The port city of Valencia in Spain is a hub of cultural and trade activity on the Costa del Azahar.

It is the third largest city in Spain and the population of its urban area sits at around 1,012,000 people.

The city itself has enjoyed strong economic growth over the last decade and most of this can be attributed to the influx of tourism to the region. Along with this inflow of money, construction has also blossomed seeing new hotels and attractions pop up all over the region.

Valencia is also expected to attract millions of visitors to its beauties when the city hosts the 32nd America's Cup in 2007. The first competitions took place in June last year and saw thousands of people flock to Valencia for the races. In those two weeks the cities population grew by 150,000.

The people are famous for their siesta lifestyles and lavish parties, and one that is definitely not to be missed is the Las Fallas festival. Held in March, the annual tomato fight draws around 30,000 people to the town on Bunol in Valencia. 240,000 pounds of tomatoes are hurled around during the event which paints the people, buildings and streets red. The fight begins with a race up a pole in order to retrieve a ham. People struggle against one another to grab the prize and once a winner has been found the tomato throwing begins.

Getting to this event is relatively simple as Valencia has a metro system run by FGV, it transports the majority of the population around the area in a matter of minutes. Taking this network of rails is also simple because although the majority of the population speak Spanish many also known enough English to help tourists and passers by.

Another exciting place to visit for sports fans is the Valencia Football Club grounds. The team is idolised in the area, and has had reasonable success in European competitions.

Valencia is a beautiful city with most of the buildings and surroundings built with exceptional attention to detail and aesthetics in mind. During the 15th century it was one of the major cities in the Mediterranean and housed one of Europe's first printing presses. There was so much money in Valencia that bankers from the region loaned Queen Isabella money for Christopher Columbus' trips in 1492.

Culinary delights are abound, especially fresh seafood and imported meats. The traditional Spanish dish of Paella can be found on almost every street corner and any foreigner visiting should not miss out on sampling one of the scrumptious paella dishes.

Beach junkies should hit the Las Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches which can even be refreshing in the warm winter temperatures of around 18 degrees. The promenade beachwalk has also just been renovated and La Albufera, a coastal lagoon, can be enjoyed in a small rowing boat.

Overall the atmosphere and newly enhanced tourist focus in Valencia is welcoming and relaxing. The area is the perfect location for a coastal getaway or a cultural excursion. It is well worth a visit.