GREEN VALENCIA

Gareth Davis travelled to Valencia with Clickair from London Heathrow and stayed at the Bio Aparthotel Venus Albir.

The Venus Albir

Venus Albir is the first Bio Aparthotel and organic restaurant with official certification in Spain. Most of the materials used for its construction are sustainable, the 24 apartments are fitted with solar panels to provide hot water and the garden is irrigated by rainwater.

At dinnertime you can choose to either enjoy organic food at the Bio Restaurant or self-cater using products bought at the Bio Shop.

For more information visit: www.venusalbir.com

The Albufera Valencia

The Albufera Valencia is a nature reserve in the Valencia region, famous for its freshwater lagoon and fishing. Take a boat trip at sunset and join the local fishermen when they harvest fish and eels from the waters.

Surrounded by rice fields, L’Albufera was the birthplace of Paella. Visit one of the little beach hamlets and try the original dish. El Palmar is situated just by the coast and is famous for its beaches and its Paella Valenciana.

For more information visit: www.comunitatvalenciana.com

Bioparc

The newly opened Bioparc Valencia is practicing what is called the “reverse zoo concept”. The barriers are practically invisible and the visitors are brought into the animals’ habitats.

Its goal is to promote respect for animals and the importance of protecting the environment. You can see leopards, hyenas, lions, giraffes, gorillas, rhinoceroses, hippos, elephants and otters side by side in this zoological world.

For more information visit: www.bioparcvalencia.es

Rent a bike

The Spanish are keen cyclists and there are lots of places where you can rent a bike in Valencia. At weekends you can even take your bike on the underground (El Metro).

There are lots of biking routes to choose from, which will allow you to see the country from a different point of view, in a way that is healthy as well as good for the environment.

For more information visit: www.comunitatvalenciana.com

Bocopa Winery

Over fifty percent of the European Union’s vineyards are in Spain, and Bocopa winery is the second largest producer of organic wine in the world. The prize winning winery was also among the first wineries in Spain to invest in wine tourism.

Today you can enjoy one of their tastings or wine courses, as well as take a guided tour through the vineyard, winery and wine cellar.