If you are drawn to buying a property overseas because you want to be on an endless holiday, then you will be keen to see the results of the Which? survey. They asked 3,500 people where their favourite European coastal destination was. Valencia came out on top, beating many more well-known destinations.
Valencia city.
Those who filled out the survey were asked to rate coastal surveys based on: hotel price, the town’s beach, seafront or marina, accommodation, tourist attractions, attractiveness, shopping, entertainment, peace and quiet, safety, friendless and value for money. Overall, Valencia had an impressive score of 91%. Next were Porto and Venice scored 88%. Valencia scored a full five stars on: town’s beach, tourist attractions, attractiveness, shopping, peace and quiet, friendliness and value for money. In other areas, it scored four stars. Valencia was the only Spanish destination that had full scores for value for money. The town of Pollença in Mallorca was the next Spanish city to feature in at fifth. Surprisingly perhaps, in at bottom place was Mykonos Town, Greece.
Valencia is the capital of the autonomous municipality of Valencia. You’ll find it on Spain’s eastern coast, lapped by the beautiful Mediterranean.
So, let’s dig into why Valencia is the UK’s favourite European coastal destination.
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Town’s beach
Las Arenas beach.
The city boasts of seven kilometres of beach, many of them possessing a Blue Flag recognising their cleanliness, excellence and safety. Las Arenas “the sands” is an easy two kilometres from the city centre. Playa de la Malvarrosa is another favourite. A little further away, La Patacona is has a kilometre-long stretch of white sand being great for sunbathing. Plus, the seaside beach path is perfect for a stroll or a rollerblade. It is lined with eateries and as the sun goes down, you can catch live music. As well as city beaches, you can find lots of other fabulous ones nearby. For example, a ten-minute drive away is Port Saplaya, with the nickname “Little Venice” for its colourful houses that line the small harbour.
Tourist attractions
If you buy a property for sale in Valencia, it’s unlikely that you are going to want to live like a tourist on a day-to-day basis. Having said that, choosing somewhere steeped in culture, means that you will never run out of things to do. It’s also a way to lure out your friends to visit you in your new Valencian abode.
Modern: City of Arts and Sciences
City of Arts and Sciences.
This is a complex of dynamic-looking buildings that offer a mix of education and entertainment, it covers two kilometres on the former riverbed of the River Turia. Those that love to ogle at the ocean will enjoy the Oceanogràfic, Europe’s biggest aquarium, it is home to 500 species. Check out the dolphins, seals, penguins and sharks! While the Hemisfèric is a 3D digital cinema with a huge 900 metre concave screen. Moreover, the Science Museum is designed to be interactive and fun.
History: La Lonja and Valencia Cathedral
Valencia Cathedral.
A recognised UNESCO World Heritage site, La Lonja (the silk exchange) is a beautiful Gothic building, emblematic of the city. Valencia Cathedral is an incredible mix of Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic styles. It is home to the Holy Chalice. Plus, climb up the steps and you’ll be granted the greatest view of the city.
Albufera Natural Park
Ten kilometres away from the city, Albufera Natural Park is a beautiful place to get a break from the city. It is a wide expanse of paddy fields and forests. You’ll have the best paella of your life, as it was invented here.
Shopping
Central Market.
Valencia has an abundance of shopping to choose from. If you want something that feels authentically Spanish, head to Calle de las Cestas, translated as Street of the Baskets, is full of wickerwork and leather goods. For luxury items, go to Poeta Querol Street. High street brands can be found on Colón Street and Eixample. While the Central Market, with its iron columns, is something to gawk at, but also is the largest market with fresh produce in central Europe. Grab your red bright juicy tomato!
How to get there
Valencia is served by Valencia airport, also known as Manises. It is situated about 8km outside of the city of Valencia. The flight time is around 2:30 hours. For the most part, flights are year-round to the UK, though some routes are seasonal.
If you purchase a home outside of Valencia, say on the Costa Blanca, and see Valencia more as a place for day trips, you may want to look at flights to Alicante. It is one of the busiest airports in Spain and has year-round trips to the UK.
Weather
Valencia has an average annual temperature of 19°C with mild winters and warm, lengthy summers. In July and August, temperatures can hit 30 degrees. While Spring sees temperatures in the late teens to mid-twenties. You’ll only need light coverage in October and November, but the days do get shorter and colder in December. January is the coldest month with an average daily maximum of 14°C. March perks up to 19°C.
Rental appeal
Valencia was praised for its peace and quiet, which may well change a little, given its new status as the UK’s favourite costal destination. Even so, it is a well-known location for a city break and given its near year-round agreeable weather, tourists can explore from season to season. Therefore, if you are planning to purchase a property and then rent it out on either a short- or long-term basis, Valencia could be a good choice.
Source: Expert testing, reviews and advice from Which? – Which?
