Go Slow in Valencia - Birds, History & Paella!

Summary

Valencia is a historic city located on the banks of the River Turia, on the eastern (Mediterranean) coast of Spain. Founded as a Roman colony in 138 BCE, it has experienced Visigothic, Islamic and Aragonese rule and rose to become one of the largest cities in Europe in the late 15th century. Valencia became a major centre of silk production in the 18th century and remains an important regional commercial, trade and economic hub to this day. It is also the point of origin for one of Spain’s most famous culinary delights, paella, and this tour will make a special point of sampling the very best local examples of this classic Spanish dish.

Our base for this new 6-night holiday is the wonderful Parador de El Saler, which not only sits close to some of the region’s birding sites but is only a few miles from the city of Valencia itself. On the wildlife front, the Valencia region boasts some extraordinary wildlife havens including Albufera de Valencia, a huge lagoon just south of the city, surrounded by fields producing rice for the paella! Here, a wonderful variety of wetland birds can be enjoyed, including Slender-billed and Audouin’s Gulls, Purple Swamphens, Greater Flamingos and Marbled Ducks. We will also explore the montane habitats of the Serra Calderona (seeking, amongst others, Chough, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting and plenty of raptors including Bonelli’s Eagle and both Egyptian and Griffon Vultures). We will also visit steppe habitat further inland still, where we will search for Great and Little Bustards, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Stone-curlew and much more besides.

Our holiday will also include a tour of the city of Valencia itself, including the cathedral, the famous Turia Garden and – what may or may not be – the Holy Grail! And, of course, we will have the opportunity to eat the fabled paella, in the very spot where it was born, at a traditional local restaurant away from the tourist-dominated (and inauthentic) eateries where mere pale imitations are served. This easy-paced week in Valencia promises a wonderful mix of wildlife, culture and history, fuelled by the region’s delicious local food and drink.

• Explore the historic city of Valencia and enjoy its excellent cuisine, including an authentic paella lunch!
• Wetland birds include Slender-billed and Audouin’s Gulls, Purple Swamphens, Greater Flamingos and Marbled Ducks
• Chough, Blue Rock Thrush and Rock Bunting amongst highlights in the hills
• Visit the steppe for Great and Little Bustards, Bonelli's Eagle and Egyptian and Griffon Vultures
• Based throughout in the Parador El Saler, a delightful spa hotel on the edge of the wetlands