Booking a trip to Valencia to coincide with the annual tomato-throwing festival - La Tomatina - held in Bunol no doubt holds appeal for many people around the world. However, those heading to the area to participate in the festival might want to make their way there a few days ahead of time, so they can explore the city and truly get a feel for its culture and history.
Travellers who do decide that this is a good idea will find that Valencia is rich in sightseeing opportunities - and they certainly won't find it hard to fill their days with activities and excitement.
Culture vultures and history buffs should perhaps start off in the old quarter of the city, which up until the middle of the 19th century was defended by a long wall.
Examples of this - such as the Torres de Serranos and the Torres de Quart - can still be seen in parts of the metropolis, while others can also be found in the Valencia Institute of Modern Arts. Anyone keen to see a few signs of Roman settlements should also head to the districts of Seu and Xerea as well.
Of course, it would be a sin not to take advantage of Valencia's good weather while on holiday in the area and people should definitely spend a bit of time exploring some of the local beaches, such as Peneda.
Here, you can enjoy a number of water sports such as windsurfing, jet skiing and sailing. However, anyone looking for a bit of calm before the storm of La Tominata might prefer the delights of La Devesa, an uncrowded and isolated sandy bay. Shy travellers may want to avert their eyes, however, as this is a nudist beach.
Of course, people shouldn't forget the real reason they are in Valencia - La Tomatina.
This festival is said to have begun back in 1945 after a fight broke out during a parade that ended up with the locals throwing tomatoes at each other, until police came and dissolved the brawl. By 1959, the festival was an accepted tradition, with the backing of the town hall.
Now, around 40,000 people head to the area every year to take part in this colourful event - so why not get there ahead of the crowds to indulge in some sightseeing and really make the most of your time in this part of Spain?
Considering a trip to Spain for the La Tomatina? Arrive in advance and fully explore the city of Valencia when you book a package with First Festival Travel, a leading provider of tours that take in a range of festivals in Europe.
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