Valencia is often described as a city made up of a lot of villages. The truth is that is what it really is. Each area has its own centre and many of them have their own history that makes it unique. So in the first of this occasional series I am going to tell you about The Carmen area in Valencia.
Historically the Carmen is the old medieval centre of Valencia. And yet it is four kilometres away from the sea. Often people ask me for a central Valencia flat with sea views. Well get those binoculars out because the centre to the beach is a difficult view even on a clear day and from a great height. The reason is that the old riverbed used to be navigable up to the Torres Serranos until it started to silt up and boats got further and further from the centre, eventually finishing up at the Port. (Of course these days there is no river, just a riverbed)
The Carmen therefore due to its historical growth is a warren of narrow streets not really in straight lines, unlike Ensanche for example. Because it is right next to the Cathedral, Medieval Market and more, the Carmen is an area that attracts younger people to live because it is a lot cheaper than areas nearby such as Pla de Remei or Ensanche. It has as more rough edge and there are certain roads where you might not want to be if you want to sleep at night because it is also the best place for going out to bars and restaurants in Valencia.
There is a huge artistic and bohemian community in the Carmen and the area is full of small galleries, cafes doing theatre and standup and fusion restaurants trying out different combinations of food in restaurants so small there is no way they will ever make a profit. This gives a huge turnover of places to eat and every year you find something new and different to try.
Take a look at the pictures. The Carmen has a gritty charm that delights many but others prefer the more groomed and tended areas within the city.
Related Reading
1) Property in Valencia City
2) The Real Niche in Valencia Property; Attics
3) More About Houses For Sale In Spain
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