The Top 10 Things to See and Do Near Playa Las Arenas, Valencia

Of course the beach is the number one attraction here. You might not expect a city beach to be quite this good. It’s not just beautiful but clean and accessible too, with plenty of space to spread out even in the busy summer months. Whether you’re here in July to top up your tan with the locals or going for a sunny (but cold) stroll in November, it’s always one of the best places to be in Valencia.

After a lazy afternoon on the beach what could be better than sipping a cocktail as you watch Valencia’s incredible sunset from a front-row seat? The promenade running behind the beach, known as the paseo maritimo, is lined with bars and restaurants with an unobscured view.

Explore El Grau-Cabanyal, the local neighbourhood directly behind the beach, to discover some unique history, architecture and culture. Known as the fisherman’s quarter, it was once several small fishing villages, and retains a strong identity separate from that of central Valencia. It’s full of traditional ceramic tiled houses, and has a special atmosphere, though much of the area is under threat of demolition and may not be here much longer.

In the Cabanyal area you’ll find a lively street market on Friday mornings, where you can buy everything from paella pans to underwear. There’s also a small but thriving local food market open every day, and for something really local you can also find a small fish market most afternoons by the small port of Cabanyal, where the fishermen sell part of their day’s catch at very low prices. To find it, just head for the port area at around 4pm and follow your nose – the smell is unmistakable.

If you fancy trying some of the best tapas in Valencia, you’re in the right place. The restaurants on the beachfront promenade are pretty but pricey, while better and more reasonably priced restaurants can be found just a five or ten minute walk away. Book ahead for a table at local favourite Bodega Casa Montana, which has been serving up seafood tapas since 1836, or seek out the pretty, tiled Ca La Mar nearby.

Valencia’s port is one of the most important in Spain, as well as one of the busiest in Europe. It connects the city to the Balearic Islands and is also a stop for a large number of cruise ships, making it the arrival point for plenty of visitors. Parts of the port and marina have been modernised and are lined with upscale bars where you’ll see yacht owners moor up for dinner.

Wherever you are in Valencia, you’ll find plenty of options if you want to try traditional paella Valenciana. There are several famous paella restaurants directly behind Playa Las Arenas, including the huge La Pepica, whose visitors have included everyone from Ernest Hemingway to King Juan Carlos.