The 15 best beaches in Valencia

What is it? An urban beach in the city itself, La Patacona is an extension of Malvarrosa (more on that below). It’s in Alboraya, a municipality famous for being where Valencian horchata – the city’s iconic chilled ground nut drink – was born.

Why go? Once an industrial estate, Alboraya is now one of Valencia´s most coveted residential areas. Along the kilometre-long stretch of white sand, you’ll find all sorts of gastronomic options, water sports, Red Cross safety hubs and tourist information offices. The seaside path is perfect for cycling, walking or roller-skating and, during the summer, the beachside bars are a fantastic option for food or live music as the sun goes down.

What is it? North of Valencia’s harbour, this vast and busy beach offers all kinds of activities throughout summer and winter.

Why go? La Malvarrosa was named in 1848 by Félix Robillard, the chief gardener at Valencia Botanic Gardens. Félix purchased a vast estate where he planted ‘malvas rosas’ (pink mallows), hence the name Malvarrosa. The beautiful beachside promenade can be enjoyed on foot or by bike on pretty much any day of the year. Other than the almost two kilometres of beach, there’s also the opportunity for water sports like paddle surfing.

What is it? Only four kilometres from downtown Valencia, El Puig is the perfect destination for both surfers and those looking for some peace and quiet.

Why go? Because it’s slightly further away from the city centre, you’ll find a lot fewer people at El Puig than at the likes of Arenas, Patacona or Malvarrosa – though it still gets busy during the summer months. El Puig is an open, sandy and pebbly beach with a small promenade and a wide range of entertainment options for kids. While in Puig, be sure to visit Monasterio de Santa María, a National Historic Monument dating all the way back to 1237.

What is it? A five-kilometre stretch of sandy beach inside a beautiful natural reserve, El Saler is surrounded by sand dunes and is known for its windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Why go? Slap bang in the middle of the La Albufera natural reserve, El Saler beach is a perfect option for those on the hunt for a wild environment close to the city. Only a 10-minute drive away, it’s kitted-out with all sorts of services during the summer months, including showers, toilets, restaurants and parking. The environment is so natural that it inspires some visitors to go, ahem, au naturel.

What is it? South of Playa de Pinedo and very close to the La Albufera natural reserve is L’Arbre del Gos, a perplexingly under-visited gem.

Why go? This beach is the perfect choice if you’re looking for somewhere that isn’t too crowded nor too far from the city centre. Featuring Red Cross first aid, a promenade (which you can cycle on), showers and toilets, it’s also been awarded a blue flag for environmental quality.

What is it? Only one kilometre long, this beach is located in quirky Port Saplaya. It’s popularly named ‘little Venice’ because of the canals in its marina.

Why go? Originally a residential area, Port Saplaya’s now renowned for its gastronomic offerings and picturesque marina. Here you’ll find two beaches: Port Saplaya Sur and Port Saplaya Norte. Both are easily accessible and have all sorts of services like showers, lifeguards, disabled access, parking and toilets. A bus service connects Port Saplaya with Patacona beach and Alboraya.

What is it? You’ll find this natural, quiet beach at the mouth of the Júcar river in the municipality of Cuella.

Why go? Less than an hour from Valencia, La Escollera is a wide and calm beach with high dunes to protect it from the wind. One kilometre long and 75 metres wide, it’s equipped with essential services like lifeguards, showers and toilets.

What is it? On the opposite coast of the Júcar to La Escollera, Marenyet is an ideal spot for surfing. It’s a 45-minute drive away from Valencia city centre.

Why go? Surfing is rapidly gaining popularity around Valencia, and this nearly-two-kilometre long beach is ideal for observing (or pulling off) all kinds of surfing tricks. Marenyet has a much higher number of days per year with optimal surfing conditions than other parts of Spain’s Mediterranean coast, so it attracts wetsuits and surf vans aplenty.

What is it? One of the busiest and buzziest beaches in Cullera.

Why go? If you’re bringing the kids, Racó de Mar has to be top of your Valencia beach bucket list. One of Cullera’s buzziest spots throughout the summer months, Racó has everything from markets and kids’ games to surfboard rentals. Protected from the wind by the Les Raboses mountain range, the water’s usually quiet and still – making it an ideal family spot.

What is it? One hour from Valencia in Olivia, Terranova has almost two kilometres of dusty white beach.

Why go? Surrounded by citrus crops and dunes, Terranova is also in a moderately urbanised area, meaning you won’t encounter big crowds even during the summer period. There’s a nearby spring with fresh water called El Tou (or El Clotal) where various fish and bird species can be spotted.