VALENCIA & MURCIA
The East Coast of Spain is a sun-drenched region of vast orchards, iconic beaches, and lively cities. This guide helps you experience the vibrant culture, legendary gastronomy, and warm Mediterranean lifestyle of Valencia and Murcia.
Why Visit Valencia & Murcia?
Home of Paella: This region is the birthplace of Spain’s most famous dish.
Sun, Sand, and Sea: Enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate with some of Spain’s most popular beaches.
Vibrant Festivals: Experience a rich calendar of festivals, like Valencia’s Las Fallas, with its spectacular fireworks.
Smart Travel
Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October): The weather is warm and ideal for beach days and sightseeing without the summer crowds. Prices are more affordable, and the atmosphere is relaxed.
Deep Off-Season (November-March): The region remains mild and sunny, offering unbeatable value and a chance to experience the cities without tourist crowds. This is the perfect time for a quiet, budget-friendly trip.
Peak Season (June-August): The weather is hot and humid, and the coast is extremely crowded. Prices for accommodation and flights are at their highest. Be prepared for the heat and book well in advance.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Valencia City & The Metropolitan Area
As the region’s capital, Valencia is a dynamic city that blends futuristic architecture with a charming old town. It is surrounded by the vast rice fields of Albufera Natural Park, the birthplace of paella.
Your Smart Tip: Visit in the deep off-season to see the city’s stunning architecture without the crowds, and to take advantage of more affordable flight and hotel options.
The Costa Blanca & Alicante Province
This famous southern coast is known for its extensive sandy beaches, lively resorts, and clear turquoise waters. The area includes popular destinations like Alicante and Benidorm, as well as picturesque towns like Villajoyosa.
Your Smart Tip: For a more authentic experience, explore the smaller fishing villages and coves in the shoulder season. The weather is still warm, but the beaches are less crowded.
The Murcia Region & Costa Cálida
Located south of Valencia, Murcia is a less-visited region with a desert-like landscape and a beautiful, rugged coastline known as the “Warm Coast.” The historic city of Murcia offers a mix of Baroque architecture and a vibrant university town atmosphere.
Your Smart Tip: To experience the region’s natural beauty and uncrowded beaches, a car is highly recommended. The shoulder season is perfect for road trips.
Inland Valencia & The Wine Regions
The interior of the Valencia region is a hidden gem of mountains, medieval castles, and picturesque vineyards. Areas like Requena and Utiel are famous for their wines, particularly those made from the Bobal grape.
Your Smart Tip: The off-season is ideal for visiting the wineries. You will get a more personal experience and a better chance to talk with the winemakers directly.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The region has a Mediterranean climate. Summers are hot and humid, and winters are mild. It is sunny and warm year-round, with the most pleasant weather in spring and autumn.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: While Spanish is spoken everywhere, the local language in Valencia is Valencian, which is a dialect of Catalan. In Murcia, only Spanish is spoken.
Dining: Meal times tend to be later than in other parts of Europe. Lunch is a main social event, often starting around 2 PM.
Relaxed Atmosphere: The coastal lifestyle is very relaxed. People are generally friendly and open.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($20–$40), mid-range hotels ($75–$130), luxury ($160+). Prices are higher in coastal resorts during peak season.
Food: Fixed-price lunch menu ($12–$20), paella for two ($25–$40), fine dining ($55+).
Transport: City bus ticket ($1.60), regional train (varies).
Activities: City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia ($9), free beach access.
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $50–$80 (hostels, market food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $90–$160 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $200+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Air: The main airports are in Valencia (VLC) and Alicante (ALC), with smaller airports in Castellón and Murcia.
By Train: An efficient train network connects the major cities along the coast, including Valencia, Alicante, and Murcia.
By Bus: The bus network is well-developed and connects the smaller towns and villages that are not on the main rail lines.
By Car: A car is the best way to explore the inland areas and the more remote coves and beaches.
Must-Try Food
Paella Valenciana: The original paella made with chicken, rabbit, and green beans.
Arroz a Banda: A flavorful rice dish made with fish stock and served with a side of aioli.
Fideuà: A traditional dish similar to paella but made with small, short noodles instead of rice.
Esgarraet: A salad of roasted red peppers, salted cod, garlic, and black olives.
All i Pebre: A thick stew of eel and potatoes cooked in a sauce with paprika and garlic.
Caldero: A rich fish and rice stew from the Murcia region.
Tortada de Almendras: A delicious almond cake, a classic dessert from the region.
Roscón de Reyes: A traditional sweet bread, often decorated with candied fruit.
Figatells: Small fried meatballs made with pork liver and spices.
Mojo Murciano: A salad of roasted pepper, tomato, and onion.
Must-Try Drinks
Horchata: A refreshing, milky drink made from tigernuts, often served with a stick of long pastry.
Agua de Valencia: A local cocktail made from Cava, orange juice, gin, and vodka.
Wines from Utiel-Requena: This inland region is famous for its red wines, particularly those made from the Bobal grape.
Local Cava: The sparkling wine produced in the region is a great alternative to champagne.
Mistela: A sweet liqueur made from muscat grapes.
Beer: The local beer is Turia, a popular lager.