Should you visit Valencia

Very few cities in the world offer what Valencia has… a historic old town with an incredible public market, chic shopping areas for designer clothes, an incredible selection of the best restaurants of every food imaginable, a wonderful beach, easy walkability with tons of green spaces to walk or ride bikes and tons of places to party if you so desire! Subsequently, Valencia has become a victim of its own success, with so many tourists and ex-pats moving there that costs of hotels and other rentals, although not as high as some large cities, have gone way up. But to experience the architecture, food, fun and festival of Valencia is well worth it. And you can still find good deals on places to stay. Just plan way ahead!

Should you retire to Valencia

I hate it when people say “That depends”…. but in the case of Valencia nothing could be truer. As noted above, the attitude of a portion of the Valencians, due to the rising costs of buying into the city, have soured against ex-pats in particular. Also, Valencia is a very, very traditional mindset when it comes to the locals. As an ex-pat you will find it difficult at best to blend in or become a part of the community. With that being said, we have never experienced blatant prejudice, but at times we have also not been welcomed with open arms. But if you can speak a little Spanish, and have the money to buy what you want or need, then there is no better place, for sure!

Valencia is as much a feast to your eyes as it is a holiday to your wallet. The green hues found in the Jardi del Turia are a wonderful contrast to the shimmering golden sand and sparkling azure blue waves on its beautiful beaches. All of those who visit love this Spanish coastal cities charm as they walked under the citrus trees dropping fragrant blossoms onto the cobblestone streets. Then they listen to the hum of the Valencian dialect amidst the produce stands of the Mercado Central. Valencia now offers a mixture of Madrid’s history and Barcelona’s contemporary atmosphere with a more wallet-friendly price tag. To make it easy on you, just download the free guide here!

Keep in mind that Valencia is very, very traditional, unlike Barcelona or Madrid! Although many residents speak english, many don’t or won’t. With its recent popularity, prices for rentals, hotels or real estate to buy have risen sharply. In addition, like Barcelona there is a growing anti-sentiment towards over tourism and foreigners moving there, due to the rising prices and lack of real estate options. I would recommend visiting in the off seasons except during Fallas, a loud and boudry three week festival with non-stop noise and drinking…