People interested in the Spanish cultural artefacts of a bygone age are advised to visit an exhibition currently taking place at Alicante.

Entitled Del Mediterraneo a los Andes, the exhibition explores the roots of Mediterranean and Andean culture and demonstrates how the two combined to create a new identity, Communitat Valenciana reports.

Recommended for fans of both Spanish and South American culture, the event includes a wide variety of exhibits including religious items, archaeological remains, ceramic pieces and other examples of the rich legacy of the Mediterranean-Andean cultural exchange.

Taking place until February 6th, the exhibition should have plenty to offer holidaymakers and property owners who would like their stay on the Costa Blanca to provide more than just sun and sand.

Another attraction currently drawing people to the Valencia region is Formula One, with Spanish former champion Fernando Alonso currently test-driving his new Renault car at Valencia’s Cheste circuit before the new season begins.

Motorsports fans are flocking to Valencia today to see Spanish formula one driver Fernando Alonso drive his new Renault car for the first time.

In a four-day session which is open to the public, the two-time world champion will test drive the R-28 vehicle at Valencia’s Cheste circuit as the Renault team prepares for the beginning of the formula one season, Typically Spanish reports.

The event is expected to raise anticipation for this year’s races to an even higher level, with Alonso returning to Renault after a season with McLaren Mercedes and Valencia set to host a grand prix on the city streets for the very first time.

Kicking off in March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the world’s premier motorsport competition comes to Valencia in the summer, with the race taking place on August 24th.

The new circuit is based around the city’s America’s Cup port and this waterside location has drawn comparisons with the famous Monaco grand prix.

Born in Asturias, Alonso became the youngest ever formula one champion in 2005 when he won the title aged 24.

A British writer who published a book about her move to the Turia Valley in Valencia province recently discussed her experiences in an interview with a property website.

Speaking to Homes Worldwide, Angela Love said that the “sunshine and easygoing pace of life” were the main things that first attracted her to Spain and led her to move to Valencia with her husband in 2004.

Ms Love explained that she was particularly attracted to the Valencia region because of its “lush orange groves and pine-covered hills”, as well as the tradition for paella - the quintessential Spanish dish originated in Valencia and is still a major part of daily life in the area.

“The scent of orange blossom carried by the breeze knocks me out every time,” she said of her life in the Turia Valley area.

Speaking more generally about Spain, Ms Love revealed that the country’s high standard of healthcare and education, relatively low cost of living and “strong community spirit” all played a part in persuading her to relocate from the UK.

Her book about life in Valencia is entitled Orange Blossom Beginnings.

Towns such as Betera and San Antonio de Benageber are located in Camp de Turia, a comarca of Valencia province.

The tourism industry continues to thrive in Spain, with recent figures predicting a significant increase in visitors to the country during 2008.

A report by industry association Exceltur forecasts a growth of 1.8 per cent in the number of people choosing Spain as a holiday destination this year, taking the total number of overseas arrivals to 60.7 million.

The healthy Spanish tourism market is currently sustained by two main trends, Homes Worldwide reports - the growing interest in “urban tourism” among holidaymakers and the enduring popularity of winter sunshine breaks in southern areas of Spain, particularly among British people.

According to the website, many people are now interested in short ‘city breaks’, which makes Spain’s cosmopolitan cities such as Sevilla and Valencia an appealing prospect, while others continue to head to the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca for a more relaxing seaside holiday.

Travel Republic has reported a huge increase in bookings for Spanish holidays after Christmas, as the wet UK weather and increased availability of cheap flights draws more people to the Iberian peninsula.

Low-cost airline Ryanair recently launched a new service to Malaga from Bournemouth Airport.

Valencia adds to its reputation as one of Spain’s liveliest and culturally rich cities this week with the arrival of the annual Flamenco Festival.

Now in its 12th year, the festival begins today (January 16th) at the Palau de la Musica in Valencia, with a number of Spain’s top flamenco performers appearing over the next four days.

Opening the festival is Eva Garrido, an acclaimed artist from Granada province more commonly known by her nickname Eva Yerbabuena. She will be performing a new show for the Valencian audience which is “characterised by its simplicity and emotional depth”, according to Comunitat Valenciana.

Also appearing at the event is Enrique Morente, who takes to the stage on January 17th. Described as a “true connoisseur of classical flamenco” by the tourist website, Morente has been performing for over 40 years and is one of flamenco’s most respected figures.

The festival will be brought to a conclusion by local artist Raquel Garcia, who performs at the Night of Valencian Flamenco on January 18th, while winner of the 2007 National Music Award Miguel Poveda will appear on the last day of the festival.

Originating from Andalusia, the musical genre of flamenco is known for its strong, driving rhythms and passionate, distinctive style of dance.

A travel website has listed its top reasons for people to visit Valencia in 2008, as the region prepares for what could be its most successful year yet.

While the Valencia football team may be enduring a difficult season in La Liga, the rest of the city is going from strength to strength and continues to offer many attractions for tourists and property buyers from around the world, Easier Travel reports.

Indeed, sport is still one of main reasons to visit Spain’s third-largest city, with a new formula one track set to be launched in Valencia this summer. Similar in style to the famous circuit at Monaco, the new course will see star drivers such as Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso race around the city streets in August.

Major sporting events are also a theme elsewhere in the region, with the port at nearby Alicante due to host the start of the Volvo Ocean Race, a round-the-world sailing competition, in October.

In addition, the region boasts 24 championship golf courses, catering for those who prefer sporting activity of the more sedate variety.

As the home of paella, Valencia also has plenty to offer food-lovers, with several Michelin-starred restaurants found in the region and traditional Spanish cuisine available on every street.

Valencia was recently named as one of Spain’s “property hotspots” for 2008 by Homes Worldwide.

An innovative new cancer treatment centre is set to be built in Valencia, it has emerged.

The 120 million euros development involves the installation of a proton accelerator system “the size of a football field” and will put the city at the forefront of advanced cancer treatment in Spain, Costa Blanca News reports.

Based at Valencia University, the centre should be completed by 2012 and will provide treatment for approximately 2,000 patients each year, with 200 research scientists employed at the site.

Described as helping to bring about a “cancer treatment revolution” in Europe by Costa Blanca News, the proton accelerator is an advanced form of radio therapy which can destroy cancerous cells without harming healthy tissue in the same area of the body.

A combination of funds from the European Union, Spanish government and local Valencian authority will pay for the centre.

Homes Worldwide recently predicted that Valencia will be one of the most popular areas for property buyers in 2008, partly due to the arrival of the new Formula One track this summer.

The exciting development of the Valencia region is set to continue unabated, with the local government unveiling a new homebuilding initiative for the area.

Regional planning and environment chief Jose Ramon Garcia Anton has revealed plans to build new subsidised properties in the area, which will be available at below-market prices for lower earners.

According to Costa Blanca News, the official has received the backing of nine councils in the region to free up 2.2 million square metres of land for construction. About 14,300 ‘public protected’ homes are expected to be built in this area.

In addition, Garcia Anton told a meeting in Alicante province this week that a new study of the demand for subsidised housing in Alicante, Castellon and Valencia will be completed in January.

He said: “This will allow us to know the housing necessities and the exact situation of offer and demand for each municipality.

“In this way, the town halls and the regional government can accurately allocate land for building to satisfy the demand which exists.”

With the region already boasting a large expat community and much top-end property, the new housing would help to strengthen the infrastructure of the Valencia region.

A new inland road route for the Costa Blanca, which would take the strain off coastal highways, was recently proposed by the regional government in Callosa.

A growing number of people from around the world are choosing to spend the festive period in Spain, according to new research.

The study by Co-operative Travel shows that an Iberian Christmas is particularly popular among Britons, with the majority of people favouring Spain over any other destination for their December holidays.

With temperatures reaching up to 17 degrees C on the Costa del Sol over Christmas, the warm climate is one the principal attractions for British people heading to Spain at this time of year, Homes Worldwide reports. Of course, the country’s top ski resorts also draw a large number of winter holidaymakers from the UK and further afield.

Managing director of Kyero.com Martin Dell told the website: “The festive period in Spain is thoroughly enjoyable - the emphasis is on spending time with friends and family.

“We have seen more and more people choosing to spend their Christmas at their second home in Spain, making good use of the property year round.”

Heavy snowfall at Sierra Nevada resorts earlier this month has suggested that this year will bring a long and booming ski season to Spain.

Sports enthusiasts from across the world are expected to flock to Valencia next year for the World Indoor Championships – with the new advanced running track being officially opened this week.

From March 7th to 9th 2008, visitors are expected to stream into the Palau Velodromo Luis Puig for the event being held on the state-of-the-art running track.

The surface, dubbed Mondotrack FTX, is made of the same material as that being used in the Beijing Olympics and the track has hydraulic technology which raises the bends in order to help the athletes push forward.

Royal Spanish Athletics Federation president José María Odriozola said: “This is a fantastic sports hall.

“All the preparations for the World [Indoor Championships] are on schedule and I’m convinced it will be a complete success in every sense: organisational, crowd but also in terms of athletics standards.”

Valencia is gearing up for a number of sporting events taking place next year which are expected to pull in thousands more overseas visitors.

As well as the World Indoor Championships, it will also be hosting its first European Grand Prix, the Volvo Ocean Race and the Motorcycling Grand Prix.