Active Pursuits

Beaches -- Valencia boasts more than 2.8km (1 3/4 miles) of beaches, with excellent facilities. The Arenas and Malvarossa beaches are just minutes from the city center. Adjoining these beaches is the seafront promenade, Paseo Marítimo, where you can walk, jog, sunbathe, or roller skate. The beaches to the north and south of the port, Playa de la Punta and Playa de Levante, are too polluted for swimming. However, if you head south you'll reach El Saler where you'll see the European blue flag waving; it's awarded for clear waters and golden sands.

Boating -- Club Náutico Valencia, Camí del Canal 91 (tel. 96-367-90-11), has a sailing school that rents boats for scuba diving and snorkeling. It maintains a full yacht-service facility.