Valencia is situated in the centre of the Spanish Mediterranean coastline. It overlooks the spacious Gulf of Valencia and is skirted at the back by a group of medium-high mountains and rolling plains leading to the lands of Aragon and Castile-La Mancha. Valencia has a totally stunning and compact old town centre, packed with gorgeous buildings, historic sights, squares, gardens, museums and charming little streets. It is a total delight to get lost in it and soak up the atmosphere. The Historic Centre bears the marks of 2000 years, in a spectacular mix of Roman, Muslim and Christian civilizations. Life in the city spreads down to the seafront with the harbour and the beaches of Las Arenas and La Malvarrosa. Valencia has its own cuisine and it is famous for being the original birthplace of paella, but there is also a whole range of other unique dishes. Valencia is packed with museums (notably the Institute of Modern Art), theatres, art galleries and numerous Fiestas throughout the year.