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It tends to get overshadowed by Madrid and Barcelona, but Valencia deserves to be regarded as one of the great cities of Spain.

Superb architecture, from Roman to 21st-century, brilliant tapas bars, an atmospheric old town… there is just so much to admire in this Mediterranean metropolis.

Oh and did we mention that they invented paella here?

Find out the secrets of this alluring city for yourself with today’s Big Deal, offering a four night autumn break in Valencia with direct flights and four star hotel accommodation.

Mediterranean getaway

The Big Deal, exclusive to 5pm customers, flies you direct to Valencia with Ryanair from Edinburgh International. It includes hand luggage and four nights room only accommodation, based on two sharing a double or twin room at the four star Senator Parque Central Hotel.

The city breaks are for four nights, flying out from Edinburgh International on the following dates:

10th, 24th September

1st, 8th, 22nd October

Flights are direct, departing at 08:25 and arriving at 12:20. Inbound flights depart 21:40 and arrive at 23:45.

Four star accommodation

Senator Parque Central Hotel is situated in central Valencia, 15 minutes’ walk from Xativa Station and the Old Town. This modern hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and sauna.

Rooms at the Senator Parque Central are air conditioned and soundproofed, and feature a safe. A hairdryer and amenities are included in the private bathrooms.

The Senator has an air-conditioned dining room, where a daily buffet breakfast is served. There is also a bar. The hotel has a 24-hour reception desk.

Las Arenas Beach and Valencia Port are 5 km from the hotel, and regular public bus services stop outside the hotel. There are also many shops and bars in the surrounding streets. The nearest airport is Valencia airport, 10.5 km from the property.

Valencia attractions

Valencia lives up to the travel show cliché about being a city of contrasts. Close to the hotel is the fabulous space-age architecture of Santiago Calatrava’s Ciudad de las Artes y de las Ciencias, a museum, gallery and exhibition centre complex built in a brilliant and awe-inspiring pattern of soaring curves and reflective surfaces.

It also includes Europe’s largest aquarium, with displays devoted to conservation.

A short bus trip away and you are in the atmospheric streets of the medieval old town, shady lanes packed with bars, boutiques, clubs and little tapas places serving up delicious Mediterranean dishes.

Don’t forget that Valencia was the birthplace of paella. It’s a dish traditionally eaten in the daytime, at weekends usually, in one of the restaurants lining the city beaches, where the locals head as soon as the sun appears.

Another local delicacy is horchata, the almondy drink that is just as delicious and refreshing as the local orange juice, which is arguably the world’s best.

Guest reviews

This TripAdvisor user loved their recent stay at Senator Parque Central Hotel in Valencia:

‘Great hotel with nice rooms, bar, great breakfast and friendly staff. Is situated in the Russafa district about 10 mins walk to Station Nord. Lots of great bars and restaurants in the area. Gym on site. Will definitely be staying again.’

Spanish escape

Today’s Big Deal for an autumn Valencia trip is a great opportunity to enjoy a Mediterranean break with a difference. This vibrant and welcoming city has some spectacular sights to experience, plus great food and that balmy climate.

With direct flights from Edinburgh and a four night stay in stylish accommodation, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore a memorable destination, relax on the beach and engage in some evening tapas crawls.