Valencia is a Mediterranean city on the eastern coast of Spain that has about a million inhabitants, making it the third largest city in the country. While perhaps not yet a household name for many tourists, Valencia is the birthplace of paella, arguably one of the most popular dishes in Spanish cuisine. It also gained popularity in 2007 as the host of the 32nd America's Cup.
Travelers who have made it to Valencia know the city has much to offer: a historic center, several galleries and restaurants, numerous museums, cultural festivals—including Las Fallas with its Night of Fire. Another draw has been the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, designed by world-renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.