One of the best things about spending a weekend in Valencia is the fact that you can always watch a football match. Besides the city being the home of the traditionally bigger Valencia CF, the coastal city is also the home of Levante, a small club that reaches great heights from time to time.
Levante's history is anywhere but impressive. The red and blue club of Valencia has mainly played in the Segunda Division throughout its history, something which even Johan Cruyff couldn't change. But in the 21st century, Los Granotas (the frogs) have managed to build a better reputation. They didn't just play at the top flight for some years, they also became real giant killers: Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have been coming to Levante with feeble knees.
The Estadi Ciutat de Valencia is already in use for over 50 years but has undergone a drastic metamorphosis recently. All stands are covered now, a privilege that used to only be reserved for the main stand. Bear in mind that in Valencia, it's more for protection against the sun than against the rain. The stadium is by Spanish standards not really special but it is a real football stadium, with room for 25,000 fans. On the one hand, the roof robs the stadium of the beautiful backdrops with tower blocks, but on the other hands it gives Estadi Ciutat de Valencia a more distinguished appearance.
On the Gol Orriols stand behind one of the goals, there are two parts of the stand that have two rows of seats less than the rest of the stand. It's a strange sight, but it has a special story. Of all the land owners around the newly built stadium, one of them - allegedly a Valencia fan - didn't agree with the plans and refused to sell his land. The farmer stood his ground, which blocked the plans to build on this tiny piece of land, hence why the Estadi Ciutat de Valencia got this strange construction.
Before the match, you can have a drink at Bar Avenida, on Carrer de Santiago Rusiñol 26. The owners are real fans of Levante, and within two minutes, you're at the stadium.
It might not be a surprise to you that Spain is a very superstitious country. At Levante, the entire squad goes to the Basilica de la Virgen de los Desamparados every year. The players bring an offer to the holy virgin, hoping for another year without concerns about relegation.
For the best paella, you have to go to Restaurante La Pepica on Passeig Neptu, the boulevard. Someone who couldn't get enough of it was the footballer Faas Wilkes, who first arrived in the city as a player for Valencia and later also became the manager of Levante. The Dutchman ate here several times a week, and they clearly haven't forgotten about him: In the restaurant, you'll find multiple photos of one of the first foreign football stars Valencia had seen.
You can buy tickets on Levante's website or at one of the fan stores in the city. Don't be shocked when you see the ticket prices, in the bottom half of La Liga, football isn't quite cheap either.
The stadium is situated on the northern edge of the city, which makes it well accessible by car. Parking can be a challenge sometimes. You can get there easily by public transport too: Tram 6 stops in front of the main entrance of the stadium (stop Estadi del Llevant). Metro station Machado (line 3 and 9) is a 10-minute walk away.
Images: Shutterstock, BSR Agency
