Golden sands and gorgeous neighbourhoods: How to enjoy the best Valencia beach holiday
- Peregryn travel writers
- Jun 7
- 5 min read
With its golden sands and long languid coastline, Valencia’s beach district is a serene escape, just 5 km from the hustle and bustle of the center. This enchanting seafront is perfect 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 colorful façades, to the winding narrow streets and long stretches of golden sand, Valencia’s beach neighborhood truly captures the essence of local life.
A little bit of context
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 beach and seafront are in fact 5 km from the city center. It’s easily 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 favorite 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 colorful history of this special place.
If El Cabanyal is all ramshackle charm, the old port area, known as the Grao, is at the other end of the style spectrum. Here, you’ll find luxury yachts, plush al fresco bars and the vaunted Marina Beach Club. The perfect place for a seafront stroll in the summer sun, soaking up the rays as you feel the breeze of the Mediterranean Sea.
Along the city’s 25 km coastline, you’ll discover a palm-lined promenade and spectacular golden beaches. Walking from the Valencia Marina, Malvarrosa Beach unfurls before you, leading to Cabanyal Beach, dotted with beach volleyball courts. Then, you’ll find Patacona which, although not technically in the city, has become a local hotspot for its colorful restaurants, relaxed vibe and awesome
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 center 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 apartments are the perfect luxury retreat for those looking for a touch of understated elegance.
Another El Cabanyal stay, the Lindala Rooms offer fully equipped spacious rooms and a friendly, personalized service. With shabby-chic styling, it’s cozy yet unpretentious – a low-budget gem.
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.
Just along from Neptuno, a stone’s throw from the magnificent Malvarrosa Beach, this hotel blends traditional and contemporary styles, with next-level service that sweetens the deal.
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.
Things to do in Valencia
For a taste of authentic local life in Valencia, a stroll through the streets of El Cabanyal is a must. The colorful azulejos (tiles) and mesmerizing 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 a sun-drenched setting, the Marina Beach Club is the place to be. Then there’s 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.
In the marina itself, you’ll find a range of activities to suit all kinds of adventurous travelers. 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 like el ocho and la mas bonita chiringuito, you can sample some tapas, relax with a beer or a glass of wine, and dance on the golden sands from dusk to dawn.
Best places to eat in Valencia Beach
On the beach
With its proud maritime history, it’s no surprise that some of the top restaurants in Valencia can be found near the beachfront. With sumptuous sea views over Patacona Beach, a slick design and excellent seafood dishes, el restaurant El Trompo, modern rice and seafood restaurant, and it serves up a beachside treat. Meanwhile, La Chipirona Playa offers delicious seafood tapas in a more casual setting, among the colorful buildings that line the beach.
In the marina
Along the marina, you’ll find refined dining with stunning sea views. For sensational seafood in a chic setting, head to Duna Puerto. You’ll be treated to sophisticated tapas and fabulous fish, lobster and seafood dishes, all with a fine-dining flair. Meanwhile, the likes of Albacora and La Marítima deliver seaside delights, with creative dishes that blend Valencian traditions with modern ingenuity.
Traditional charm
Further inland, you’ll discover some incredible places that epitomize traditional Valencian charm. Dating back to the 1930s, Bodega Anyora, in the neighborhood of Canyamelar, serves simple, delicious food in an unassuming, old-school setting.
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 colorful tiles.
A favorite 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.
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, crêpe 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.
Trendy food
While Valencia is renowned for its traditional gastronomy, the city’s unique food scene has a lot to offer. Madre, in the hip Cabanyal neighborhood, 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.
If you have a sweet tooth, La Mas Bonitahas the goods, offering a wide selection of cakes, sweets, and other baked delicacies across its three city locations, including options for breakfast with a sea view
A dreamy beachfront escape
Valencia's golden beachfront strikes the perfect balance between old-fashioned charm and contemporary cool. With plenty of places to stay and unforgettable culinary experiences on offer, it will have you falling head over heels in love with the Valencian lifestyle.
