Valencia's Beaches

The city of Valencia is blessed with a gentle coastline dotted with some of the most splendid beaches on the Mediterranean. Its pleasant climate and year-round sunshine mean that Valencia's beaches are a hub of constant activity. The fact that the Spanish, and Valencians in particular, are renowned for their ability to enjoy life is proven by the way they flock to the sand and sea as soon as summer comes around.

Now, more than ever, Valencia's beaches are coming to the forefront. There was a time when the city's main beach, the Malvarrosa, was isolated from the city centre. Nowadays it is possible to reach the beach from the centre in less than 10 minutes. A constant flow of trams and buses mean that in the sunny months, of which there are many, getting to and from the seaside is the easiest of tasks.

The mild winter months are ideal for long romantic walks along miles of golden sandy beaches. This is the ideal way to whip up an appetite, which can be catered for in any of the many excellent bars and restaurants on the Malvarrosa and Las Arenas beachfronts. For a more secluded visit to the beach, try the Patagona beach. This is a vast and wide strand which stretches to the north from Cabanyal to Port Saplaya. The Paseo Neptuno, which is the Golden Mile of restaurants, is the place to go to try Valencia's famous Paella.

Valencia has a proud tradition of well-kept beaches, which dates back to the early 1900s when many noble families had summer homes on the beachfront. For most of the year maintenance companies look after the beaches. Hence, the visitor and resident alike want for nothing while they enjoy their own particular way of beach life. This is helped in turn by the employment of lifeguards, the installation of showers and toilets and the availability of umbrellas. For the sports enthusiast there are plenty of beach activities to keep one entertained and in top form. Jogging, beach volleyball and kite surfing are the main events on any given day on the Malvarrosa beach. Although this beach lies so close to the city of Valencia it boasts a surprisingly high quality of seawater. Blue flag conditions mean that everyone can enjoy a relaxing swim in the tepid waters.

After a long day sunbathing and swimming, most people take the opportunity to sample the culinary delights on offer in the many restaurants and night spots dotted along the beach. In the summertime there is an open Market selling everything from necklaces and beach towels to hand crafts and hot corn on the cob. The biggest night of the year is without doubt the festival of Saint John (San Juan) during June's summer solstice. Huge firework displays, live music and spectacular bonfires are all memorable parts of this long summer night. The highlight is the traditional midnight dip in the sea. In late summer and autumn an open-air cinema is erected on the beach showing a cycle of both contemporary and classic film and documentaries.

All told, Valencia is becoming the "In" place for both long stays and short breaks. Its unique combination of city and beach activities makes it ideal for both the lazy and intrepid traveller and holidaymaker.