Author: Bob Cartwright
While it’s always been easy to fly to the Spanish Costas from the north of England, getting to more interesting parts of the Iberian Peninsular than its crowded beaches has often meant a long treck south to Heathrow or Gatwick to find a flight. That situation has improved markedly with flights from Liverpool to Valencia, Seville and, most recently Santiago de Compestela.
It’s possible that it was Liverpool’s large Catholic population that led to the Santiago flights – after all, the NW Spanish city is home to the shrine to St James. Indeed, the name Santiago de Compostela means ‘St. James of the Field of Stars. This theory is based on the belief that the bones of St. James were taken from the Middle East, to Spain. They were then buried where a shepherd had spotted a star and a church was eventually built over the bones. That church was later replaced with the current Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela.
Today, there’s lots to enjoy in Santiago – an old town with historic cobble-stoned streets, an excellent University and a bustling nightlife which, as with so many Spanish cities, goes on into the small hours. Take an umbrella, however - Santiago is one of the wettest cities in Europe.
Seville and Valencia are favourite short city break destinations. Seville, in particular, was difficult to reach but now Ryanair offers Liverpool flights to the Andalucian capital. A trip is worthwhile just to see Seville’s three great sights – the Cathedral, the largest in Europe; the Giralda Tower and the Alcazar. Avoid the height of summer, however – this is Europe’s hottest city in July and August.
Valencia is described by some city break enthusiasts as ‘the new Barcelona’ – hardly surprising given its vibrant night-life and with much to see, starting with the Cathedral, built from 1262 and 1426 and featuring the Cup of the Holy Grail.
La Lonja de la Seda, the Gothic Silk Exchange is the city’s most beautiful old building, dating from the 15th Century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Central Market is well worth a visit, with over 1,000 stalls in a splendid brick-and-iron building.
Valencia is home to Europe’s largest marine park and fine museums too with the Fine Arts Museum the largest in Spain after the Prado. The old town, or Centro Histórico, has buildings dating to Roman and Arabic times. It's surrounded by the city walls and can only be toured on foot.
So try and alternative to the Spanish beaches and see the real Spain – three of its great cities, all reached from Liverpool.