Valencia is the capital of the Spanish autonomous community of Valencia and its province. The third largest city in Spain (estimated over 807 thousand inhabitants in 2006) and the 15th largest city of the European Union forms part of an industrial area on the Costa del Azahar.

Very changeable Mediterranean climate provides perfect life conditions for this vibrant, friendly and mildly chaotic place, where now multinational paella first simmered over a wood fireplace. Apart from fine cuisine and plenty of party life, such as the Europe’s wildest street party taking place in mid-March, the city boasts an outstanding fine arts museum, as accessible old quarter, state-of-art cultural and scientific complex and one of the most exciting nightlife scenes in the whole of Spain.

The original Latin name of the city means “Strength", "Vigor", the city being named after Emperor Valens, who ordered the foundation of a new colony in Hispania. During the rule of the Muslim Empires in Spain, it was known as Balansiya in Arabic.