Benicassim 2011, one of the biggest music festivals in Europe, gets under way on Thursday 14th July. But the fun in the sun is over all too quickly! Come Monday morning most people will be heading straight home to get some well earned kip after four days of continuous drinking, partying and camping in a grubby field/beach where any sleep is a bonus.
With that in mind, why not extend your holiday by a couple of days after the festival to recharge the batteries in one of the nearby Spanish cities of Valencia or Barcelona? And with HostelBookers Summer Sale in full swing, you can get 20%, 30% or 40% off accommodation in Valencia or Barcelona. Lets see if we can twist your arm
Valencia
Despite being the third biggest city in Spain, the old town where you’ll find most of Valencia’s main attractions and spend most of your time is really compact meaning that you won’t have to spend hours scurrying about across town trying to fit in the main sites in the limited time you’ll have before you head home.
Combine this with the city’s golden sandy beaches, beautiful architecture and stunning cathedral and the fact it is just an hour’s drive from Benicassim and Valencia really is the perfect place to regain some sanity and unwind after the madness of the festival.
GETTING THERE
The journey by train takes just over the hour, with Benicassim’s station just a few hundred meters away from the festival site. A one way ticket costs £17 per head with raileurope.co.uk, however make sure you book soon to avoid having to pay for a more expensive seat or having to wait for a later train.
Check out the official Benicassim website for special bus services.
THINGS TO DO IN VALENCIA
Birthplace of paella and home to the La Tomatina Tomato Fight at the end of August every year, Valencia is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Spain and has plenty of things to do. However, after four days of all night partying and minimal sleep amid 30-35 degree heat, we figured that the last thing you’ll want to be doing anything too energetic. So here are three more chilled out things to do in Valencia:
1. Hit the Beach
Valencia has some of the best golden beaches in Spain. Relax on a sun lounger with a cocktail in one hand and a good book in the other and soak up some rays before going for a dip in the beautifully clear sea. Malvarrosa beach or ‘Playa de Levante’ is one of the most popular in Valenica and is easily reachable from the city centre.
Having been surrounded by thousands of other sweaty ravers you may want somewhere a little quieter to unwind. If this is the case head to the more isolated surroundings of La Devesa beach in the heart of La Albufera Natural Park.
2. Amble round the Del Real Gardens
A lazy walk round the pleasant lawns and intricate paths of the Del Real Gardens amid some beautiful greenery with an ice cream is another great way to ease yourself back into normality. Make sure you don’t miss the zoo or Natural Science Museum which are also housed within the park
Other gardens worth considering are the enormous Jardines de Turia complete with elaborate gardens, hedges, fountains and mazes to get lost in and its world renowned Botanical Gardens.
3. Visit Valencia Cathedral
Situated at the end of Plaza de la Reina, Valencia Cathedral is Valencia’s most iconic landmark and is the reputed home of the Holy Grail that Jesus is supposed to have drunk from during the last supper.
This makes the cathedral a must see attraction even if you do only have limited time. If you can muster the energy, climb to the top of the bell tower for unrivalled views of the city. The beautiful basilica directly behind the cathedral is also well worth a look.
WHERE TO STAY IN VALENCIA
After sleeping rough in a field for the best part of the week you’ll be in desperate need of a shower and a super-comfortable bed to help make yourself feel human again. Thankfully, there is no shortage of quality hostels in Valencia and in HostelBookers Summer Sale, you can get 20%, 30% and 40% off accommodation!
Barcelona
Barcelona might be almost 200 kilometres further away from Benicassim than Valencia but is well worth the effort. Cataluña’s capital has something for everyone. Breathtaking art and architecture for culture vultures, bars and clubs aplenty for party goers and stunning, sandy beaches and laid back bars for people looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy the sun.
GETTING THERE
Barcelona is almost 200 kilometers further away than Valencia with trains taking 2 and a half hours. There are special coaches to and from the festival but we cant guarantee air con.
Top Tip: Make sure you check for discounts on fares as most rail companies provide discounts for students and under 26s (sorry 30 somethings!)
THINGS TO DO IN BARCELONA
There are no shortage of things to do in Barcelona, but if you’re short on time and only planning on spending 24 hours or so in the city after the Benicassim Festival 2011, here are three things you might want to consider:
1. People watch along Las Ramblas
La Rambla is one of the most beautiful boulevards in the world and is the perfect place to idly pass away a few hours people watching and browsing amongst the various stalls and street side sellers. Street performers, dancers, human statues, fortune tellers and artists also vie for your attentions along the mile-long stretch which also incorporates a superb market and a cultural exhibition centre.
Top Tip: Resist the temptation of stopping off at one of the roadside cafes as they will charge you a fortune for so much as a can of soft drink. If you’re desperately thirsty look for one of the smaller cafes off the main drag as they will have drinks available for something resembling normal prices.
2. Soak up the rays at La Barceloneta
La Barceloneta is a neighbourhood of Barcelona right next to the beach. Here you’ll find the Mapfre Tower, good seafood restaurants, a palm-lined promenade that’s perfect for a stroll and trendy bars with terraces that reach out right onto the beach front itself. If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and enjoy a chilled out pint, this is perfect. If you stay until much later and can muster the energy it’s also a great place to hang out at night, although it doesn’t get too busy until after 10 pm.
3. Take in Barcelona from the top of Sierra de Collserola
Ok, so it’s a bit of an effort to get to the top and you may be too tired to contemplate doing anything that resembles work, but you won’t be disappointed by the breathtaking views of Barcelona once you reach the summit.
There are also several interesting buildings like the Tower of Collserola and the Temple of the Sacred Heart Expiatorio to enjoy, but the highlight has to be Tiblado Amusement Park. This is the oldest amusement park in Spain and retains a historic flavor despite its modern rides which makes it unlike any other amusement park in the world.
WHERE TO STAY IN BARCELONA
There are enough cheap Barcelona hotels and hostels to suit all types of traveller no matter how particular, although after living in a tent for a week surrounded by fellow festival goers, the chances are you’ll want nothing more than a comfortable bed and a private room to get a bit of alone time. Check out Barcelona hostels in HostelBookers Summer Sale with 20%, 30% and 40% off properties!
You can start your search at for tickets on the official Benicassim website.
Have fun folks!
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