5 hands-on workshops and tours in Valencia

Give Mirella and Rafa an empty beer bottle and they’ll transform it into a work of art. Leftover glass turns into picture frames, vases and terrariums with copper foil and a nifty soldering iron. Learn how to work their magic at one of their classes, usually held in the decadent surroundings of Villa Indiano.

Katrin’s organic, billowy vases are all hand-built, meaning they are wonderfully asymmetrical and brimming with character. Can’t commit to a three-month course? She shares her techniques in small, relaxing workshops – keep an eye out on her Instagram page.

Many of Valencia’s orange groves used to be filled with mulberry trees, and in the 18th century half of the city worked with silk in one way or another. Eva works wonders with silk, taking inspiration from Valencia’s architecture and culture. Join a silk scarf workshop to give it a whirl.

They say paella should be cooked over an open fire, and (if we’re being really picky) using orange wood. Failing that, try this beginner’s course in Russafa – it takes a light-hearted approach to a dish that’s taken very seriously. It even includes a morning trip to the market to pick up the ingredients.

On a quiet industrial estate to the northwest of the city, local beer heroes Tyris have opened up their brewery to curious ale fans. Take the metro over, pop on a hair net and join a tour of their slick operation, before tasting five of their best brews in the tap room.