Valencian Pilota

The unofficial sport of Valencia is pilota, which is a type of handball played in long halls known as trinquets. This fast-moving game is like a mix between volleyball and tennis, but looks a lot more painful than either of those.

Pilota is frequently played in outdoor courts, but the best place in Valencia to catch a match is at the Trinquet Pelayo, next to the Estación del Norte. Despite its central location, this trinquet is almost impossible to find, if you don’t know exactly where you’re...