Latest news with #Valencian
Time Out
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Ahoy, Marujo da Linha! An Iberian restaurant has opened right in the historic centre of Cascais
In Largo Luís de Camões, at the heart of Cascais' historic centre, you'll find countless restaurants and pubs that tell the story of a town long shaped by tourism – think awnings advertising 'typical Portuguese food' more than the restaurant's own name, menus with glossy photos of dishes, and staff waving laminated menus at passersby. But one new restaurant is looking to break the mould, aiming to win over locals with a more thoughtful approach. Marujo da Linha draws inspiration from the world of Luís de Camões and fittingly opened its doors on the poet's own holiday – 10 June. 'This is a square steeped in history – it was once a bustling trading hub where people from all over Europe and the Índias came to exchange spices and goods. It has a rich past, but it's been heavily diluted over time. Now it's just menus with pictures, people grabbing tourists by the arm… It's a shame, because this is an iconic place', says Mireia López, the woman behind Marujo da Linha, in an interview with Time Out. Originally from Valencia, Mireia has called Portugal home for the past 18 years. Her mission? To revive the spirit of the square and win back the hearts (and stomachs) of the locals. She's doing it with an Iberian fusion restaurant that serves both Portuguese and Spanish dishes – with a special nod to her native Valencia. 'I've always felt there was something missing – a proper fusion. Tapas and petiscos are similar, and sure, we have a bit of historical rivalry, but we're also incredibly alike. The foundations of our cuisines are the same, our ingredients practically identical – the only real difference is in how we cook them. So I wanted to bring both cultures together here'. There's no shortage of tempting choices on the menu. You can't go wrong with the Iberian ham and Manchego cheese board (€23), but there's also Peruvian octopus ceviche with leche de tigre (€21), boquerones in vinegar (€10), aged beef tartare (€25), Iberian ham croquettes (€3), crispy Andalusian-style squid (€16), garlic prawns (€16), creamy cod buñuelos with piquillo peppers (€10), huevos rotos (€16 with Iberian ham or €24 with lobster), and esgarraet valenciano – a traditional Valencian dish made with roasted red peppers, cod, black olives and boiled egg (€9.50). If you're in the mood for something heartier, a few standout dishes include the traditional Valencian rice with chicken and rabbit (€16.50), lobster rice (€26), and the classic paella valenciana (€16.50) – though several other versions are also on offer. There's also cod loin with a tomato onion sauce (€16), a slow-cooked Iberian pork terrine with mashed potatoes (€15.50), grilled lamb chops (€16.50), and 40-day aged beef loin (€28). For dessert, the house favourite is a no-brainer: the torrija de leite creme (€6.50), a rich, custard-soaked treat. Pair it all with a selection from the restaurant's well-curated list of Portuguese and Spanish wines. 'All our food is homemade and prepared with fresh ingredients. The idea is not to have a fixed menu', explains Mireia, noting that despite having just opened, they're already planning to offer daily specials and keep things fresh and exciting. Most ingredients are Portuguese, though some key items – like boquerones and cured hams – still come from Spain. Before this new chapter in Cascais, Marujo da Linha had a short but sweet run along the Paredão de Carcavelos, where it operated for eight months during 2024. Then, Mireia stumbled upon this vacant space — formerly used as a storage room by the neighbouring restaurant, Palm Tree – and made the bold move from the beach to the heart of the village. Mireia López grew up surrounded by pots and pans in a family that ran several restaurants. She first moved to Portugal drawn by her love of surfing and the country's stunning coastline, but kept one foot in Spain, continuing to run her own ventures in Valencia. When she finally embraced her long-held dream of opening a restaurant in Portugal, she brought her brother Borja along for the ride – now the head chef at Marujo da Linha. After six months of renovations, what was once little more than a 'hole in the wall' was transformed into an elegant restaurant in shades of blue and white, with maritime details and subtle nods to the traditional Portuguese art of azulejos. Mireia herself, a keen lover of the arts, handcrafted many of the details you'll find in the space: the scroll-like dividers inspired by Camões, hand-painted tiles depicting the poet, and bespoke artisanal lamps. Among the 90 seats, spread between the indoor dining room and the outdoor terrace, you'll even spot some of the writer's books. If all goes to plan with this new chapter of Marujo da Linha, the dream is to expand the brand and open a second outpost – this time, in downtown Lisbon.
Irish Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Valencia offers the perfect mix for a city break to remember
If the Big Apple is the city that never sleeps, then the Big Orange - Valencia - is the city that's ever-sleek. Spain's third-largest city has proved itself a master of reinvention over the years, yet for all its modern touches it still retains lots of charming reminders of its colourful past. And with plenty on offer for history and culture buffs, as well as families, nature lovers, fitness fanatics, foodies and sun-seekers, it really should be at the top of the list for any traveller looking for the perfect city break. A great way to kick off your visit is with a guided tour of the Old Town, which will give you a sense of Valencia's rich and storied history. First stop is the Ajuntament de Valencia, or the City Hall. These buildings are commonly known as 'ayuntamientos' throughout Spain, but the city is very proud of its native language, Valencian, a fact also evident in the street signs using the word 'carrer' instead of 'calle'. With the Irish language having a revival back home, it is always heartening to see local tongues fighting back. The Ajuntament, which is the seat of the local government, is a very imposing edifice and incorporates a former school, the Casa de la Enseñanza. It houses a museum and an impressive marble stairway inside, but the main attraction is a balcony where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the bustling plaza all around. While on the balcony, cast your eyes upwards for a glance at the Ajuntament's clock tower, which bears the city's coat of arms, complete with a towering statue of a bat, the spirit animal of Valencia. Legend has it that during a 13th-century battle between Christians and Muslims, one of the winged critters alerted Jaume I and his troops as they rested in a camp to a surprise attack by the Muslim army. Another place of immense historical significance is Llotja de la Seda, the Silk Exchange - which was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site back in 1996. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, it helped Valencia to flourish thanks to the silk trade with the Americas, Asia and elsewhere. La Llotja consists of three sections along with a walled courtyard boasting several orange trees - Valencia is famed throughout the world for its production of this fruit. The most impressive section is the Sala de Contractació, or Trading Hall - this is where the silk merchants would have carried out the major business of the day - and its sense of grandeur, with huge columns supporting a domed ceiling, is certainly something to behold. Valencia's Central Market is a haven for foodies Fans of amazing architecture can also check out the San Nicolas church, known as Valencia's Sistine Chapel thanks to its stunning pictorial display on the ceiling, as well as the Cathedral of Valencia, which has three distinct entrances in differing Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque styles. The cathedral also houses what many believe to be the Holy Grail itself, the cup used by Jesus Christ at the Last Supper. And if your legs are up to it, you can climb to the top of the majestic Micalet bell tower - a mere 207 steps on a winding spiral staircase - where the views from the top are some of the best in the city. There's also a handy traffic light system so you can avoid bumping into people coming the opposite way when ascending or descending. Moving on to slightly more modern times, the Central Market, built in the 1920s, is the largest fresh-produce market in Europe and an absolute must for any gastronomy lovers. With stalls stretching almost as far as the eye can see with every kind of foodstuff you could want - including, of course, those aforementioned Valencia oranges - I quickly regretted not bringing at least five extra suitcases in order to bring as much home as possible. And bringing the modernity up an extra notch is the Hortensia Herrero Arts Centre. Located in a 17th-century former palace, it houses a contemporary art collection that includes more than 100 works from 50 renowned international artists, including Irishman Sean Scully. Although you could happily spend hours walking around Valencia's Old Town - the buzzing Barrio del Carmen area is another place well worth checking out - if you want to explore even more of the city then hiring a bike is highly recommended, with Valencia well set up to accommodate cyclists. While on two wheels, make for the Turia Gardens, one of the country's largest urban parks. Showcasing Valencia's talent for reinvention, the park was built in the 1950s on the former riverbed of the Turia - the course of the river had to be altered after it had caused a devastating flood. Today, it's an oasis of calm in the city, a gorgeous green space that allows you to get back to nature amidst the hectic goings-on of a major metropolis. Undoubtedly, this played its part in Valencia being named the European Green Capital last year. The futuristic City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia Traversing the park on my bike, I stopped at one point to examine a unique playground - and one that has a Irish connection. The Gulliver Park is named after Gulliver's Travels by Dubliner Jonathan Swift, and hosts a gigantic figure of the eponymous adventurer lying down secured by ropes just like when he visited Lilliput in the 1726 book. The figure is covered with stairs, slides, ramps and ropes and is definitely a great spot for any parents with young children to while away a few hours. The Turia Gardens also offer the perfect gateway to the glistening City of Arts and Sciences hub - a sleek, ultra-modern nod to Valencia's future. Designed by legendary local artist Santiago Calatrava, there are several elements to this complex. The Hemisferic is a digital 3D cinema with a massive screen, while the Science Museum houses a number of fascinating interactive exhibitions and workshops. And for classical music fans, the Palau de les Arts hosts concerts, operas and ballets during the months of October and November. There's also a massive, open-access garden called the Umbracle and a multi-purpose building called the CaixaForum, but for me the highlight is Oceanografic, which is Europe's largest aquarium and a haven for any animal lovers. Oceanografic is divided into several sections such as Antarctic, Arctic, Wetlands and Mediterranean, and takes an educational approach throughout, with lots of useful information about marine conservation and the latest scientific research being carried out to combat the devastating effects of climate change. Among the species on show are dolphins, sealions, turtles, crocodiles, penguins, crabs, octopuses and a wide variety of funky fish from all over the world. A big draw though is a glass tunnel that you can walk through while fish and sharks swim overhead, which makes for some fabulous photo opportunities - and as this year is the 50th anniversary of Jaws, I felt it would be rude not to stage my own 'hunted by a shark' photoshoot (luckily there was a very cute ray on hand as well to counter all this scariness). On the subject of nature, it is well worth venturing 10 kilometres out of the city to L'Albufera Natural Park, which boasts the largest freshwater lagoon in Spain and which is home to up to 300 different species of birds throughout the year, including some elegant flamingos. A relaxing boat trip across the lagoon is the best way to experience it, while there are also walking trails throughout the reserve. L'Albufera natural park And L'Albufera has another claim to fame - with paddy fields all around for growing rice, here is where the quintessential Spanish dish paella was invented. For an authentic experience, try the paella valenciana, believed to be the original recipe - but be warned, it contains rabbit and snails alongside chicken (still delicious, however). A second warning - don't try tackle one on your own like I did as they are designed to feed two people at least. I did my best to polish it off but I couldn't eat anything else for literally 24 hours afterwards - absolutely zero regrets though. Finally, if you are just looking for somewhere to chill out with a great beach, then Valencia has that too - with almost 20km of soft, golden sands by the Mediterranean. Sitting there with a beer at a beach bar in the Platja de la Malvarrosa, I thought to myself 'What more could you want?' But the great thing about Valencia is that it always somehow finds more to offer you. GETTING THERE: Ryanair flies direct to Valencia from both Dublin and Cork. WHERE TO STAY: The SH Colon hotel has an ideal location very close to the city's historic centre. With cosy rooms, friendly staff and a breakfast terrace perfect for enjoying a glass of orange juice in the morning sun, it's hard to beat. WHERE TO EAT: The Bon Aire restaurant at L'Albufera is a super spot to try paella in its homeplace. La Maritima beside the marina is the place to go for seafood. Portolito Centro is also recommended. GETTING AROUND: Valencia has a great public transport system. Pick up a Valencia Tourist Card, which includes free transportation on buses, trams and the metro. For bike hire, try Doyoubike Rental. MORE INFORMATION: See Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Wine with Leslie: Keep it in the family with these wine selections
With all the romance and, let's be honest, pretensions that have become associated with wine, it is important to remember that it is an agricultural product made by women and men in mucky boots. A vigneron in Valencia has more in common with a winter barley grower in Tipperary than they would ever have with an urbanite like me. Wines today are from three family estates, all using amphora and minimum-intervention winemaking. Up first is a fine example of modern Spain that ironically uses ancient grapes and techniques. Bodegas del Roure is at 600m elevation in Valencia DO and Pablo Calatuyud and his father are reviving old Valencian varieties such as Mando, Arcos and Verdil. When I visited a few years ago I was thrilled to see a field full of recently delivered amphora and to see the restored horse-shoe cellar with amphora sunk into the earth (worth a Google). Maria Barrena and her husband, Josep, farm organically in Penedés and make excellent PetNat and skin contact wines from vines grown at 300-350m in Penedés within sight of the Mediterranean. As expected in this region, they grow Xarello, Macabeu and Parallada plus Chardonnay, with a new importer (GrapeCircus) for Entre Vinyes expect to see them in your local wine bar. Maria is also winemaker at Navarra's Azul y Garanza (Bubble Brothers) which I also love. The Hubert family have been making wine in Blaye since 1895 from their beautiful chateau, parts of which date from the 17th century. Biodynamic since 2000 (since Rachel Hubert took over the estate), and using wild yeasts and occasionally amphora ageing which aids texture and complexity. Their importer, Mary Pawle (info@ has retired, but has some decent stocks of Peybonhomme should anyone want a case or two; they are looking for new representation. Celler del Roure 'Vermell', Valencia, Spain, €19-20 Celler del Roure 'Vermell', Valencia, Spain, €19-20 MacCurtain Wine Cellar; Jus De Vine; Wicklow Wine Co.; independents. Family owned producer farming organically with extensive use of amphora and minimum intervention winemaking, making modern Spanish classics. Made from Garnacha Tintorera (Alicante Bouschet) and local grape Mando which they are actively reviving. Lively light and tangy, almost ethereal in style, with cherry-strawberry fruits and a delightful crunchy freshness, serve cool. Entre Vinyes Oníric Xarel-lo Brisat, Penedés, Spain, €20-21 Entre Vinyes Oníric Xarel-lo Brisat, Penedés, Spain, €20-21 Organico; Quay Co-Op; MacCurtain Wine Cellar; Mannings; Little Green Grocer; Urru; Sheridans Primarily from vines planted in the 1940s and 50s on a family run estate. Skin contact fermentation, natural yeasts and aged in amphora on lees for 6 months which accounts for its gorgeous layered textures. Aromas of lemon, tangerine and peach, zesty lemon and apple on the palate, textured and complex with tannic skin and cream soda combined. Delicious. Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours, Vin de France 'Cuvee des 2C', €26-27 Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours, Vin de France 'Cuvee des 2C', €26-27 Manning's Emporium; Scally's SuperValu and The Olive Branch Clonakilty Peybonnehomme is based in Blaye (Bordeaux) and were pioneers in organic and biodynamic viticulture, their wines are always interesting - watch for amphora aged 'Energies' (Mannings, Little Green Grocer). An atypical blend of Syrah (50%), Touriga Nacional (25%), Malbec & Merlot with no added sulphur; lush, juicy red and dark plum fruits with a velvety texture and some crunch. Serve cool. Spirit of the week Keepers Heart 10 Year Old Irish Single Malt, 43% ABV, €99.95 Keepers Heart 10 Year Old Irish Single Malt, 43% ABV, €99.95 Bradleys; Celtic Whiskey; Mitchell's; Wine Centre; Shannon Airport; The first age-statement malt from Keeper's Heart, voted best Irish Whiskey in San Francisco in 2023. Aged 10 years in Bourbon and finished in Malaga casks. Apricot, lemon and honey aromas, smooth on the palate with dried fruits, lemon barley and hot honey notes with pepper and spices on the finish. Long and satisfying.
Local Spain
01-07-2025
- Business
- Local Spain
Valencia mayor slammed for luring digital nomads despite property crisis
Ferran Puchades, a Valencia City councillor for left-wing party Compromís, has denounced the city mayor right-wing mayor María José Catalá for investing public money in promoting policies to attract digital nomads, which according to municipal and academic reports, has led to an increase in housing prices. Puchades reports that the Las Naves municipal foundation, part of the City Council, has spent €112,400 to create a digital nomad support office. The service, with an initial duration of 12 months, aims to "increase the visibility and international positioning of Valencia as a leading destination for digital nomads," offering them personalised support in areas such as accommodation, mobility, and co-working spaces. Puchades finds this unacceptable during the current housing crisis many cities in Spain, including Valencia, are experiencing. 'It is incredible that, after years in which Valencia has been promoted as one of the best cities in the world to live in, which has created pressure from tourists and digital nomads … it is the City Council itself that, with public money, is actively dedicating itself to incentivising this phenomenon', he explained. According to the councillor, the reports drafted by the City Council on tourist apartment licences, already warned of the correlation between the arrival of digital nomads with high purchasing power and rising housing prices, making it difficult for the resident population to access housing. 'On the one hand, Catalá claims to want to improve access to housing, and on the other, she allocates public funds to making life easier for those who contribute, at least in part, to the rising cost of rents and apartments," Puchades stated. Puchades has also criticised the "speed" with which the municipal government has processed licences for co-working spaces and co-living spaces designed for remote workers and digital nomads. According to the latest stats from property portal Idealista, the average price to buy an apartment in Valencia is €3,017 /m2 and the city has seen an increase of 19.5 percent in the last year. When it comes to renting, the price is currently €15.7 /m2, which as increased by 10.9 percent since 2024. In order to be able to legally live in Spain, digital nomad visa holders from outside of the EU need to earn at least €2,762 per month. Recent data shows that Spain has issued 14,255 of these DNVs over the past couple of years (27,875 including their family members) but this doesn't include the many thousands of EU digital nomads who have also moved to Spain since remote working became a mainstay after the Covid-19 pandemic. According to ABC, some reports say there could be as many as 100,000 foreign digital nomads in the country. According to Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE) report, the average gross annual salary in the Valencian region is €25,632, which is €2,136 gross per month, much less than what foreign remote workers are earning. While the rise in the number of digital nomads has no doubt contributed to this increase, it can't wholly be to blame. Housing costs have been skyrocketing across Spain due to a combination of inflation, speculation and the rise in the number of tourist apartments, among other factors.
Euronews
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Protesters demand local government resigns after deadly Valencia flood
Hundreds took to the streets of Valencia on Sunday to demand the resignation of the regional president Carlos Mazón and his government for their response to devastating flooding which killed hundreds. The flooding left at least 224 people dead, thousands homeless and caused millions of euros' worth of damage. Saturday's demonstration was organised by more than 200 Valencian social organisations. In the rally, the organisers also wanted to highlight what they describe as negligence on the regional government's behalf in the days following the flooding. Protesters denounced the fact that their local authorities, in their view, have no serious plans for the reconstruction of educational infrastructures. They are demanding more urgent action to help the area return to normal. Mazón is under immense pressure after his administration failed to issue flood alerts to citizens' cell phones until hours after the flooding started last October. Mazón, of the conservative Popular Party, is also being criticized for what people perceive as the slow and chaotic response to the natural disaster. Thousands of volunteers were the first boots on the ground in many of the hardest hit areas on Valencia's southern outskirts. It took days for officials to mobilize the thousands of police reinforcements and soldiers that the regional government asked central authorities to send in. Mazón has defended his handling of the crisis saying that its magnitude was unforeseeable and that his administration didn't receive sufficient warnings from central authorities.
