48 Hours in Valencia: Baroque, pre-Modernist, and Futuristic Architecture, and How I Ended Up at a Nude Beach

Hi all! To make the most of my free time before I started teaching at the beginning of October, I took the train from Madrid to Valencia, which is a two-hour trip each way. I stayed for two nights in an Airbnb, and walked or took the bus to get around the city. Highlights include an orange juice I had at Café de las Horas, two different beaches, and the architecture of the Iglesia de San Nicolás de Bari y San Pedro Mártir, Mercat Central, and Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. These buildings were erected in very different time periods and styles, and if you like sandy beaches and a variety of architecture, Valencia is a great place to visit. 

Since I grew up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes and love swimming in any body of water I’m near, the best part of Valencia was the time I spent in the water. First, I went to Playa Cabanyal which is located in town, along a busy strip where Valencia’s big hotels and restaurants are located. This beach was crowded and there were enough people around that I only swam close to shore so I could keep an eye on my bag. I might’ve been overly cautious since I was traveling alone! The next day, I decided to go somewhere more out of the way in hopes that the beach would be quieter. I took the bus towards Playa el Saler, which is a few miles south of Valencia. I wasn’t fully paying attention and got off the bus one stop too early, and ended up at the nude beach! Rather than walking a quarter of a mile to Playa el Saler, I embraced my mistake and said goodbye to my bikini top. This beach was much quieter than Playa Cabanyal, so I couldn’t complain! I enjoyed the water for a few hours and headed back to town as the sun was setting. As night fell, I indulged in an Agua de Valencia (the city’s signature cocktail, a refreshing mix of orange juice, cava, gin, and vodka) at La Bella de Cádiz, followed by Paella Valenciana at the Restaurante de Ana, both of which are located in the barrio de Ruzafa. This neighborhood is an eclectic mix of traditional and modern restaurants, bars, cafés, art galleries, and boutiques, which were just starting to get busy as I walked back to my Airbnb that night. The following morning, I sat on a bench and read in the Jardí del Túria park before heading to the train station and back to Madrid.

If you go to Valencia, make time for the buildings, beaches, and an Agua de Valencia or glass of orange juice. Stay in the Ruzafa or Carmen neighborhoods instead of the busy strip by Playa Cabanyal. This solo trip was exactly what I needed before my first week of school began, and each time I travel alone I am reminded how much I appreciate my own company and independence. Coming next is a post about my first week teaching English! Thanks for reading,

Anna