Valencia Beaches: Malvarrosa, Patacona, and Where to Find the Best Paella by the Sea

The City With an Actually Good Urban Beach

Most cities that claim to have a "beach" are being generous. Valencia isn't. The beaches here are the real thing — wide, clean, Mediterranean, with warm water from June through October and a proper seafront with restaurants that have been serving paella since before your parents were born.

There are two main beaches worth knowing. They're 10 minutes apart by foot. They serve different purposes.

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Recent Blog Posts

Valencia Winter Packing List: What to Pack for December, January and February

Valencia in winter is one of Spain's strongest arguments against staying in northern Europe in January. The city gets more winter sunshine than almost anywhere in the Mediterranean. January averages 15-

Valencia Summer Packing List: What to Pack for June, July and August

Valencia in summer is Mediterranean Spain at a more relaxed pace than Barcelona. July and August temperatures sit at 29 to 33 degrees Celsius, the city has genuine beaches within reasonable distance

Valencia Spring Packing List: What to Pack for March, April and May

Valencia spring arrives earlier than most of Spain and stays warmer than people expect. March sits at 16-20C: genuinely warm, often sunny, with the Mediterranean coast already pleasant enough for long

Valencia Autumn Packing List: What to Pack for September, October and November

Valencia in autumn is a pleasant surprise for visitors who associate the city mainly with summer beach culture. September is warm and slightly less intense than the August heat. October is arguably

Valencia in September: What to Expect

Valencia in September is a genuine case for visiting ahead of the better-known Spanish cities. The beach is still excellent, the crowds are far below Barcelona levels, and the city's

Valencia in October: What to Expect

Valencia in October is excellent and frequently overlooked in favour of Barcelona or Madrid. The city has world-class food (paella was invented here and the locals have opinions about what you

Valencia in November: What to Expect

Valencia in November is an underappreciated excellent decision. Spain's third city, always somewhat overshadowed by Madrid and Barcelona in the travel conversation, is very good in November: mild weather, low prices,

Valencia in May: What to Expect

Valencia in May is one of Spain's best-kept secrets for timing. The city is genuinely warm, the beaches are beginning to come into their own, and you're visiting at

Valencia in March: What to Expect

Valencia in March is defined by Las Fallas, one of the world's great street festivals, and it is not an overstatement. From 1 March to 19 March, the city fills with

Valencia in June: What to Expect

Valencia in June is one of the best-value warm-weather city breaks in Europe. The beaches are excellent, the paella is world-class (Valencia invented it), and the crowds are a

Valencia in July: What to Expect

Valencia in July is the Spanish city break that makes the most sense in summer. The beaches at Malvarrosa and El Cabanyal are outstanding and only a tram ride from the centre,

Valencia in January: What to Expect

Valencia in January is an underrated winter option. It's milder than most of Spain's interior cities, the City of Arts and Sciences and the old town are fully operational, and

Valencia in February: What to Expect

Valencia in February is a city warming up rather than in full gear, and that is its appeal. The City of Arts and Sciences, the Mercado Central, and the old town are

Valencia in December: What to Expect

Valencia in December is one of the most sensible December city break options in Europe. It's mild, affordable, has an excellent food and architecture scene that doesn't thin out in

Valencia in August: What to Expect

Valencia in August is a city in full summer mode: hot, beach-oriented, and busy. The city's own beaches at Malvarrosa and Cabanyal are packed from morning, the outdoor dining terraces

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