With its golden sands and long languid coastline, Valencia’s beach district is a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the centre. The enchanting urban beaches provide ample opportunities for sightseeing, swimming and soaking up the sun, while wonderful restaurants showcase the incredible cuisine, including some of the best paella in Valencia.
This seafront district was once separate from the rest of Valencia, and while it has since been absorbed into the city, it retains a character and charm of its own. From the beachfront buildings, resplendent with art nouveau architecture and colourful façades, to the winding narrow streets and long stretches of golden sand, Valencia’s beach district truly captures the essence of local life.
The rich history of valencia city'coastal life
Understanding the history and geography of this sun-splashed Mediterranean city helps you make the most out of your trip. Firstly, it’s important to know that although it’s part of Valencia, the seafront is in fact 5km from the city centre. It’s certainly accessible though – you can get there on foot, via the sprawling Turia Gardens, or you can simply hop on a bus, the tram, or a bike, the favourite pastime of local Valencians.
The city’s old fisherman’s quarter, known as El Cabanyal, is settled several streets behind the beachfront. Once a separate fishing village, its unique atmosphere makes it stand out from the surrounding areas. While the area has seen difficult times, nowadays, there’s an air of modernity and the prospect of a bright future, one that’s built on the colourful history of this special place.
Along the city’s 25 km coastline, you’ll discover a palm-lined promenade and spectacular golden beaches. Walking from the Valencia Marina, Cabanyal Beach, Malvarrosa Beach, you’ll find Patacona which, although not technically in the city, has become a local hotspot for its colourful restaurants, relaxed vibe and awesome beach bars.
Valencia: where to stay by the beach
While it used to be the case that most of Valencia’s best hotels were to be found in the centre of the city, there are an increasing number of excellent beachfront hotels in Valencia, Spain. Along the city’s promenades, beachfront and coastline, you’ll find the following gems:
Indulge in seaside glamour and take a blissful moment to recharge and unwind in luxury surroundings at one of the best Valencia hotels near the beach. Landscaped gardens, crystal-clear pools and a soothing spa, all in an unbeatable location.
True to the style of El Cabanyal, these charming, minimalist flats are the perfect luxury retreat for those looking for a touch of understated elegance.
This boutique hotel, set overlooking Malvarrosa Beach, is all urbane elegance on the outside and street chic on the inside. For those looking for added luxury, indulge in special suites with a private terrace facing the sea and incredible rooftop views.
Rustic romance done right. While it’s not a beachside stay, this delightful rural hotel in the fields near Patacona is perfect for those seeking seclusion while enjoying an idyllic Valencia city break
Sun, sand, and delicious cuisine: must-try activities at Valencia's city beach
For a taste of authentic local life in Valencia, a stroll through the streets of El Cabanyal is a must. The colourful azulejos (tiles) and mesmerising mosaics that adorn the buildings, from Calle de la Reina winding down towards Calle Rosario, perfectly capture the character of this one-of-a-kind Spanish barrio.
If you’re looking for live music in la Fábrica de Hielo – a former ice factory, remodelled as an industrial-chic music venue, featuring gigs from a range of genres, often with no entrance fee. And don’t miss the open-air weekend concerts at Veles y Vents, one of the modernist jewels of the city’s marina.
In the marina, you'll also find a range of activities to suit all kinds of adventurous travellers. From stand-up paddleboard and surf lessons to paragliding, kayaking and jet-ski excursions, there’s a whole host of high-octane thrills on offer.
Away from the water and onto the sand, the Beachbol school of beach volleyball runs training events, workshops, and competitions all year round.
And not forgetting a summer essential, at Valencia’s beach bars, the Chiringuitos on Patacona Beach, you can sample some tapas, relax with a beer or wine, and dance on the golden sands from dusk to dawn. Our personal favourite is Chiringuito El Ocho.
Our recommended places to eat at Valencia Beach.
On the beach
With sumptuous sea views over Patacona Beach, a slick design and excellent seafood dishes, Mimar Restaurants serves up a beachside treat. Meanwhile, La Chipirona Playa offers delicious seafood tapas in a more casual setting, among the colourful buildings that line the beach.
In the marina
At the marina, you can enjoy elegant dining while taking in breathtaking views of the sea.
For exceptional seafood in a stylish atmosphere, visit Duna Puerto. You will be served refined tapas and delicious fish, as well as expertly prepared paella, fresh lobster, and other seafood dishes with a touch of fine dining. Additionally, restaurants like Albacora and La Marítima offer delectable seaside options that combine Valencian customs with contemporary creativity.
Lastly, in terms of bars, we recommend that you experience a beautiful sunset at Azul Sunset Point bar with a refreshing drink, in the company of a good atmosphere in the yacht area of the marina. Alternatively, you can head to Gran Martínez for a modern bar with great indoor music. This location used to be an antique pharmacy, making it a unique experience.
Traditional charm
As you venture further inland, you will come across some outstanding locations that embody the traditional charm of Valencia. Bodega Anyora, located in the Canyamelar neighbourhood and dating back to the 1930s, offers delectable cuisine with gourmet traditional recipes in a humble, old-fashioned atmosphere.
Even more traditional is Casa Montaña. It’s almost 200 years old – you can feel the history when you walk in and sit among the old wine barrels to tuck into delicious tapas and homemade vermouth.
North of El Cabanyal, several streets in from the beach, Taska La Reina offers country-style dining to soothe the soul, with homemade tapas, organic wine and excellent service in an old fisherman’s house covered in colourful tiles.
A favourite among the locals, Casa Carmela serves up some of the best paella in Valencia, a family business that dates back more than 100 years and is set in another handsome house just set back from the beach.
Gastronomy Markets
Valencia is full of charming markets, serving up delicious seasonal local produce and creative dishes from near and far. Mercabanyal serves up international fare, with a blend of sushi stalls, crepe stands and burger joints. Meanwhile, Mercader is a brand new gastronomic space in the Cabanyal district, with high-ceilinged, industrial-chic interiors. The market offers select meats, local produce and locally made craft beer, showcasing some of Valencia’s finest food artisans.
Modern bites
While Valencia is renowned for its traditional gastronomy, the city’s street food scene has a lot to offer. Madre, in the hip Cabanyal neighbourhood, offers quick bites infused with Latin soul. Meanwhile, La Gallina Negra brings a delicious twist to traditional tapas, serving up a creative carousel of delightfully inventive dishes.
Speciality coffee and breakfast
You can find some remarkable specialist coffee shops just one block from the sea. We highly recommend trying them to enjoy coffee from local roasters in Spain, accompanied by light breakfasts and sweet treats. Tallat offers its own roasted coffee and serves from a delightful spot on a palm-lined street close to the beach. Nearby Kaide is a newer coffee shop and works with only small/batch roasters, serving up fabulous coffee with pastries and tostadas topped with tomato, avocado and more. For breakfast, visit Bodega la Pascula for a classic Valencian brunch or head along the coast to Patacona Beach at La Mas Bonita for modern breakfast and brunch options. We hope you have enough time to try them all.
A dreamy beachfront escape
When it comes to short breaks to Valencia, the coastal neighbourhoods are calling. Striking the perfect balance between old-fashioned charm and contemporary cool, while offering plenty of places to stay and some unforgettable culinary experiences, the palm-fringed beachfront will have you falling head over heels in love with the Valencian lifestyle.
Discover more about another Valencia gem with our guide to Denia, a favourite beach town set on Valencia’s sun-kissed coast.