SENTIDO > CULTURE > TRAVEL > SAGUNT

Climb to the top of the ruined castle, visit the ancient amphitheatre, and take in a panorama of Sagunt's brilliant coastline...

SAGUNT: BRAVE CITY OF ANCIENTS
Updated 29 December 2005

Sagunt is today a town little known outside of its surrounding region. It is an urban environment, nestled between the coastal hills and the Mediterranean, but far enough from the popular resort towns that one can still travel there without the relentless fanfare of major tourist sites.

Sagunt is a small city overlooking the Mediterranean along the Spanish coastline, north of Valencia. For an out-of-the-way tryst with ancient ruins, stunning panoramas, Spanish architecture from throughout the centuries, Sagunt offers all of this, bright beaches, and more.

The city gained fame in ancient times for the courage of its people, when historical custom has it, the entire population committed mass suicide rather than surrender to and be subjugated by the invading Romans.

It is an excellent place to venture to on a daytrip from nearby Valencia. Or, if you're driving up the coast to Tarragona, Salou, Sitges or Barcelona, think of it as a hard-lit, heady picturesque stop along the way. It's geographical position makes it an ideal destination for savoring one of Spain's great national dishes: the authentic paella valenciana.

Situated among the farming communities of inland Valencia province and the fruit orchards the region is most famed for, nestled along an outcrop overlooking the sea, Sagunt enjoys the prime resource required for preparing some of the best, most authentic regional cuisine. And so it's small, family-run restaurants and bars can be surprising in the quality of fare and the dedication to freshness and preparation.

It's easy to imagine a return journey as your first day in Sagunt wears on. After a hike up the hill to the ruined castle of Sagunt, with views of the entire city, the surrounding country and the seafront, and a lunch in the tangle of streets in the old city center, a short bus ride will deliver you to the white sands of Port de Sagunt, where a sun-steeped siesta may well last into the late evening.

And, the convenience of transport means you can be back in Valencia, or on your way up the coast, or to an inland ranch or estate, in time for dinner at your city or lodging of choice. [s]

For more travel listings, original narratives and destinations, consult Sentido's sister site for travel, CavaTravel.com...