Travel Journal | Valencia
Cala Portixol | Costa Blanca, Valencia
Founders, Laura & Tom, share their favourite spots in their favourite Spanish city, Valencia.
Our best selling ceramic ParaSol Collection is lovingly handmade in Valencia, the lesser known Spanish city that is famed for Paella, colourful ceramic tiles, oranges & delicious wine. After visiting the seaside city on a sourcing trip, founders Laura & Tom loved it so much, they decided to pack up their home in Manchester & embrace the Spanish lifestyle. Here they share their favourite spots for living like a local & their go to places to enjoy a sunny weekend escape.
Where To Visit
Valencia can be split into two main areas; the beach & the city. We recommend hiring bikes so you can easily explore everything.
Visit Mercado Central early morning to shop amongst the locals. The best place for fish, fresh pastries & delicious tapas delights.
Stroll through Riu Turia park in the early evening to join Valencia come to life with salsa classes, yoga, picnics & couples canoodling.
Walk up the city wall towers Torres de Serranos for a birds-eye view of the terracotta old town.
Enjoy an intimate Flamenco show at Cafe del Duende. Get there early to get entry & visit El Cubo de Baco for a pre-show wine. Our favourite local wine bar.
Insider Tip
El Rastro is a local flea market thats held every Sunday from 9AM-2PM. A fun way to spend a morning searching for antiques, vintage glassware & unique artwork.
Where To Swim
With the city situated on the coast there is so much variety from city beaches to small coves, and some of the best spots on the Mediterranean
Head to Patacona Beach for a fun & busy euro beach. Lined with umbrellas & volleyball pitches, it’s the best place to people watch. There are small beach shacks open in the Summer spread out along the beach that have live music & Tinto Verano on tap.
Insider Tip: With the beach situated directly east, there’s always a beautiful sunrise over the ocean.
Just a 30minute cycle from the centre to Valencias southern beaches, El Saler is wild and raw with long stretches of sand, great waves & shrubbed sand dunes. Pack a cool box with beers & snacks and stay for the day. If you fancy a break from the sun swing by Alqueria de la Mar, an old Spanish farmhouse, that does the best traditional Paella lunch.
A 1.5hr drive south of the city, the hidden coves of Costa Blanca in the Valencia region are definitely worth a day trip. Small swimming coves, cliff jumps, rocky hikes & turquoise waters, this is the Mediterranean at its best. Cala el Portet, Platja Granadella & Cala del Portixol are a few fave spots, & Cala Clemence del Portixol is the perfect clifftop bar for a sundowner.
Insider Tip
Valencia really is beautiful all year round, but if you love the warmer weather the best months to visit are June & September. August can get crazy hot so beaches are more crowded with tourists and the locals leave town.
Where To Eat
We came for the famous Paella, but we stayed for the seafood! So many busting spots serving beautiful fresh produce, it really is hard to choose. Eating out is really well priced in Valencia which gives you a good excuse to dine out for every meal!
You can’t visit Valencia without having a traditional Paella lunch (it would be a crime). For a classic Paella farmhouse lunch try these institutions; Casa Carmela, Alqueria del Pou & Alqueria de la Mar. For a contemporary feel try Bar Cramaet or Palau Alameda. Make sure you book ahead for all
Visit La Sastreria for contemporary fish tapas in El Cabanya, an old fishing village that runs parallel to the beach. A great neighbourhood to explore the gastronomic food scene.
Visit Tasca Angel for a no frills stand up tapas joint thats full of character.
Tasca Sorolla for beautiful fish specials.
Taberna la Senia for a cute & friendly tapas corner bar serving incredible food.
Check out Mercader or Mercabanyal for an upbeat food market experience. Both situated near the beach and the perfect spot for drinks & dinner. Always a buzzing and fun atmosphere.
Insider Tips
Valencianos don’t eat Paella for dinner, only tourists do! So make it a lunch time affair to dine with the locals. A Paella lunch is a long leisurely affair to be enjoyed with wine, family and friends so sit back and relax, because there really is no rushing this dish!
Got a sweet tooth? Make sure you sample the local delicacy of Horchata & Fartons, a sweet nut milk and soft bread roll. Great for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Where To Drink
Red wine, Aqua de Valencia, Orange wine. With so many bars it deserved its own section…
Tallat, Frans, Bluebell & FAV are a few of our favourite cafes to enjoy a speciality coffee. Try the orange cold brew at Tallat for a Valencia special.
Olivi is a beautiful quaint wine bar in the old town that is a perfect place to start the evening & to try Valencia’s best red wine.
Valencia is famed for orange wine and Mes Amours in the fun neighbourhood of Russafa has a great selection. Devour a natural orange wine on the outside terrace.
Head to the beach for a cocktail at Gran Martinez, a swanky bar in an old pharmacy, and then check out La Fabrica de Hielo for more chilled out vibes & live music.
Insider Tip
Check out Jimmy Glass Jazz Club for a great jazz night in the old town.
Our ParaSol Collection
Handmade in Valencia, and inspired by the dynamic and colourful Spanish coast. The warm shades mirroring the striped umbrellas that line the beaches.
Explore the collection here.
If you enjoyed reading this, see more of our blogs; Best Homeware Shops , Colourful Colourful & Best Throws
