Claiming to be the largest market with fresh produce in Europe, the Mercat Central lies in the heart of the old town of Valencia. Light and airy, built in the Art Nouveau style, the market has several hundred stands, most of them still selling produce to locals rather than tourists. Opening hours are early — 07.30-15.00.
Stunning in its simpplicity — free entry (a plus!), opposite the Mercado Central, the buildings of the Lonja encircle a small garden filled with orange trees.
In the former riverbed encircling most of the old town, the Turia Gardens are a green lung for the city. Good for walking, cycling and just chilling, with basket ball and tennis courts.
Home of the mountain bike, where it all started. A pretty town in the Bay area, with plenty of good hiking close by.
Plenty of tourist tat to choose from, not always cheaper than the stores downtown. But a great selection of fruit and veg stalls, plus an amazing food market to pick up food for a picnic.
Now more commonly by it’s native name, N’garri, this is probably the largest sand island in the world. Outside the few resorts, roads are sandy tracks, winding through forests of native trees. Driving is certainly not for the faint hearted inland — on the east coast, the beach provides a faster alternative.
Valuable insights into what helped format Australia into the country that it is today, of interest for immigrants, offspring of immigrants, or curious tourists who want to understand more than the glossy pictures.
Large elegant building with some fascinating museum pieces at upper level, including Ned Kelly’s armour.
