Valencia in two days

On your first day, get ready for the Spanish way of life, with its gastronomy, explosion of colour and knowledge! To start your day like a true Valencian, we suggest that you go to the central market in the morning, which is the largest fresh produce market in Europe! Open from Monday to Saturday, 7.30am to 3pm, the market is located in one of the city's most emblematic modernist buildings, built by architects Alejandro Soler March and Francisco Guardia Vial in 1910.

As well as shopping, many tourists come here to admire this unique building in the 'Modernista' style , a Valencian architectural movement inspired by the naturalistic and symbolic motifs of French Art Nouveau and the more geometric motifs of the Vienna Secession. Its structure, made up of iron columns reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower, earthenware and stained glass windows, is absolutely remarkable. In this mix of styles, you'll find some typically Spanish touches, such as coloured ceramics inlaid in the stone.

Inside, over 8,000 square metres, no fewer than 1,200 stands will be on display before your very eyes. Fresh fruit and vegetables, meats, cheeses, fish and seafood, spices, dried fruit... gourmets will be delighted! If you regret not being able to pack fresh produce in your luggage, don't miss the "Central Bar", located in the heart of the Central Market. Managed by chef Ricard Camarena, this traditional bar serves delicious dishes made from market produce. Tapas, main courses or simple sandwiches... every ingredient is carefully selected.

After your Valencian gastronomy tour, spend the afternoon in the Carmen district (El Carme in Valencian), known as one of the city's trendiest and most emblematic areas. This is one of the city's oldest districts, as evidenced by the two large stone gates that surround it, which are the remains of the old medieval wall. On a more modern note, there is also a commemorative plaque commemorating the 1957 flood when the River Turia overflowed its banks.

Despite its streets steeped in history, the district is infinitely modern: over the years it has become a temple to street art. We advise you to take a camera with you, as you'll come across works by David de Limón, Disneylexya, La Nena Wapa Wapa, Luis Lonjedo, Deih and Julieta XLF. Engaging, decorative, surprising, colourful, there's something for everyone. You can also discover a few curiosities, such as the Casa de los Gatos, a tiny house opposite the entrance to the Centre du Carmen, designed by Alfonso Yuste Navarro.

After your lively, festive day, we suggest you get out into nature for a while, to discover an urban oasis surrounded by rice fields and forests: the L'Albufera nature park. Just 10 km from Valencia, this 21,120-hectare protected nature reserve is characterised by its varied landscapes, ranging from salt marshes and sand dunes to vineyards and orchards.

If you have to choose between these different landscapes, we recommend you opt for the 2,800-hectare freshwater lake that gives the park its name: the Albufera. It's the largest lake in Spain, and home to an exceptionally rich fauna: no fewer than 300 different species of birds live there all year round, including in winter (many pink flamingos can be seen). And it's easy to understand why: the lake has an idyllic setting, with numerous marshes and rice fields nearby. Depending on the season you visit, the landscape will change dramatically in colour. In summer, it's as green as you could wish for, but in winter, when the water floods the fields, it's predominantly blue.

To make the most of these endless stretches of water, climb aboard a boat! Excursions are organised from the small island of El Palmar by a small family business. You'll climb aboard a small traditional boat called an "albuferencs". For an hour, and for the modest sum of 5.50 euros, your guide will take you around the lake, giving you a wealth of information about the different species of birds.

On the shores you can see some of Albufera's classic barracks, although most of them are modern and probably built of brick. There are also a number of fish farms located on the same area of the lake. Most of them are dedicated to breeding eels, which are the main ingredient of "all i pebre", a typical eel and potato stew from El Palmar.

In fact, when you return to the mainland on the island of El Palmar, don't forget to try the local cuisine: it's even said that paella was born here! This is hardly surprising, considering that the Albufera Natural Park is a major rice producer.

A publication shared by ¡Calorías de mi vida! (@caloriasdemivida)

On your return, stop off at the Arroceria Maribel restaurant. Arrocerias are restaurants that specialise in rice. If you book in advance (the restaurant is very popular due to its quality, and Michelin Guide awards), you'll have the chance to eat on a pleasant terrace by the water, facing the boat as it sails by. In terms of gastronomy, you'll find both traditional dishes (the inevitable paella) and more modern and daring inventions, such as eel tartare.