València: Where the Sun Sets and the Fun Rises
València might just be Spain’s best-kept secret—it’s time it got the recognition it truly deserves. I recently spent 3 nights there, with nearly full days on both my first and last days, giving me plenty of time to explore this vibrant city.
Accommodation
We stayed at Ilunion Aqua 4, which is conveniently connected to a shopping center (and as everyone knows, shopping in Spain is fantastic!). The hotel is about a 30-minute walk from the beach, a 50-minute walk into the city center, and very close to The City of Arts and Sciences. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so we were happy to walk most places, but Uber rides were very affordable if you preferred not to walk. The room was spacious, and we really liked the location (though note that if you stay along El Cabanyal beachfront, it can be noisy until 5 am due to the late-night Marina Club). Although our hotel didn’t have a pool, the beach was perfect—the water was warm, there was a nice breeze, and sunbeds were only €8.50 to rent.
Must-Visit Spots
Definitely pop into the Mercat Central de València and wander through the stalls. There’s a huge selection of food and drinks, and you can purchase small tasters at most places. We made the mistake of visiting after we’d already eaten, so we didn’t try much of the food, but we did enjoy sampling a few traditional Valèncian drinks.
If there’s one place you NEED to visit while in València, it’s Begin Restaurant, Marine Depths, located on Calle de Pascual i Genís. We had one of the best meals of our lives there! The interior, ambiance, food, service, and value for money were all 20/10. We shared several dishes, each one bursting with flavor—the wild tuna tiradito was the best tuna I’ve ever had, and the sauce was mouthwatering. We paired our meal with a delightful bottle of Valèncian white wine for just €14. If you haven’t guessed, I REALLY loved it here.
Food Highlights
To be honest, all the food we had in València was fantastic, and the value for money was incredible. You could get wine by the glass for just €2.50-€4.50!
Of course, València is known as the home of Paella, so we enjoyed a late lunch at El Trompo, a gorgeous beachfront restaurant. It did not disappoint! Whether you prefer seafood, chicken, or the traditional rabbit in your Paella, they’ve got you covered. It paired perfectly with a jug of sangria, if I may add. No reservation is required, but if you’d prefer to make one, you can do so by calling them.
We also indulged in traditional Valèncian tapas at El Camerino Ruzafa. Ruzafa is a really cool area that I highly recommend exploring at any time of day. You can choose your own tapas or opt for one of the set menus. We went for the Actor set menu at €21.50 per person, which included 6 tapas and 2 desserts—a serious amount of food! If you’re picking your own dishes, the ham croquettes with truffle mayonnaise are a must!
We also enjoyed tapas at Rincón 33, a fantastic spot near the center of the old town. The food there was equally delicious, making it another great option for anyone exploring the heart of València.
If you’re looking for something fresh and healthy for breakfast or lunch, definitely check out Bao Beach, a boho-chic café on the El Cabanyal beachfront. They serve great coffee, lots of fresh juices, and a variety of salads.
Another great breakfast spot is Federal Café. The Mykonos Bliss Eggs were, as described, complete bliss! We also tried a pastry that was hands down my favorite ever—a pistachio swirl that was simply INSANE. We even made a return journey for another one, but sadly, they were all gone. Cue the tiny violin.
Drinks and Nightlife
Your options for drinks in València are endless, with plenty of cute bars to discover as you stroll the streets. Sabbia by Gabbeach is along the beachfront, serving great cocktails and nibbles. I’ve heard it’s great for dinner too!
Atenea Sky is another bar worth visiting. Although the mixed reviews (likely due to the €10 entry fee) might put some off, we loved it and thought it was well worth it. After an early dinner at Begin, we walked just 3 minutes to Atenea, arriving in time to watch the sunset. The music and atmosphere were an absolute vibe. The only downside is that you can’t book a table unless you’re reserving for 6 or more people. Later in the evening, there was an Aerial Burlesque performance, which was so cool!
We also spent a day at Marina Beach Club. We booked our bed a couple of days in advance, and it was lovely to relax by the pool with some music—especially nice to be away from the sand for a bit. However, it’s definitely one of the pricier spots for drinks.. and I wouldn’t recommend the cocktails.. at all. And yes, later in the evening, Marina Beach Club turns into the Marina nightclub that I mentioned earlier. The City of Arts & Sciences also transforms into a huge open-air nightclub, the whole thing lights up, it’s pretty cool. You won’t be short of places to dance!
I think València is the perfect destination for any type of holiday—whether it’s a couples’ getaway, a girls’ trip, a big celebration, or a family-friendly vacation. I’ve also heard the golf in the area is excellent!
Gracias por leer!
Until next time, Natalia x
Natalia’s Travel Tips 
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