Things to do in Valencia Coast

For many visitors to the coast of Spain, the Alicante Harbour is the first port of call. When most of Alicante’s maritime industry shifted to nearby Valencia in the 1980s, the city’s harbor precinct was redeveloped for the tourist market. Today, 80,000 visitors disembark at the harbor from cruise ships, ferries and pleasure craft each year. The area surrounding the harbor is busy most of the day, with locals and visitors alike strolling the promenade in search of the perfect restaurant or bar.

Situated north of the port of Valencia, Malvarrosa Beach offers the chance to swim in the warm Mediterranean Sea, play beach sports and take walks along a wide beachfront promenade. The beach features historic villas, fine restaurants and clean waters and is only minutes away from the city.

The City of Arts and Sciences is a multipurpose cultural and entertainment complex. Discover over 500 marine species, enjoy opera performances, enjoy interactive science and technology exhibits and watch 3-D movies. This complex of six venues stretches along 1.2 miles (2 kilometers) of Valencia’s Turía Gardens and is a showcase of the city’s modern architecture.

Long-time Benidorm residents, families, couples and partygoers all descend upon the glorious setting of Levante Beach (Playa de Levante). This coastal treasure in one of Spain’s busiest resorts is the ideal place to cool off from the hot summer sun and go swimming in the Mediterranean Sea. Levante Beach is where the sun first shines on the town. Come early to watch the sunrise and stick around to watch the action unfold.

Hang out with locals and dine at waterfront restaurants at Poniente Beach (Playa de Poniente). Stretching west from the Old Town, Poniente Beach has almost 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) of soft golden sand and warm Mediterranean water to enjoy. The beach’s name derives from the Latin word for setting (or west) and this is where you’ll witness the day’s last moments of sunshine in Benidorm.

Visit Valencia’s Central Market (Mercat Central) to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a bustling food market. Sample everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to cheeses and cured meats. Opened in 1928 by King Alfonso XIII, today the market is home to around 1,000 stalls and is one of the oldest-running food markets in Europe.

Valencia Cathedral (Catedral de Valencia) is a breathtaking monument that presides over Plaza de la Reina, in the beating heart of Valencia Old Town. Built in the 1200s, the cathedral stands on a site that was once home to a Roman church and Moorish mosque. Inspect the varying architectural styles of Valencia Cathedral’s grandiose exterior. Then explore its venerated chapels, paintings and reliquary.