Costa de Valencia: Your Complete Property Guide to Spain’s Cultural Heart

Spain’s Most Accessible Mediterranean Paradise with Urban Excellence

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Costa de Valencia: Your Complete Property Guide to Spain’s Cultural Heart

Spain’s Most Accessible Mediterranean Paradise with Urban Excellence

The Costa de Valencia represents one of Spain’s most compelling property opportunities, offering an unbeatable combination of cultural richness, exceptional value for money, and world-class urban amenities. This remarkable Mediterranean region centers around Valencia—Spain’s third-largest city—while extending along pristine coastlines that have maintained their authentic Spanish character despite proximity to major international infrastructure.

Valencia City and Regional Overview

Valencia, one of the most famous and well-known cities of Spain, is the main city of the Valencian Community, a Mediterranean paradise with stunning views of the coastline, located on the Eastern side of the Iberic peninsula, just a bit south of Catalonia and Tarragona.

This is the third biggest city in Spain in terms of population, and thus, it has some advantages, such as an International Airport, a great transport system, with the second largest Subway system, only after Madrid’s, more than 50 different bus routes, and a railway that connects it with the rest of the country, which will get you to Madrid in less than 2 hours for only 40 euros.

But the culture is the main attraction of this city, it is recognized as the “City of Arts and Sciences” of Spain, between its borders lies the Museo de Bellas Artes de Valencia, and the Valencian Institute of Modern Arts (Instituto Valenciano de las Artes modernas, IVAM).

City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia

It also has a deep history, being founded more than two thousand years ago by the Roman empire, then occupied by the Muslims in the 8^thcentury, and annexed to Spain during the famous “Reconquista”, in 1238.

And as such, it has one of the biggest Historic Quarters, with almost 170 hectares, as well as beautiful monuments such as “El Miguelete“, “La Catedral” (The Cathedral), “Las Torres de Serrano y de Quart y la Lonja de la Seda“, which was declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996.

Cultural Powerhouse: Home to the iconic City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia has established itself as Spain’s cultural innovation center. The city hosts world-class museums, the famous Las Fallas festival, and maintains one of Europe’s largest historic quarters—spanning 170 hectares of UNESCO-protected architecture.

Transport Excellence: Valencia’s connectivity sets it apart from other Mediterranean destinations. The international airport serves 100+ destinations, high-speed rail connects to Madrid in under 2 hours, and the comprehensive metro system (Spain’s second-largest) ensures excellent urban mobility.

Economic Dynamism: The region’s economy has diversified beyond tourism, with 85% of employment in the service sector, growing technology companies, and Valencia’s position as a major Mediterranean port driving business opportunities.

Holidays, Festivals and Cultural Life

If you want to buy a summer house in Valencia, you are having luck, because it is probably one of the best places you could choose from. Being the cultural and artistic hub that it is, Valencia hosts several festivals and carnivals year-round such as:

Major Festivals and Celebrations

• Las Fallas: Starting on March 15 and ending on the nineteenth, this is the most important festival in the area, and one of the most famous ones as well, these 4 days have become non-stop celebration and are deeply rooted in the Valencian culture. Its roots are the celebration of San Joseph day, protector of the carpenters, a very important and respected guild at the time due to the relevancy of the furniture industry to the Valencian economy.
• Las Fiestas de San Vicente Ferrer: These celebrations are a prolongation of the Easter Holidays, known as the “Holy Week”, on this day people go to the original dwelling of San Vicente, which was turned into a chapel, where children represent the most famous actions of the Saint and are also given “El Pouet de San Vicent”, for them to speak promptly, in order not to suffer from anginas, in order not to swear fakes or be blasphemous.

These are but the most remarkable ones, other such as the Procession of the Corpus Christi, the festival of the Virgin of the helpless, and October ninth, which are also very important celebrations, among many others.

Cultural Calendar Highlights

• Las Fallas (March 15-19): UNESCO-recognized festival transforming the city into a cultural celebration
• Valencia Markets: Central Market and Colón Market offer daily authentic Spanish shopping experiences
• Paella Heritage: Experience authentic paella in its birthplace with traditional Sunday family gatherings
• Arts and Sciences: World-class cultural facilities providing year-round entertainment and learning

Valencia is the city where the Paella was born. The traditional dining food for the fishermen.

Family Activities and Natural Parks

Valencia has, as well, several natural parks to be enjoyed, such as the Albufera reserve, a gorgeous marine gulf, or the Gardens of Turia, filled with sport related activities such as biking, football, Rugby and baseball.

If you want to take your children there as well, we got your back, as Valencia is full of activities for the diversion of the youngest among us, such as the Science Museum of Prince Felipe, The Arts and Science Centre and the previously mentioned IVAM, which all run special workshops and activities that cater to children.

And of course, there is always the beach, such as La Malvarrosa beach, El Saler Beach, Port Saplaya Beach, and many others that you will certainly enjoy, even more taking into account the sunny weather of the area, with not much rain and temperatures that allow bathing for six months a year. Find out all the monthly weather statistics for the city of Valencia, including sea temperature, in our infographic.

Also, if you were to grow tired of the city of Valencia, there are several small towns in the area with a very high touristic appeal, such as Gandía, Sagunto, Cullera, Miramar, Oliva, and many more, which are a delightful place to spend a Sunday with the family, or to have a “disconnection retire”, and finally be able to relax, away from the big crowded cities.

Beach front line of Valencia.

The Reality of Living in Valencia

Climate and Lifestyle

Valencia enjoys over 300 sunny days per year with a climate that supports outdoor living and swimming for six months annually. The Mediterranean setting provides mild winters and warm summers, with sea temperatures allowing comfortable swimming from May through October.

Cost of Living Excellence

As in all Spanish towns, food tends to be somewhat cheap, with 150 euros you will be perfectly fine, and it could be reduced to 100 if you are on a tight budget. Living costs in Valencia remain remarkably affordable for a major European city:

• Monthly Food Budget: €100-150 for quality local shopping
• Dining Out: Excellent local restaurants €10-20 per person
• Utilities: €80-120/month average (including heating considerations)
• Transport: €40/month metro pass provides citywide access
• Healthcare: EU residents enjoy excellent public healthcare; private insurance €60-200/month

Practical Considerations

One of the most relevant expenses you have to consider, though, are the services, normally people from other parts of the world do not realize, but electric power and heating can be very expensive.

Although electric power can be saved through many methods that we won’t get into, heating can turn out to be a turn-off for a lot of people, since you may have to pay up to 300 euros a month or more to keep yourself warm in the winter.

Heating Costs: Winter heating represents the most significant utility expense, potentially €100-300/month depending on property type and heating system. Central heating properties offer the most cost-effective solution, followed by butane, natural gas, and electric systems.

Nevertheless, this is heavily depending on the type of heating your property is using, since there are buildings with central heating that cost only a fraction of that, and there is a wide range in between, the most recommended types are, of course, central heating, then comes Butane, you will have to deal with the cylinders, natural gas, and at last electric, which can be the most expensive.

Transport Integration: Valencia’s metro system (Spain’s second-largest) connects suburban areas to the city center in under an hour, making affordable suburban living practical while maintaining urban access.

Retirement Living

If you want to have a permanent residence in this area, you are on the right track, especially if you are looking for a quiet place were to live the rest of your life without worrying much about anything.

Real estate in Valencia city is more expensive and that is why we recommend buying or renting in the suburbs surrounding areas if you have a tight budget.

This way, you will enjoy life at a slower pace, away from all the stress that big cities can cause, and also save an important amount in your housing. Nonetheless, thanks to the well-built transport system, you can get to the Downtown of the city in less than an hour from most places.

Valencia, like every big city, is full of interesting activities to do while you rest from taking walks on the beaches and taking naps on Hammocks, and there are specialized groups online of senior citizens looking to have fun and make friends, as well as the activities run by the town hall for retirees, that will make of your leisure time a lot of fun.

Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia

Valencia Property Market in 2025

Market Overview and Performance

The city of Valencia has been a centre of interest for investors lately; it has not needed any help to become one of the largest cities in the country, and a recent move of companies that used to be based in Barcelona (due to the nationalists’ desire to break apart) has led to the real estate industry growing immensely.

The Valencia property market demonstrates the healthy fundamentals that serious investors seek: steady growth, strong demand drivers, and prices that reflect genuine value rather than speculation.

Current Market Performance: Valencia Province is valued at €1,625/m² as of March 2025, representing exceptional value for a major European metropolitan area with international airport access and high-speed rail connections.

Nonetheless, it does not have the peaks of interest and skyrocketing prices of other big cities, such as Madrid, this city enjoys healthy growth over the last decades, that seems to be growing even faster nowadays.

With a price-per-square-meter that can get as low as 700 euros on the cheap side, and up to 2300 euros on the most desirable locations, it is much more affordable than other cities, like Madrid, that has a price of up to 5.000 euros per square meter, and as such, there is a lot of room for growth and development as people from other parts of Spain come looking for a good job market with affordable housing.

Prime Property Locations and Investment Opportunities

Valencia City (€1,750/m²) offers the highest property values in the region, supported by its unique combination of historic significance, cultural attractions, and modern amenities. The UNESCO-protected historic quarter provides heritage properties with long-term scarcity value, while growing international recognition drives demand.

Malvarrosa Beach Area (€2,000/m²) represents premium beachfront opportunities with established infrastructure supporting luxury market demand. The area’s proximity to the city center and iconic beach setting create predictable peak seasons and attract quality long-term residents.

Gandía (€1,500/m²) offers excellent value for coastal living with authentic character and reasonable pricing creating potential for both rental income and capital appreciation. The town’s beautiful beaches and cultural heritage provide genuine tourist appeal.

Paterna/Bétera Suburbs (€1,400/m²) deliver family-friendly investment opportunities with metro connectivity supporting commuter demand. The university presence and suburban amenities create steady rental markets while prices remain accessible.

Market Trends and Economic Drivers

The economy in this city is very dependent on tourism and service-related work, as almost 85% of the population works in the service industry.

Market Trends 2025: The Valencia market benefits from sustainable growth drivers rather than speculative pressures. Key trends include:

• Corporate Relocation: Companies moving from Barcelona due to political stability concerns
• International Recognition: Growing awareness among European property buyers
• Infrastructure Investment: Continued improvements in transport and cultural facilities
• Student Demand: Three major universities creating consistent rental market
• Remote Work Appeal: Excellent internet infrastructure and quality of life attracting digital nomads

External investing is rising all over Spain, as investors from all around the world buy properties in different cities, the main investors tend to be Chinese, English, Russian, Italian, Netherlandish and Scandinavian, among many others.

Since 2013, after the sudden drop in property prices due to the crisis, the Valencian Market hasn`t stopped rising, with an overall growth rate of almost 5%, and a growth on transactions of 10% (per year).

The real estate market is becoming very fast-paced in Valencia lately, as owners have realized the increase in the value of their property and buyers want to buy while properties are relatively inexpensive, this is what is causing an increase in transactions in the market of almost 20% lately.

Investment Outlook and Market Analysis

Sustainable Growth Fundamentals: Valencia’s property market benefits from diverse economic drivers rather than tourism dependence alone. The city’s role as Spain’s third-largest urban center, major Mediterranean port, and growing technology hub provides multiple demand sources.

International Investment Trends: External investment continues growing throughout Spain, with Valencia attracting Chinese, British, Russian, Italian, Dutch, and Scandinavian buyers. This international diversification provides market stability and ongoing demand pressure.

Infrastructure Development: Recent and planned infrastructure improvements support long-term value appreciation:

• Expanded international airport connections
• Enhanced high-speed rail network
• Metro system extensions
• Cultural facility investments
• Sustainable urban development projects

Market Outlook 2025-2027: Valencia shows potential for continued moderate growth based on:

• Ongoing international recognition and buyer interest
• Corporate relocations from more expensive Spanish cities
• Growing appeal to remote workers and digital nomads
• Sustained tourism growth supporting rental markets
• Government investment in infrastructure and cultural projects

Conclusion

Valencia is a beautiful place, with the most breathtaking and awe-inspiring natural landscapes, an interesting and deep culture, rooted in a rich history, and that is what makes Valencia as a city, and as a territory of Spain, a great place to live in, be it seasonally, or as a retiree.

Furthermore, the real estate market has had healthy growth over the last years, and it does not seem to be changing any time soon, something that is especially appealing to investors that are not looking to make a quick buck but want a long-lasting and safe investment.

Overall, Valencia is one of the most recommendable places to buy a property in Spain, it has all of the benefits of being a big city, such as a good transport system, international airport, and access to a variety of activities, without the overwhelmingly steep prices of cities like Madrid or Barcelona.

Costa de Valencia Map Information

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Professional Support Network

With our team of over 100+ local real estate partners, HowtobuyinSpain helps international buyers navigate Valencia’s remarkable market with confidence. Our local experts understand both the regional dynamics and the lifestyle aspirations that bring international buyers to this authentic Spanish destination.

1. Best Professionals 2. Follow-up 3. Competitive Pricing 4. Partners 5. Qualitative Check

Further Reading and Resources

1. TOURIST OFFICES:
   • Valencia Tourist Office
   • Valencian Community Tourism
2. AIRPORTS: Spanish Airport Network Information
3. TRAINS: Renfe High-Speed Rail
4. BEACHES: Spain’s Top Beach Destinations
5. GOLF: Top Golf Courses in Spain
6. CULTURAL SITES: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Spain

The Mediterranean lifestyle you’ve imagined—enhanced by urban sophistication and cultural richness—is waiting for you to discover it on the Costa de Valencia.

Find all our other articles and downloadable maps on the Spanish Costas:

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