomenon regarding the variation of gender between words that isn't related to the masculine or feminine quality of the object. In fact, in changing the gender of the word, it actually takes on a completely different meaning.   We'll give you some examples:

1. Caballo vs. caballa: yes, caballa does exist but, contrary to what you might think, it's not a female horse.  A caballa is a very popular type of fish in Spain (“mackerel”).

2. Trapo vs. trapa: a trapo is a piece of fabric used for cleaning purposes (“rag”), while a trapa is a system of rigs and holds used in sailing. 

3. Suelo vs. suela: the suelo is the ground or the floor, while the suela is the bottom, or sole, of a shoe. 

4. Bola vs. bolo: a bola can be anything that has a spherical shape, like a ball or a scoop of ice cream, yet a bolo is what we knock down during a game of bowling (“bowling pin”)!  Bolo can be easily confused with the ball used to play soccer, which is called a balón.

5. Río vs. ría: this pair is a bit more complicated. While a río is a wide current that flows into the sea or ocean (“river”), a ría is the body of water where the river meets the sea (“estuary”).  For example, in Spain the rías gallegas are very famous, and beautiful.  

A nice example, The ría of Vigo.

6. Huerto vs. huerta: this one is tricky, even for native Spanish speakers. A huerto is a small and enclosed area of crops, like a garden; in contrast, a huerta refers to a much larger area, such as an orchard or a field.  It's often the case that a huerta is comprised of various small huertos.

7. Velo vs. vela: a velo is an article of light fabric used to cover the head or face (“veil”), but a vela can be a candle or the sail of a sailboat.

8. Higo vs. higa: higo is the tasty fruit of a fig tree (“fig”). Higa is something quite different: it can be an amulet in the shape of a closed fist, often given as gifts to children, or even an offensive hand gesture. 

9. Brazo vs. braza: we all know that the brazo is the arm; a braza, however, is a measure of length used for water depth (the equivalent of about 6 feet), known as a fathom.

10. Bando vs. banda: while a bando is any type of proclamation or public announcement, a banda can have various meanings such as: a group of people (including, yes, a musical band), a type of belt or sash, or one of the longer sides of a sports field.

There you have it, more proof of how curious Spanish vocabulary can be. There are always surprises and new meanings to be discovered! By the way, do you know of any other examples?

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_b5d0a939-b4d7-40d3-8474-cd131167ecae

One of the "tricky" questions related to Spanish culture is about Spanish names; along with all of the history and tradition involved in Spanish name culture. Imagine you’ve just arrived in Spain; now, imagine you’re introduced to someone named "Pepe García Paredes." You might think his name, based on the order it comes in, is: first name, Pepe; middle name, García; last name, Paredes. But after a week or so in Spain, you will have discovered that García is not his middle name at all, but rather part of his last name. Then you might think, "ok, his name is Pepe and his last name is García-Paredes," (one of those curious hyphenated last names). But no, after another week or so you realize that they are actually two different last names: one is García and the other, Paredes. And then, to complicate things even further, after another week in Spain, you realize that his given name is actually not Pepe, but rather José.

So what on earth is going on here? And are Spanish names really so complicated? The answer, lucky, is no. And actually, once you see what's behind it all, it will be easy to understand the Spanish name system.

Read the Spanish version

Two Last Names?

Let's start with the matter of the two last names. Spaniards have two last names: the first is our father's first last name and the second is our mother's. In Spanish speaking countries, women don't lose their maiden names; they continue using them for all legal purposes even after they're married.

Does that mean Spaniards collect a bunch of different last names? No. The first last name is passed on from generation to generation but the second is lost. Take a look at a practical example: José García Paredes marries María López Garrido; they have a daughter named Rocío, whose last names would be García and López. When Rocío García López has a son with Ricardo Benítez Gomez, named Manuel, his full name is Manuel Benitez García, or Manolo to his friends.

Spanish Nicknames and Diminutives: Pepe, Paco, Lola…

That last example brings us to the question of Spanish nicknames and diminutives. It seems almost everyone in Spain has a nickname, or a “short for” name. The most well known nickname in Spanish is for people named José; the nickname is Pepe, which comes from the abbreviation of the old form of José: "Josepe."  Another strange case is the case of Paco, Curro and Pancho, which are all short for Francisco. When it comes to Paco the name supposedly comes from the abbreviation of "Pater Comunitatis," the title given to San Francisco de Asís, the founder of the Franciscan religious order. Curro may come from the abbreviation of Pacurro since "-urro" is a diminutive suffix that's rarely used anymore. Another diminutive that many people think is a proper name, is the legendary Lola. In reality, Lola is just a loving way to call someone named Dolores. From Dolores comes Loles and from Loles, Lola.

Some nicknames or diminutives are simply abbreviations of compound names in an attempt to make these solemn names a little more comfortable to use and lively. Chema, for example, is actually José María; Juancar is actually Juan Carlos; and Juanra is actually Juan Ramón. These kinds of nicknames are especially common with women's names. For example, Rosario becomes Charo; Chelo is Consuelo; Maite is for María Teresa; and María Isabel becomes Merichel.

Some of these nicknames are given for more childish reasons, or to make a very serious name sound more endearing for a child. For example, Goyo is the familiar name used for Gregorio and Chayo for the more serious name Rosario.

And Names that Seem Like Nicknames!

On the other hand, sometimes confusion can happen in reverse; and we may think a given name is actually a nickname. Take the names Paloma, Henar, Pino, Montaña and Pilar for example. These names have nothing to do with birds (paloma means dove), or a place where hay grows (henar is hayfield or meadow), or with an evergreen tree (pino means pine tree), a landform (montaña means mountain) or a structural support (pilar is pillar). They are simply names inspired by religion; namesakes to virgins and the places where they were found or they are used to tell these stories.

That may be enough for now, we wouldn't want to make things too confusing... But, we also want to tell you not to worry if Spanish names seem just a little too complicated! You can't imagine the number of Spaniards who for example, don't know that John and Jack can be the same person, or that their Russian friend called Pasha is actually named Pavel!

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_8e6724d0-4028-420d-a7c4-3b5ce1655a06

Valencia is a city that never gets old, but for those moments when you’re yearning for a change of scenery, check out these can’t-miss day trips.

For our students studying in Valencia, we have two words for you: lucky you! Valencia has everything you could ever desire: beautiful beaches, perfect climate, bustling metropolitan life, and a unique charm that’s part contemporary, part traditional, but all Mediterranean. And for when you’re yearning to step out of city life for an exciting day trip, you’re only a quick car or train ride away from some amazing sites, impressive naturescapes and idyllic towns. Here are some of our recommendations for some of the best day trips from Valencia.

Altea

Looking for that super quaint, charming village to remind yourself why you fell in love with Spain in the first place? If so, Altea is a must-see. This adorable town, located on the Costa Brava approximately 1.5 hours south of Valencia (by car), is known for its labyrinthine cobblestone streets and picturesque white-washed houses. In the heart of the historic center is the beautiful La Mare de Déu del Consol Cathedral, topped with its iconic dome of bright blue-and-white tiles. Take a walk through Altea’s streets and narrow alleyways, and you’ll catch breath-taking glimpses of dazzling blue: the sparkling clear waters of the Bay of Altea. The town is also known as an increasingly popular destination for artists; their presence can be felt in the bursts of bright color that adorn pristine white facades and the quirky, artisan boutiques.

While Alsa Bus Company does have direct trips from Valencia to Altea (3 hours and 15 minutes), a shorter bus trip would require you to make a transfer in Benidorm. The quickest option just might be renting a car with some friends, rolling down the windows and enjoying the ride!

Elche

Elche is Spain’s incredible gift to lovers of palm trees and pre-Roman history. This city, considered the third largest in the Valencian Community (after Valencia and Alicante), is a true trove of hidden treasures. On arriving to the city, Elche looks a bit like a godforsaken desert -- but enter the city and you’ll find a vibrant green oasis. Be dazzled with its lush overgrowth of palmeras, or palm trees. In fact, Elche has to so many palm trees and orchards that it was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The Palmeral de Elche is a must-see palm orchard, and the Huerto del Cura Garden is home to lovely tropical plants, peacocks and the main attraction: the Imperial Palm, a striking one-of-a-kind palm tree with seven branches growing out of one trunk!

But Elche isn’t just about its surface beauty – beneath its city grounds are thousands of years of priceless pre-history. Elche’s roots are known to date back to the 5^th century B.C.; the territory has been occupied by Iberians, Greeks, Carthaginians and Romans. Get a history lesson in any of Elche’s various museums, or better yet, see it for yourself at the impressive and vast archaeological site, La Alcudia!

You can get from Valencia to Elche directly by bus: the trip is a little more than 2 hours and you’ll only pay around €13 roundtrip. The Renfe high-speed train will also take you from Valencia to Elche in 2.5 hours for about €22.

Xàtiva

Xàtiva is another stunning Valencian city that will amaze you with its antique charm and fascinating history. First off, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: that castle. Majestically perched atop a hill, visible for miles, the Castell de Xàtiva is second-to-none in its regal beauty… and, of course, its breath-taking views!

Make sure to allocate enough time in Xàtiva for the other sights, though: the Collegiate Basilica of Santa María is a 16^th century haven for ancient religious art; the Hospital Reial is renowned for its striking blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture; and the Iglesia de Sant Domènec for its contributions to medieval culture during the Middle Ages… and the list goes on. Located just an hour away from Valencia by car, why not hop in a Bla Bla Car? Or if you prefer public transportation, you can get there by Renfe’s high-speed train or Cercanías.

Albufera Natural Park

Albufera Natural Park is the perfect last-minute city escape; just 20 minutes away by car and under an hour by bus, the pristine tranquility of Albufera will leave you speechless. Disconnect from Valencia´s bustling urban life and come recharge your batteries; take a scenic boat ride on the largest lake in Spain, have a picnic while taking in the area’s unique bird and wildlife, or explore the sleepy nearby town of El Palmar, known for its amazing cuisine (especially paella). The park offers guided tours, bike rentals and other organized events so that visitors can take full advatange of Albufera’s splendid landscapes and rich ecosystems. What better place to relax, play and reconnect with nature? Check out Visit Albufera for more information.

Valencia is a destination that is overflowing with beauty, culture and history – both within and outside its city limits. So why not spend your day off discovering everything Valencia’s nearby towns, cities and parks have to offer? Take a day trip and have an adventure!

• Read more about enforex_pages_landing_block_64bf2e75-d578-4a47-9b77-c34298d8460f