Valencia’s golden sands makes home of the paella Spain’s must-visit city
THINK of Spain’s sunny beaches and the Costas instantly spring to mind.
But many are unaware of just how fabulous the golden sands of the buzzing city of Valencia are.
With Alicante only 100 miles south and party island Ibiza almost visible from the coast, Valencia may not be your go-to beach break.
But you’d be missing out on a real Mediterranean gem.
Valencia’s elegant city centre is a treasure trove of charming cafes, grandiose whitewashed architecture and historic sites.
But just a short tram ride away is a glorious four-mile-long strip of golden sandy beaches.
And not only are the beaches lengthy, they’re wide too, leaving plenty of room to spread out and find your perfect spot.
Las Arenas is the southernmost beach and most popular of the bunch.
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The sandy strip, overlooked by luxurious 5H Las Arenas Balneario Hotel, features a beach boardwalk packed with restaurants serving aromatic paellas and sweet sangrias.
American novelist Ernest Hemingway used to eat at beachfront restaurant La Pepica.
Its paella is among the city’s best and you will need to book to guarantee a table.
If you are looking to push the boat out a little more, head to Panorama Restaurant just to the south of the beaches.
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With sublime views up the coast and a magnificent wine list, it’s a decadent spot to spend a sunny afternoon.
And for the perfect Instagram selfies, reserve a sunlounger at the Marina Beach Club where, from €20, you can relax beside the picture-perfect pool, sip cocktails and enjoy the DJ sets.
But there’s far more to these beaches than simply fine food and drink.
Head a little further up the palm-tree-lined Passeig Marítim promenade to La Malvarrosa Beach and you’ll find people diving in the sand at volleyballs, tackling rope climbing frames and playing beach football.
If all that is too much, then there are plenty of sunloungers for hire and tons of room on the glittering Med coast to go for a dip in the water.
The Beach Bol bar is also a great place to unwind and its beach-shack setting makes you feel like you’re in the Caribbean rather than the Mediterranean.
The generously filled bocadillo sandwiches are the order of the day there and go perfectly with a cold beer on a warm afternoon, all enjoyed while perched at one of its tall wooden tables.
North of this is unspoilt and relaxing Patacona Beach. It’s an ideal spot for a quieter day under the sun away from the lively bars and bistros of Las Arenas.
Architectural wonder
And to enjoy a local flavour, pop into the nearby town of Alboraya and sample the sweet and refreshing drink Horchata in the place it originated.
One of the best ways to explore Valencia’s beaches is on two wheels and there are plenty of bike hire places around the city.
If you want to make a day of it, cycle from the city centre down to the beaches through the winding Turia Park — a former river turned into a vibrant green space.
While the beaches are quite separate from the city centre, there are still some interesting sights to see nearby when you have finished lapping up the sun. And the City of Arts and Sciences is a must.
Built in 2005 and instantly recognisable by its glassy sail-like curves, this architectural wonder houses Europe’s largest aquarium, plus an interactive science museum, arts and music centres, planetarium, Imax theatre, bars and restaurants.
Closer to the beach is the colourful neighbourhood of El Cabanyal, with its delightful ceramic-tiled streets.
This charming old fishermen’s village is a corner of Valencia most city centre visitors won’t see.
This quirky coastal neighbourhood has plenty of tapas bars to pass away the night, as well as the ornate Casa Montaña — one of the city’s finest restaurants.
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If you want the freshest taste of El Cabanyal then be sure to explore the busy market, which features an endless array of products and more than 150 shopping stalls.
If it’s sun, sand and sea you’re after, then Spain’s best-kept secret is just a few minutes’ walk away.
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GETTING / STAYING THERE: British Airways Holidays has three nights room-only at the 3* Villacarlos, from £189pp, travelling on selected dates in May.
Includes economy return flights from Gatwick and accommodation. Book by April 10 at britishairways.com/holidays.
MORE INFO: visitvalencia.com/en.
