The Orange Museum - about the Orange Museum Valencia

The Levante region to the north and south of Valencia grows the most delicious fruit and produces nearly 70 per cent of Spain’s oranges for export. The secret is that the region lies on the very edge of the suitable climatic zone. Winter cold snaps help to produce the deep colour in the oranges - and the long hours of sunshine tempered by low winter temperatures give a perfect balance of sweet and sour flavour to the fruit. By comparison, oranges grown in tropical sun are bland concentrations of sugar with pale yellow skins.

To experience these citrus delights and learn something of the history of orange cultivation, Valencia Guias, a specialist company, is offering guided tours of the orange-growing area. The day-trip includes a visit to a citrus-fruit factory, orange picking and a tour of the world’s only citrus museum.

The unique Museu de Ia Taronja (taronja is Valencian for orange) lies 35 miles north of Valencia, in Burriana. This coastal town made its wealth from the export of oranges and has never really had to concern itself with the business of tourism. The city’s principal attraction is the Orange Museum, located in a turn-of-the century merchant’s townhouse in the historic centre.