Best Beaches in Valencia City and Beyond
Beyond the city charms of Valencia lies an often-overlooked coastline stretching across more than 30 kilometres, ready to be discovered.
Within the city, you’ll find a range of vibrant beaches that promise golden sands and welcoming waves beneath the Spanish sun.
Whether you’re keen to indulge in water sports like kitesurfing, bask in the captivating sunsets, or simply enjoy a leisurely cycle along the coast, Valencia’s beaches are well connected by public transport, making them easily accessible for a day of seaside bliss.
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1. Malvarrosa Beach
This iconic Valencia beach is not just about golden sands and sparkling waters; it’s a hub of activity.
Lined with a picturesque promenade, at Malvarrosa you can stroll, skate, or bike while enjoying the sea breeze.
This centrally located beach is knowns for its amenities, including a variety of paella-serving restaurants, convenient refreshment stands, and a sea of thatched umbrellas offering shade from the Spanish sun.
With volleyball nets and plenty of space for sunbathing, it’s the perfect spot for both relaxation and fun.
For those who enjoy a bit of snorkelling or diving, the beach’s artificial reef, established in 2014, serves as a sanctuary to a diverse range of sea creatures such as octopuses, starfish, seahorses, and various fish species.
At a modest depth of 11 feet and situated 600 feet offshore, it offers a boat-free zone perfect for snorkelling adventures.
Available Activities:
- Water Sports: Go diving, snorkelling, swimming, windsurfing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
- Beach Volleyball: Enjoy some friendly competition at the beach volleyball courts.
- Cycling: Rent an electric bike from Beach Bikes Valencia to explore the promenade.
Getting To Malvarossa Beach
Hop on the tram or a bus from Valencia city centre. Trams 4, 6, and 8 will drop you right by the beach, and so do buses like 19, 31, and 32. You can also rent a bike and ride along the scenic cycle paths leading to the beach.
2. Las Arenas Beach or El Cabanyal
After delving into the wonders of Spain’s iconic City of Arts and Sciences, make your way to Las Arenas Beach, an inviting stretch adjacent to the Marina at the city’s southern tip.
Also referred to as El Cabanyal, its serene atmosphere complements a few hours of sailing on the Mediterranean’s reflective waters, should you board a catamaran from the vibrant marina.
Famed Valencian artist Joaquin Sorolla captured the essence of this locale in his paintings, depicting fishermen and playful children against the backdrop of the majestic Mediterranean.
This beach boasts a generous expanse nearly 200 metres wide, ensuring ample space for visitors to relish the sun, sea, and sand.
It is not only easily accessible but comes equipped with a host of amenities to cater to your comfort and enjoyment making it one of the best beaches in Valencia.
Sun umbrellas and deck chairs are available for hire, and the area is well-suited for guests with disabilities including specialised access to the water.
Highlights:
- Recreational Facilities: Engage in sports or unwind at children’s play areas.
- Nautical Pursuits: Safe water channels allow for various marine sports.
- Evening Entertainment: The Marina Beach Club, amongst others, transforms into a lively hub for evening socials.
Adjacent to Marina de Valencia, El Cabanyal offers a bustling atmosphere with an array of eateries, leisure options, and lodgings—a stone’s throw away from the shore.
Indulge in the freshest seafood at establishments. The locale brims with gastronomic variety, from fast food to upscale dining experiences.
For an upscale dining experience with a coastal view, consider the highly acclaimed Marina Restaurant, where a menu of vibrant Valencian cuisine awaits.
To support health and environmental initiatives, several campaigns take place in the summer. These include:
- Identification services for displaced children
- Early skin lesion detection to safeguard against melanoma
- Efforts to maintain cleanliness on the sands
This facility is crafted for the well-being of older individuals, promoting physical exercise through equipment meant not for rehabilitation but for maintaining overall health.
The beach also endorses eco-friendly behaviour, provides educational materials on environmental care, and hosts special scheduled events during both high and low seasons to enhance visitor experiences.
Some facilities include:
- Sailing and nautical activities
- Bike storage and parking
- Blue flag recognition denoting high environmental and quality standards
Whether you’re seeking tranquillity on the shores or engaging in a myriad of activities, El Cabanyal welcomes you to create memorable experiences against the picturesque canvas of Valencia’s coastline.
3. Patacona Beach
Located in the town of Alboraya, Patacona Beach is a serene haven boasting golden sands and a relaxing atmosphere.
Here, you have the opportunity to recline on a deckchair under a parasol, taking in the Mediterranean sun.
Amenities:
- Sun loungers and umbrellas for hire
- Cafés, restaurants, and bars along the seafront
Indulge in culinary delights at Cocoa Patacona on Paseo Marítimo, renowned for its vegetarian cuisine, ocean bounty, and tender meats.
Enjoy an afternoon refreshment whilst soaking up the ambience of the coastal promenade flanked by charming traditional architecture.
For some tasty desserts, visit La Más Bonita, a picturesque spot that offers all-day dining—from scrumptious breakfast to satisfying dinner.
4. Pinedo Beach
Your visit to the Mediterranean’s edge in Valencia would be incomplete without experiencing the tranquil beauty of Pinedo Beach.
Nestled where the River Turia greets the sea, Pinedo extends an invitation to both you and your canine friends, boasting a dedicated area for dogs to enjoy the sun and surf.
Key Highlights:
- Dog-friendly Area: The North end of the beach, known as PlatjaCan
- Clothing-optional Section: Positioned discreetly at the southern tip
- Amenities: Equipped with thatched parasols, sun loungers, cleansing showers, and accessible promenade restaurants
Should you fancy an active approach, consider indulging in a 15-minute cycle ride from the city centre along the seafront to this coastal haven.
Upon arrival, the rewards are plenty – a golden chance to plunge into the clear blue waters after your seaside journey.
5. El Saler Beach
Located just south of Valencia’s bustling port, El Saler Beach garners acclaim with its pristine white sands, a rarity among Valencia’s coastlines.
This stretch is recognised with a Blue Flag—a prestigious accolade denoting superior water quality and beach cleanliness.
As you meander along El Saler, you’ll be greeted by undulating sand dunes adorned with seagrass. Pine trees dot the landscape, contributing to the untamed beauty of the locale.
On the beach’s southern reaches, a free-spirited atmosphere prevails with nudism practised by some visitors.
Key Highlights:
- White Sands: Exceptional for their brilliant hue, the sands of El Saler provide a striking contrast to Valencia’s typically darker beaches.
- Natural Dunes: The beach’s backdrop includes sculpted dunes, hinting at the delicate ecosystems they support.
- Recreational Space: Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or sunbathing, the beach offers ample space and freedom.
- Nudism Area: At the southern end, clothing is optional, indicating a relaxed and open-minded environment.
Adjacent to El Saler lies Albufera Natural Park, a haven of coastal wetlands. Here, you can explore a wealth of birdlife along tailored guided paths.
The park is also pivotal to Valencia’s cuisine, encircled by rice paddies that supply the essential ingredient for the region’s iconic paella.
For an authentic dining experience, consider visiting Arrocería Duna, a restaurant that celebrates the area’s dune landscape.
Specialising in over fifty varieties of rice dishes and sumptuous seafood, they serve a Valencian paella that’s a culinary reflection of local tradition.
6. Canet d’en Berenguer Shoreline
Located to the east of the Serra Calderona’s dense forests, Canet d’en Berenguer stands out as a premier beachfront, a mere 30-minute journey by car from the heart of Valencia.
With its expansive stretch of fine sand covering three-quarters of a mile, you’ll find ample space to bask in the sun and enjoy the gentle, transparent waters at your leisure.
Stroll along the attractive walkway that borders the beach or venture south towards the bustling marina filled with bright white yachts.
Your culinary experience is set to delight, with local eateries offering the region’s speciality, a sumptuous lobster paella, redolent with local spices and flavours.
7. Port Saplaya
Another one of the beaches in Valencia is Por Saplaya Beach, located near the northern edge. Your visit here offers a more serene experience with its golden sands and gentle waves.
Stroll along the promenade and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, contrasting with some of the city’s more crowded beaches.
Admire the picturesque harbour, adorned with vibrantly coloured houses, moored boats, and inviting eateries, perfect for a leisurely day by the sea.
8. El Perellonet-Recatí Beach
Situated to the south of El Saler, El Perellonet Recatí shoreline is an impeccable retreat for those yearning for tranquillity near Valencia.
Boasting pristine sands and untainted waters, the locale is an idyllic haven for novices to aquatic sports, courtesy of the calm sea.
Key Highlights:
- Watersports School: Supskull provides surfboard and stand-up paddleboard hire alongside proficient tutelage.
- Ideal Conditions: Serene waters cater to beginners, while the presence of the breeze attracts kite surfing enthusiasts on blustery days.
9. La Garrofera Beach
Should you seek a serene seaside escape not far from Valencia, La Garrofera’s shores are ideal.
With its golden sands set against a backdrop of gently rolling dunes and fragrant pine woods, this beach offers tranquillity a mere 16 kilometres south of the bustling city centre.
Key Highlights:
- Environment: Quiet, surrounded by natural dunes and pine forests
- Accessibility: Reachable by car or an invigorating bike ride via coastal roads through diverse landscapes
- Near Albufera Natural Park, a short drive away
La Garrofera provides a perfect blend of unspoiled beach beauty and proximity to natural reserves, catering to both relaxation and adventure.
10. La Devesa Beach
Bordering El Saler Golf Club, an esteemed venue with an 18-hole course, La Devesa Beach offers a serene escape for beach-goers and golf enthusiasts alike.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Adjacent to El Saler Golf Club: Enjoy a game of golf with available equipment hire before unwinding on the sands of La Devesa.
- Positioned by Albufera Lagoon: Spain’s largest body of freshwater presents a scenic backdrop for walkers and nature lovers.
- Surrounded by Nature: The area is framed by aromatic pine forests and natural sand formations.
- Natural Beauty: This three-mile stretch of wilderness beach is known for its lack of commercial facilities but is celebrated for its stunning natural landscape.
- Walking Routes: Explore the self-guided trails throughout Albufera Natural Park to appreciate the local flora and fauna.
- Culinary Delights in El Palmar: After exploring, visit the nearby town for some of the finest local dining options, perfect for sating your hunger.
Enjoy a holistic experience combining sports, nature, and gastronomy at this unspoiled location.
11. Pobla de Farnals Beach
Located just a short drive from Valencia’s city centre, Pobla de Farnals Beach offers a tranquil escape with its calm Mediterranean waters.
Adjacent to the marina, where sleek yachts lazily sway, you will find a place ideal for leisurely swims and soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
- Accessibility: Easily reached by car, taking approximately 15 minutes from Valencia.
- Activities: Enjoy water sports with available equipment hire for an active day.
- Relaxation: Take a stroll along the promenade and unwind in the local cafés or bars to immerse yourself in the laid-back local ambience.
The beach caters well to those seeking a restorative day by the sea, with its gentle water and picturesque setting alongside the marina, making it a favoured spot for both families and individuals seeking serenity by the shore.
12. Mareny de Barraquetes Beach
Nestled between Valencia and Denia lies the serene and expansive sands of Mareny de Barraquetes Beach.
It is an ideal spot if you prefer a calm atmosphere with fewer crowds. The beach boasts exceptionally fine sand and gentle waves, perfect for a day of relaxation.
Before departing, consider taking a leisurely walk through the quaint coastal village of Mareny de Barraquetes, adorned with pastel-hued Valencian houses.
You’ll find local amenities such as bakeries and tapas bars to refuel, all adding to a delightful coastal experience.
13. Playa de Gandia
Explore Playa de Gandia, one of the best beaches in Valencia. It’s pretty far from the centre and you might find it fitting to your preference.
Key Highlights:
- Nudist Areas: The beach accommodates naturism enthusiasts.
- Accessibility: Options are available for barrier-free access.
- Dog-Friendly Zones: Canine companions are welcome in specified areas.
