Meet Daniela, a Lokafyer with a story as rich as the city’s architecture. Originally from Bulgaria, Daniela has spent the last four years immersing herself in Valencia’s unique culture, from its medieval streets to its sunny beachside neighborhoods. Her love for meeting people, organizing events, and sharing the lesser-known stories of her adopted city led her to Lokafy—a platform connecting travelers with locals who offer insider perspectives.
In this blog, Daniela shares her experiences, favorite spots, and tips for an unforgettable Valencia experience. From guiding travelers through lush parks and hidden districts to navigating unexpected challenges, her insights reflect a deep love for Valencia and a desire to make every traveler feel at home. So whether you’re a solo adventurer, a family with children, or a couple looking for a romantic escape, Daniela’s local knowledge will help you uncover the heart of Valencia.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspired you to become a Lokafyer?
I am Daniela, I live 4 years in Valencia, I am originally Bulgarian. I love meeting new people, organising events, shortly being around people. I also love travelling and culture, history. I thought it will be great to meet travellers and share the amazing stories that can be told about Valencia, sharing with them my favourite spots in the city and give them a more local point of view to the city and its lifestyle, traditions etc. I really enjoy the tours with Lokafy
What do you love most about the city you guide in?
– the diversity, Valencia has an old quarter, medieval architecture, quite well preserved, the modern and ourstanding complex of City of Arts and Sciences and well and the beach with its low houses, the fishermen houses.
Can you share a personal story about what led you to live in your current city?
I lived in Prague, the Czech republic for many years. Once when I went to visit, a friend of mine was telling me about her trips to Valencia, that she really hopes to come and live here. I was impressed how passionate she was about that. Once I came from my trip to Prague I bought a one week trip to Valencia, and as I lived in Spain before and I liked it, I decided to apply for a couple of jobs in Valencia. One of them turned into a job offer. I lost the job in 3 months, but I decided to stay in the city…so I made it my new home. My friend never moved to Valencia though…
Can you share a memorable experience or moment from one of your tours?
In my last tour I was taking the travellers from the city center to a tourist attraction that is away from the centre. 30 minutes by bus. They said they want to walk, I took them through the park that lead to it, and this park was the most impressive thing for them about the tour…they were fascinated by the greenery, the palms, the birds singing….they were happy as little kids, and by them we have walked some 3 hours already….
What do you think makes a tour truly exceptional?
The personal approach, the guide should try to connect with the travellers, make friends, make them comfortable to talk about themselves and in this way they feel more natural, and the tour should be lead by the travellers, they should see and do what they like…if they like shopping…then do shopping….no matter what the guide thinks…it is the travellers choice.
How do you prepare for your tours to ensure they are unique and engaging for travelers?
I read stories about the main tourist attractions, I did go to tours done by other guides, and I was interested in ways how to present the stories more engaging, whenever possible I go by myself in the centre to get the feeling and get more ideas. When I connect with the travellers, I always ask them for expectations and preferences.
What is your favorite part of being a Lokafyer?
Meeting people from around the world, having the chance to make their vacation special, giving in a local touch…
Have you learned anything surprising or unexpected from the travelers you've guided?
Yes, quite a few things – the meat that Jewish people eat, cushier /or something similar/ and why it is special, some details on architecture in Valencia, a comment by a traveller - the domes of the old building, it was the Arabs that started to close the domes, their architectural invention.
Can you describe a challenging situation you encountered during a tour and how you handled it?
We went to the centre to see the main tourist attractions, but there was a protest, related to the war in Israel, very noisy, a lot of people, I just needed to change the plan and the route and spend a lot of time away from the noise, the very centre, one of the travellers was really bothered by the sound of fireworks and petardos, so I made sure they feel good, no matter that I needed to skip some points in the original plan.
What feedback from travelers has been the most rewarding or impactful for you?
I did a 5 hours tour last week, all walking, the travellers were fine but did feel a bit tired, I asked them in the end if they likes it….they said yes but also they said ’’ we will give you good reviews of recommendation’’ – super genuine and without asking for it.
Local Insights
What local hidden gems or off-the-beaten-path spots do you love to share with travelers?
The Carmen district, just 10 min away from the old town, very aristocratic vibe, old buildings, high ceilings and very quite little plazas/ squares where you can take a drink and enjoy the medieval architecture around you. Besides if it is a longer tour, I show them the district around the beach /which is a bit away from the center/ and used to be a fishermen’s village, with unique and preserved architecture.
Can you describe your favorite neighborhood and why you love it?
My favourite neighbourhood is
, just by the beach, it used to be a fishermen village, the houses – just 2 floors houses are very nice, some of them are very neglected. I love biking there on a Saturday early morning, when everyone is still home, it is quiet and I can enjoy the diversity and controversy of the district and take my morning coffee there
Do you have any favorite local traditions or events that you recommend to visitors?
Depending when travellers are in Valencia. The months with most events are March, the famous pirotecnical festival – 20 days of events and lots of noise, and July – a month with different cultural events and gastronomic events. I recommend them to eat a paella in a good restaurant – the famous Spanish dish that comes from Valencia, or if they like flamenco, I recommend them a place that is local and has the best flamenco shows.
Tips and Advice
How do you tailor your tours to cater to different types of travelers (e.g., families, solo travelers, couples)?
I ask them what they wish to see. For the couples – I show them more romantic places, I make some suggestions for great terraces or restaurants of top of buildings with a nice city view at night. Solo travellers, I would ask the person about his interests and tailor the tour to this, maybe include an art exhibition.
Families with kids, depending on the age of the kids, I have 2 sons, 11 and 13 years old, so I know quite a few places kids like – the Gulliver Park is amazing, huge slides in the form of Gulliver from Gullivers Travels, by Jonatan Swift
What advice would you give to new Lokafyers to help them deliver exceptional experiences?
Connect with your travellers, make a genuine conversation, show interest in their life back home, job, family etc . This will make them like you but also will show you what kind of places and activities will be enjoyable to them
Do you have any tips for visitors on how to make the most of their trip?
Plan ahead, research before you come, if you have questions, ask at your hotel, these are local people, they can help. Book a tour with a tour guide, to get more local, personal overview what is worth to see, a bit of history behind.
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