Tasty paella trail in Valencia

On your Spanish holiday this year embark on a gastronomic voyage of discovery by following the paella trail in the Valencia region. Whether you're on a driving holiday or want to take day trips from your package holiday resort, Valencia has some tasty treats in store.

There are hundreds of different kinds of paella and rice dishes in Spain and the traditions and rituals that surround the cooking of this famous dish are waiting to be discovered by budding paella connoisseurs.

Paella is named after the heavy-based, shallow pan it is prepared in and a great place to pick one up is in the Mercado Central in the old town of Valencia.

This is the largest indoor market in Europe and a magnificent example of Modernist architecture.

Typical Valencian paella includes green and broad beans, chicken, rabbit and sometimes snails as its main ingredients, all of which can be bought fresh in the market.

The perfect paella has a crispy, caramelised, slightly toasted base, which is called socarrat in Valencian and achieved by turning up the heat at the end of cooking and "listening" to the rice toast.

Paella rice is grown in the peaceful haven around Albufera lake and nature reserve, around half an hour south of Valencia.

Vast paddy fields dominate this picturesque landscape and El Palmar is often described as the "paella village".

The master chefs in El Palmar's restaurants are often happy to give visitors some tips on how to cook the perfect Valencian paella, laced with saffron and olive oil.

Half an hour's drive further inland from here the historic town of Xativa is famous for its hilltop castle and a hearty rice dish called 'arroz al horno'.

This oven baked dish adds potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, black pudding and pork ribs to the rice.

Heading back to the coast, the resort of Gandia has long sandy beaches and a different kind of paella called 'fideua', which uses pasta instead of rice and plenty of fish and squid.

The old town of Gandia is also well worth a visit for its rich cultural heritage and medieval palaces and churches.

Finally, popular Benidorm and the other Costa Blanca resort towns are well known for their 'arroz a banda', a delicious rice dish cooked in fish stock.

After all that driving and eating you may need a siesta!