Eastern Spain, or "levante" as it is known in Spain, geographically consists of the Mediterranean regions of Spain. The term is not really used by the locals because it really only makes sense from the perspective of those not living in the eastern areas. Because the Eastern Spain area covers so many cities and regions, there is plenty of adventure and fun to be found. It's location on the Iberian Peninsula and the Mediterranean Sea make it a great location for both locals and tourists for a great way to spend some time, whether a couple days off or a week or two. From beaches with warm water, to fabulous dining, to historic and cultural destinations, Eastern Spain has something for everyone.
Sights
One of the most popular sights in the area is the spectacular beaches and warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This area alone is so beautiful that many locals call it "a piece of heaven fallen to earth."
In Valencia other sights such as Magnificent historic monuments, like the 15th-century Silk Exchange, the 18th-century Marquise Palace, and the Museum of Fine Arts, tell the story of a wealthy merchant and aristocratic past and are all well worth a visit.
In Murcia, the port towns and small rocky beaches, dry inland mountains, and far off lighthouses, make it a great place to drive through slowly, stopping from time to time in the little towns still observing age old traditions.
Neighborhoods
Two of the largest regions in Eastern Spain are
Valencia and Murcia. Valencia, Spain's third-largest city, is a magnificent place with thriving cultural, eating and nightlife scenes. Never afraid to innovate, Valencia diverted its flood-prone river to the outskirts of town and converted the former riverbed into a superb green ribbon of park winding right through the city. The city has a variety of futuristic, contemporary buildings, which are prime examples to the modern architecture of the area, and the area surrounding the city is a fertile fruit and vegetable farmland, which contributes much of the fresh produce to the area.
Murcia is a more laid back community, but it comes alive during the weekend paseo (stroll). Murcia is less popular among tourists and is viewed even by many Spaniards as just a country cousin, but it is remarkable in its own right and definitely merits a visit if for nothing else than its excellent dining options that make good use of the local produce.
Activities
The Eastern Spain area has many things to do. If you're into nature and outdoor exploration, there is everything from water sports, to beaches, to hiking trails and much more. But if you are looking for more city centered activities, there are plenty of those, too. From many interesting museums and historic cathedrals, there are options all over the Eastern Spain region.
Some of the biggest attractions and activities are in the Valencia region and include Segway tours of the city, bicycle tours, tapas and paella tours if you want to see things and sample food at the same time, and there is even a city sightseeing card which will let you experience many of the city's attractions at a discounted price.
Food and Dining
With so many great areas, most of which border the Mediterranean Sea, there is no shortage of great food and dining options. The Valencia area is famous for its rice dishes like paella, which traditionally is prepared with rice cooked to a dry consistency together with rabbit and snails, and can of course be found in this way in many places in Valencia, but there are also many other takes on this traditional dish to be found in the area as local chefs are finding new experimental ways to create their own versions of the classic paella dish. Watch out for some of these new dishes if you're in the area!
There are also some great dishes to try in the Murcia area. These specialties include Bacalao Fresco Con Tomate (Fresh Cod with tomato), which plays homage to an ingredient cooked in the region since Roman times - salted fish, and Paparajote, which is battered and fried lemon leaves.
Transportation
With so many great areas, most of which border the Mediterranean Sea, there is no shortage of great food and dining options. The Valencia area is famous for its rice dishes like paella, which traditionally is prepared with rice cooked to a dry consistency together with rabbit and snails, and can of course be found in this way in many places in Valencia, but there are also many other takes on this traditional dish to be found in the area as local chefs are finding new experimental ways to create their own versions of the classic paella dish. Watch out for some of these new dishes if you're in the area!
There are also some great dishes to try in the Murcia area. These specialties include Bacalao Fresco Con Tomate (Fresh Cod with tomato), which plays homage to an ingredient cooked in the region since Roman times â salted fish, and Paparajote, which is battered and fried lemon leaves.
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