We're at the time of the year when the days are longer and the nights are warmer, so it’s normal to look for new places to see and destinations to explore. If you're eyeing a flight to Europe, or even considering traveling to the Olympics, there is a mid-size city in Spain that is so gorgeous that you’ll want to return more than once. Sweet, fragrant, and juicy, Valencia oranges were named after the city of Valencia in Spain, which is bathed in sunshine and beautiful architecture. A hidden gem in Europe, this city of approximately 800,000 is only 2 hours from Paris and easily accessible from most major cities on the continent. 

When traveling to Valencia, guests at Hotel Palacio Santa Clara, part of the Autograph Collection, will have a one-of-a-kind experience, hence the name of this series of hotels, no property is like the other.

Here, you will discover the beating heart of Spain by stepping out right into the busy streets of the Historical City Center. This beautifully preserved Autograph Collection Hotel was originally a private residence and textile shop, designed by the renowned architect Francisco Javier Görlich in 1916. The interiors bring guests back in time with gorgeous furnishings, dark wood, and a beautiful, gilded bar and restaurant area that molds seamlessly into the reception area. The guest rooms have modern but elegant accommodations that aren’t usually seen in a pet-friendly, city hotel. Wood floors, mood lighting, and Juliette balconies face the streets below to make sure travelers receive a uniquely Spanish vacation.

While in Valencia, the Albufera Natural Park is a must-do for naturists and lovers of the outdoors. Often overlooked by travelers, this area is just  6 miles outside the city and where the origins of Valencian cuisine began. Albufera is where the waterways that support the rice fields for the local dish, paella are located and this is where the dish originated.

This park allows travelers a break just outside the city to explore little known nature preserves that house migrant birds, turtles, and other native species that are surrounded by walkable trails used by locals but rarely seen by visitors. 

Back in Valencia, you’ll find some of the most stunning and Instagrammable architecture in Europe, which are all walkable from Hotel Palacio Santa Clara. Guests can easily venture out on their own or the hotel's concierge can easily help travelers arrange a walking tour of the area.

Only a 10-12 min walk from Hotel Palacio Santa Clara, you’ll find the home of Holy Chalice inside the Cathedral of Valencia, and this cathedral is one of the reasons you came to Valencia. Work began on the Gothic-style architecture church in the 13th century and continued through the Romanesque and Baroque eras. For lunch and local Mediterranean fare, the Mercado Central de Valencia is a perfect spot to enjoy wine, food, and vendors. 

If you’re lucky enough to be in Valencia on Thursday at midday, The Water Tribunals aka The Tribunal de Las Aguas are made up of eight farmers that gather dressed in all black robes outside the Door of the Apostles in the Plaza de la Virgen. These thousand year old tribunals are considered part of the UNESCO World Heritage and are held in the original Valencian language, their decisions are final.

For cocktails and dinner, locals and visitors alike gather in the Northwestern portion of the Historic City Center in the gorgeous district of El Carmen, one of Valencia's best neighborhoods for local cuisine and mixology.

So, whether you are staying at Hotel Palacio Santa Clara in Valencia for a long weekend, or using the property as an anchor for your European vacation…you can be assured that you’ll remember this Spanish city and want to return again and again.

The rooftop terrace bar at the Hotel Palacio Santa Clara in Valencia is a moody and luxurious setting to unwinding after exploring Valencia during the day. It's also a great group gathering spot for a private mixology class or cool backdrop for a wedding reception space.

Built in 1916, the Hotel Palacio Santa Clara was a former textile store and private home. It currently sits just off the Historical City Center providing guests the perfect location for a walkable vacation in Valencia.

Rooms at the Hotel Palacio Santa Clara give a vintage vibe, but with all the modern amenities and fixtures needed to assure a comfy stay.

Valencia's Historic Center is very walkable and easy to navigate, even still private and group tours can be suggested by the concierge at Hotel Palacio Santa Clara if needed.

The bar at Hotel Palacio Santa Clara harkens back to the golden age with dark wood and classic cocktails. This is the perfect meet up place for guests seeking to venture out for the day.

Albufera National Park is only 6 miles from Valencia's City Center and a nice getaway for nature enthusiasts. Several species of migrant birds, turtles, and other wildlife can be found here, as well as the rice fields that gave birth to the city's most reknowned dish, paella.

Tons of restaurants and bars are walking distance from Hotel Palacio Santa Clara. If you're looking for some of the best tapas, cocktails, and local beers, in Spain, this walkable area of Valencia has you covered.