By now I have lost count of how many times I have been to Valencia in recent years. Even though I only went there for the first time 3 years ago. But after my first visit, I fell a little in love with this city. I love the fine vibes in this Spanish city. As far as I’m concerned, Valencia is a perfect place for a workation. In this blog I’ll tell you exactly why and give you tips for my favorite spots.
Why you should go to Valencia
I love sunshine. And it shines an average of 300 days a year in Valencia, 300! That alone is reason enough. I also love the Spanish atmosphere immensely; the outdoors, the food, the leisurely pace at which everyone functions. It’s only a 2.5 hour flight and even doable by train if you divide it over 2 days. Recently, the city was named European Green Capital 2024. That’s not the first major title the city has scored. With a beautiful beach full of water sports activities, boating at l’Albufera, a uniquely large Turia Park right through downtown and several other beautiful parks in the city, I can understand that title. Compared to other Spanish cities, you can also get around well on a bike here, as there are relatively good bike paths.
Vamos, go discover Valencia
You can have a great time in Valencia for a nice city trip, workation or weekend getaway. If you have longer time, even better. I lived there for 2 months and even then I was constantly discovering new places. There is so much variety, from hip neighborhoods to traditional architecture. From small local tapas joints to paella workshops. From running in Turia Park to supping on the sea. Well you see, I can keep busy.
Herewith a list of my 10 favorites:
- To do: bike tour throughout the city
- Relaxation: walking through Turia Park
- Coffee shop: Dulche de Leche is heaven for sweet tooths
- Most beautiful view: from Torres de Serrano
- Favorite beach spot: the chiringuito on the beach at La Mas Bonita Patacona
- Workplace: Flying Bean Coffee
- Favorite neighborhood: El Cabanyal, near the beach and just a little less touristy
- Restaurant: La Otra Parte Taberna
- Nightlife: outdoor disco Umbracle
- Paella: Vaqueta Gastro Bar for a fun workshop or delicious dinner
Remote working in Valencia
The city’s versatility makes it the ideal place for a workation. During the day you do your work and then you explore the city. You can choose your own apartment, a hostel if you are low on budget, a nice hotel or coliving where you meet other digital nomads. If you have the freedom to go on workation for a bit longer, I would definitely recommend going for at least a week. And if you are really flexible then booking a one-way trip is my advice. Then you can decide when to go back when you’ve seen enough.
The city now has lots of nice workspaces. You can subscribe here for a day, week or month and then have a nice desk, desk chair and quiet environment with fast wifi guaranteed. There are also plenty of nice coffee shops where you can work nicely.
Out of the city, into the interior of Valencia
Not only is the city a great place to work remotely, but the interior of the Valencia region is also great. I am as we speak in a small village in the countryside writing this blog. Here you can completely unwind, enjoy beautiful nature and see the real local Spanish life. There is little tourism in the inland areas and so it is nice and quiet everywhere. Yesterday we took a beautiful walk here in the region, during which we didn’t run into anyone (!). That has never happened to me on a walk in the woods in the Netherlands. The sun was shining and it was 20 degrees, really enjoying it. Closing your laptop after your working day and then walking around in such surroundings is fantastic. You breathe fresh air, smell delicious scents of all kinds of plants and trees, hear the birds singing and really relax.
So definitely a must to swap the big city for the countryside. Besides less tourism and less crowds, it is also a good idea financially. Because there is little tourism you pay Spanish low prices. To give an example, a daily menu for lunch of 3 courses with a delicious local wine is usually at most € 20. And if you go to a Bodega (there are a lot of them here) for a wine tasting with some tasty snacks, it sometimes costs only € 11. In this blog you can read all about a workation in the interior of Valencia.
Special project for digital nomad families
One of the reasons for my visit to the Rural Area (countryside) is to visit a project aimed at families who want to live in Spain for a while. They want to attract people to the small inland villages and with the Rural Life project you can experience that with your family for a while. For example, you can live here for 3 months or 1 year, where they help you with everything. Think: the school for your children, housing, discovering local activities. They use their network for free to help you with the right contacts. You can read all about living and working in the interior of Valencia with your family here.
#samenwerking
