Where to Live in Valencia If You Want Ocean Views but Hate Tourists
Let’s be honest. When we first dreamed of moving to Spain, we pictured daily beach walks and breezy cafés with Mediterranean views—not crowded boardwalks packed with sunburned cruise passengers. Ocean views? Yes please. Tourist overload? No, gracias. If you’re like us—drawn to the sea but allergic to beach bars pumping reggaeton until 3 a.m.—this guide is for you. Here are the best places in Valencia to soak up those ocean breezes and still feel like a local.
1. Port Saplaya (Alboraya’s Best-Kept Secret)
Locals call it the “Little Venice of Valencia,” and when you stroll past pastel-colored homes with private canals and boats docked out front, you’ll see why. Technically part of Alboraya (just north of the city), Port Saplaya offers serious Mediterranean charm without the party scene. It’s quiet, residential, and surprisingly affordable. There’s a small beachfront, a lovely paseo, and easy access to horchata stands, bakeries, and a few well-loved restaurants. Best of all? Most tourists don’t even know it exists.Learn more about Port Saplaya
2. El Cabanyal (But Not *That* Part)
We love El Cabanyal for its soul. This historic fishing neighborhood is full of color, culture, and community. But it’s no secret—certain blocks near the beach have become vacation rental hubs and party central in summer. That said, just a few streets inland, you’ll find peaceful pockets where real life continues all year round. Look around Calle Barraca or toward the train line for quieter, more residential options. You’ll still be 10–15 minutes from the beach, but worlds away from the tourist crowds.
Bonus: great access to transit and some of the best neighborhood bakeries in the city. Read our full Cabanyal vs. Algiros comparison
3. La Patacona (Valencians Live Here)
If Port Saplaya is quaint and El Cabanyal is boho, La Patacona is where it all comes together. Located just south of Alboraya and north of Malvarrosa Beach, La Patacona is a quiet coastal neighborhood that still feels very local. You’ll find families walking strollers along the promenade, kids biking to school, and dogs playing in the sand—especially in the off-season. The beach here is wide, clean, and walkable. Plus, you’re still close to the city center via bike path or metro, but far enough to avoid the party crowd. We know several expat families who live here happily, enjoying both sea breezes and normal bedtime hours.
What About Malvarrosa and Las Arenas?
Yes, they’re beautiful—and no, we don’t recommend them long-term if you’re hoping to avoid tourists. While these beach zones are perfect for a weekend stroll or a sunset paella, they’re also magnets for short-term rentals, noise, and nightlife. Fun to visit. Less fun to live in full-time.
Amanda’s Take: Beach Views With Real Life
We live inland now, but if we ever moved closer to the beach, La Patacona would top our list. They offer what so many Americans are looking for—Mediterranean lifestyle without the chaos. You still get sunshine, sand, and fresh seafood—but also sleep, school runs, and a sense of community. My advice? Don’t just look at the sea. Walk the blocks behind it. Ask where the kids go to school and how far the supermarket is. Choose a place where the beach is part of everyday life—not just a backdrop for summer tourism.And remember: if you need help finding the right neighborhood for your family, we’ve been there.
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Tags: Valencia neighborhoods, beachfront living, expat housing, quiet beach towns, Port Saplaya, La Patacona, El Cabanyal