Valencia has my heart. It’s one of those cities I keep coming back to because it’s got everything I love in one place: golden sunshine, incredible food, and a coastline that makes you want to stay all afternoon with salty hair and a cold drink in hand.
Now that I live across the border in Lisbon, it’s easy to hop on a plane (or a bus!) for a few days in the city whenever my heart desires so.
I’ll happily spend the morning getting lost in the old town or cycling through the park, but the beaches here always pull me in. From the big, buzzing stretches with chiringuitos pumping out music to the quieter coves where you can just hear the waves, Valencia’s beaches never disappoint. Here are my favorites.
Playa de la Malvarrosa
Malvarrosa is the first beach I ever fell for in Valencia. There’s just something about walking out of the old town, hopping on a bike and suddenly arriving at this huge sweep of golden sand that feels like such a luxury.
The beach is big enough that you can always find your own patch, but what I love most is the atmosphere. Families set up for the whole day with coolers and umbrellas, volleyball games kick off near the promenade, and the smell of fried fish drifts out of the chiringuitos.
I usually end up staying longer than I plan to —lounging by the water, grabbing a horchata from the paseo, and watching the colours shift over the Mediterranean as the sun drops. It’s busy, yes, but in a way that makes you feel part of the city.
Playa del Cabanyal (Las Arenas)
Cabanyal, often called Las Arenas, feels like Malvarrosa’s lively little sister. It’s right by the marina, so you get that mix of beach life with the buzz of boats and waterfront bars. I come here when I want more than just a swim—there’s always something happening, from locals playing paddleball to kids building castles in the sand.
The promenade is lined with cafés where you can sit with a cold beer and watch the world go by, and it’s a great spot if you’re into people-watching. One of my favourite things is staying late, when the beach slowly empties out and the sky turns pink behind the port cranes. It’s not the quietest stretch, but that’s exactly why I love it—it feels unapologetically Valencian.
Playa de Patacona
Patacona is where I escape when I want the beach without the full-on crowds of Malvarrosa. It’s just a short cycle north, but the vibe instantly changes: calmer, trendier, a little more local. The sand here is soft and wide, perfect for long lazy afternoons, and I always notice how much quieter it feels compared to the city centre beaches.
What really makes Patacona stand out, though, is the food. There are some brilliant restaurants just off the promenade—La Mas Bonita is my go-to for brunch by the sea, and I’ve spent countless afternoons lingering over coffee there before heading back to the sand. It’s the kind of beach you settle into for the whole day, moving between the water, a good book and a plate of something delicious.
Playa de la Devesa (El Saler)
Whenever I need a proper reset, I head south to La Devesa. It’s part of Albufera Natural Park, so instead of cafés and promenades you get rolling sand dunes, pine forests and a feeling of being far away from the city, even though it’s only about half an hour’s drive.
The beach itself stretches for miles, and I love that you can walk for ages without seeing another soul if you head far enough along. The waves here are a little stronger than the calm city beaches, which makes it feel wilder, more rugged. Bring water, snacks and a good book, because once you settle into the rhythm of the waves and the wind in the pines, you won’t want to leave.
Playa de El Saler
El Saler is one of those beaches I recommend to friends when they want a proper Valencian day by the sea. It still has that wild, dune-backed feel, but it’s more popular than La Devesa, so you get a livelier atmosphere without losing the natural setting.
Families often come here with picnics, locals set up under umbrellas, and there’s usually a mix of swimmers, kite surfers and long walkers striding off into the distance. I like that you can dip into both worlds here: grab a paella in one of the restaurants tucked behind the dunes, then head back to the sand for a siesta. It’s the kind of beach that makes you forget the city is so close.
Playa de Pinedo
Pinedo always feels a little underrated, and that’s why I love it. It’s one of the closest beaches to the city, just south of the port, but it doesn’t get half the attention Malvarrosa does.
The sand is wide and golden, and there’s a relaxed, family vibe—you’ll see groups of locals setting up for the day with coolers, kids splashing in the shallows, and the occasional fisherman casting off at the edges. I usually head here when I want a quick beach fix without the bustle, or if I’ve been craving proper arroz at one of the traditional restaurants nearby. It’s not the wildest or the trendiest stretch, but it has a charm that keeps me coming back.
Playa de La Garrofera
La Garrofera feels like a secret, even though it’s part of Albufera Natural Park and not too far from the city. Tucked between El Saler and La Devesa, it’s quieter than both, and that’s exactly why I love it.
The sand is soft and golden, the dunes are backed by pines, and the whole place has this hushed, calm energy that makes you want to slow down. I usually come here when I need space because it’s the kind of beach where you can bring a picnic, settle in with a book and just listen to the waves for hours. No promenade, no crowds, just that perfect combination of sea breeze and wild nature that Valencia does so well.
Playa de Port Saplaya (Little Venice)
Port Saplaya is one of those places that surprises people—technically it’s just north of Valencia, but it feels like stepping into another world. The neighbourhood itself is nicknamed “Little Venice” thanks to the pastel-coloured houses and canals, and I love wandering through the marina before heading to the beach.
The sand here isn’t as wide as Malvarrosa, but it feels cosy, framed by the painted facades behind you and the open Mediterranean in front. It’s a favourite for lazy afternoons: swim, sunbathe, then grab an ice cream or sit on a terrace overlooking the boats. It’s less about wild landscapes here and more about charm, colour and atmosphere, which makes it one of the most photogenic spots on the coast.
Playa de La Pobla de Farnals
La Pobla de Farnals is one of those beaches that feels wonderfully local. It’s only about 15 minutes north of Valencia, but the pace instantly shifts—slower, more small-town, with a marina that gives it a cosy, nautical feel. The beach itself is wide and sandy with calm water that’s great for swimming, and it never feels overwhelmingly crowded.
What I always come here for, though, is the food. The little seafood restaurants near the marina serve some of the freshest fish and arroz dishes I’ve had on this stretch of coast. It’s the kind of place where you spend the morning on the sand, then roll straight into a long, lazy lunch that keeps you at the table until the sun dips.