Living in Valencia, Spain: Why it might be the perfect city for your new life
Updated: Oct 27
Valencia is one of the best cities for living in Spain. In this guide, you'll discover what makes it so attractive—from food and festivals to lifestyle and location. If you're thinking of moving abroad, this Mediterranean gem might be your perfect match
What makes Valencia so special?
Valencia blends ancient charm with contemporary energy. From its medieval old town to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, it’s a place where the past and present live side by side.
You’ll enjoy:
Over 300 days of sunshine ☀️
A walkable city with lively plazas and terraces
A lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona
Incredible food, festivals, and local flair
City life + beach life in one
Valencia at a glance
Aspect | Approx. Value (2024) |
Days of sunshine | 300+ |
Monthly rent (1BR) | €700–€900 |
Coffee at a terrace | €1.50 |
Monthly transport pass | €30–€40 |
Beach access | 15 min by tram |
Local languages | Spanish & Valencian |
What to eat in Valencia
Valencian cuisine is simple, seasonal, and packed with flavor. Meals are not just about eating—they’re about connecting. Whether you're at a bustling market or a beachside restaurant, food is central to life here.
Must-try dishes:
Paella Valenciana – The original paella, made with chicken, rabbit, green beans (judía verde), and butter beans (garrofón), cooked over wood fire. Traditionally eaten on Sundays with family.
Fideuà – A noodle-based seafood dish from nearby Gandía. Toasty, savory, and satisfying.
Horchata with fartons – A sweet drink made from tiger nuts (chufa), served cold with long pastries perfect for dipping.
Arroz al horno – Oven-baked rice with pork ribs, morcilla, chickpeas, tomatoes, and garlic.
Esgarraet – Roasted red peppers with shredded salt cod and olive oil.
Clóchinas – Seasonal Valencian mussels, smaller and tastier than typical ones.
Where to eat:
Mercado Central – For tapas, produce, and pastries under stained glass ceilings.
El Cabanyal – Traditional paella by the sea in a fisherman’s district.
Ruzafa – Trendy fusion food, vegan options, and cafés with character.
Local bodegas – Wine bars offering regional reds, cheeses, and Iberian ham.
Traditions and festivals in Valencia
Valencia isn’t just a city—it’s a year-round celebration.
Las Fallas (March): A UNESCO-recognized spectacle of giant satirical sculptures (ninots) that fill the streets and are burned in massive bonfires on La Cremà. The month also includes parades, fireworks (mascletàs), concerts, flower offerings, and traditional dress.
La Tomatina (Buñol): A world-famous tomato fight held in the nearby town of Buñol each August. Thousands gather to throw overripe tomatoes at each other in the streets—for fun!
Feria de Julio: Created to keep locals in town during the hot summer, this month-long event offers concerts, la Batalla de Flores, fireworks, and open-air entertainment.
Christmas in Valencia: Expect artisan markets, beautiful light displays, roasted chestnuts, and the magical Cabalgata de Reyes on January 5th.
Semana Santa Marinera: Unique to the El Cabanyal district, this maritime-themed Holy Week features sailors, anchors, and solemn processions near the beach.
Nit del Foc: The climax of Las Fallas. The sky explodes in lights and color during a 20+ minute firework show that draws the whole city out into the streets.
Where to live in Valencia
Top neighborhoods:
Ruzafa – Bohemian, multicultural, buzzing with cafés and art spaces.
Ensanche – Elegant, central, and known for its early 20th-century architecture.
Benimaclet – A former village now part of the city. Student-friendly, authentic, and close-knit.
El Carmen – The historic heart with cobblestone streets, murals, and nightlife.
El Cabanyal – A traditional fishing district by the sea, with colorfully tiled houses.
Patraix – A peaceful residential area with a strong community vibe.
Living in Valencia, Spain: What expats and retirees need to know
Spanish spoken here is clear and neutral—perfect for learners
A growing international community and English-friendly services
Excellent healthcare system and private insurance options
Digital nomad and retirement-friendly lifestyle
Language schools, online options, and casual intercambio meetups in bars and cafés
Locals are friendly, social, and love a good tertulia (deep chat)
Must-See in Valencia
Malvarrosa Beach – Long and wide beach with seafood restaurants and volleyball.
Jardín del Turia – A former riverbed turned into a massive green space for biking, running, and relaxing.
City of Arts and Sciences – Futuristic buildings housing a science museum, opera house, planetarium, and Europe’s largest aquarium.
Rooftop bars in Ruzafa and El Carmen – Ideal for sunset lovers and city views.
Mercado de Colón – A modernist-style market turned gourmet and cultural hub.
Things to do in Valencia
🚴 Cycle the entire length of the Turia river park
🏰 Visit the Serranos and Quart towers for historic views
🍳 Take a paella cooking class with a local chef
🎭 See opera or modern performance at Palau de les Arts
🖌️ Discover cutting-edge exhibitions at IVAM (modern art museum)
🛶 Paddleboard at the Marina or try a sailing course
📚 Practice Spanish at local cafés or through expat meetups
🌇 Enjoy rooftop yoga or live jazz at dusk
Best cities and towns in the region of Valencia
Thinking beyond Valencia? These gems are all within 1–2 hours:
Alicante – A lively, international beach city with palm-lined boulevards and easy airport access. Popular with expats and retirees.
Castellón de la Plana – More affordable and laid-back than Valencia, with easy access to nature and quiet beaches.
Xàtiva – Inland, historical, and overlooked. Its dramatic hilltop castle and friendly pace attract nature lovers.
Altea – One of Spain’s prettiest towns. Whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, artists’ studios, and sea views.
Dénia – A gastronomic paradise with access to hiking, beaches, and ferries to Ibiza or Mallorca.
Peñíscola – A walled city on the sea, crowned by a castle used in Game of Thrones. Quiet, scenic, and cinematic.
Living in Valencia vs other cities
How to move to Valencia (Checklist)
✅ Choose your visa or residency option
✅ Get registered at city hall (empadronamiento)
✅ Set up public/private healthcare
✅ Open a Spanish bank account
✅ Join a language school or Spanish-speaking group
✅ Start meeting people—Facebook groups, Meetup, or local cafés
Quick facts summary
✅ Topic | ℹ️ Details |
Language | Spanish & Valencian |
Best neighborhoods for expats | Ruzafa, El Carmen, El Cabanyal |
Average rent (1BR) | €700–€900/month |
Transportation | Bus, metro, tram, and bike lanes |
Closest airport | Valencia (VLC), 20 min from center |
Healthcare | Excellent public and private systems |
Internet speed | High-speed fiber in most areas |
Day trips | Albufera, Sagunto, Xàtiva, Dénia |
What others are saying
“I moved to Valencia without knowing a soul. Six months later, I’m having beach breakfasts, speaking Spanish with confidence, and living a life I never imagined.” — Erin, digital nomad from Chicago
“The lifestyle, the weather, the people—Valencia just feels like home.” — Dana, retiree from New York
Learn Spanish from anywhere
Whether you're already in Valencia or still dreaming of the move, Straight from Spain offers online Spanish classes with native teachers. Learn how real people speak, not just textbook grammar.
Spain is calling. And Valencia might just be where your next story begins. What would your perfect day in Valencia look like?
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