2017-08-02 La Marina Real Juan Carlos 1, Valencia, Spain

Today is overcast, very humid and quite a hot day once again. We take the opportunity to do some more exploring around Valencia on our bikes

Looking over the wall by the marina we see there are not as many people on the beach today as there have been other days. No sun, lots of wind and strong surf could be the reason

We pass the Veles e Vent building, also known as the America’s Cup Building which has won several awards for it’s design by Britishman David Chipperfield

We continue on the bike track along the port area which went through a major upgrade prior to the America’s Cup being held in Valencia firstly in 2007

The old buildings of the port have been upgraded and the whole area has become a wonderful open urban space

The Port Authority building from the main road, also known as the Clock Building

The America’s cup was held in Valencia twice in recent years, firstly in 2007 and then in 2010

Once again we cycle past one of the amazing buildings of Valencia, the Principle Felipe Science Museum

Nearby we take another look at the incredible outdoor exhibition of some amazing black and white photography

Continuing on we pass the temporary ferris wheel and theme park which has been in Valencia for the recent July festivities

Pont del la Trinitat is the oldest bridge in the city, beginning its current bridge at the beginning of the 15th century, but was partially rejuvenated due to the flood of 1517. Today no water flows under the many bridges in Valencia due to the Turia River being diverted in recent years after a major flood in 1957 which caused a lot of damage and loss of life.

Serranos Towers built between 1392 and 1398 are one of the few gates that are still standing from the old walled city

After sheltering under trees from the rain we venture into the old part of the town for some more possible shelter and coffee

Heading towards the popular Plaza de la Virgen

The Plaza de la Virgen is one of the many plazas that have been turned into pedestrian only areas over the years. This has allowed cafes and restaurants to appear beside the wonderful attractions

The Cathedral of Santa Maria, the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados, and the Palace of the Generalitat are all adjacent to Plaza de la Virgen

Stopping for a break from our sightseeing ride today we find a seat in a cafe overlooking the Basílica de la Virgen de los Desamparados

We enjoy some coffee and share a delicious apple pie at Cafe & Tapas

Apart from the historical attractions of the Plaza de la Virgen, the fountain of Neptune (surrounded by naked women) certainly is one of the popular attractions of the area

Looking towards the Tribunal de les Aigües de València

It is wonderful to see so many visitors from all over the world coming to this lovely city

Interesting graffiti

We head back through the gates of the Serranos Towers

Ric waits patiently for all the photos to be taken !!

Hopefully not too many restaurants have these !!!

No shortage of interesting sights in Valencia

We pass yet another church

Riding back through the city on the wonderful network of the bike tracks

We pass the North Railway Station or the Estación del Norte which was built and has been operating for 100 years this year

We again pass the Plaza Porta de la Mar

Riding through the Turia Gardens which follows the river bed of the Turia River (redirected a number of years ago) is a relaxing and pleasurable experience