Valencia offers an enviable quality of life, blending Mediterranean ease with rich cultural heritage. For those relocating, the city combines a relaxed pace with modern amenities, a lively social calendar, and welcoming communities. From traditional festivals and historic architecture to beachside living, contemporary arts, and an inclusive social scene, Valencia provides a balanced lifestyle that appeals to families, professionals, and retirees alike.
With more than 300 days of sunshine each year, Valencia enjoys mild winters and warm summers. Outdoor living is central to daily life, whether that means relaxing in the Turia Gardens, dining on terraces, or spending weekends at the beach. Valencia also moves at a slower pace than Madrid or Barcelona, making it easier to enjoy family time and leisure activities. It's the perfect city for achieving that important work-life balance.
Valencia’s Old Town (Ciutat Vella) showcases Roman, Moorish, and Gothic influences. Landmarks include the Cathedral, Lonja de la Seda (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and Torres de Serranos. The city is also famous for Las Fallas each March, when giant papier-mâché monuments fill the streets before being set ablaze. Other highlights include La Tomatina (nearby Buñol) and summer celebrations along the coast. Valencia also supports a lively arts scene, with galleries, theatres, and live music venues.
The City of Arts and Sciences complex (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) hosts museums, an opera house, and Europe’s largest aquarium.
One of the joys of living in Valencia is the outdoor living, Valencia boasts wide sandy beaches like Malvarrosa and Patacona, easily accessible by bike or tram. The 9-km Turia Gardens provide a central park for cycling, running, and family outings. Whilst the Albufera Natural Park, just south of the city, is popular for boat trips, birdwatching, and authentic paella. You can also enjoy activities such as sailing, cycling, tennis, and hiking in the nearby Sierra Calderona.
Valencia is a family-friendly city, with plenty of services, activities, and spaces designed for children. The relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, outdoor culture, and strong community networks make it an attractive destination for families.
Valencia has an excellent school system, with public, semi-private and international options available. Playgrounds are found in nearly every neighbourhood, many located within the Turia Gardens and sports clubs are popular for football, basketball, swimming, and tennis.
Music and language academies offer after-school programmes and a growing international population makes integration easier for families. Many international schools host community events, and parent networks provide support and social connections.
Valencia offers a safe, welcoming environment where kids can thrive in an international setting while enjoying the benefits of outdoor, Mediterranean living.
The city is also pet friendly with dedicated dog parks, seasonal pet-friendly beaches, and many landlords open to tenants with animals.
Valencia is part of the bilingual Valencian Community, where both Spanish (Castellano) and Valencian (a variety of Catalan) are official languages. Spanish is dominant in daily life, while Valencian appears in street signs, schools, and local administration.
English is spoken in tourist areas, by younger people, and in international businesses, but everyday life often requires at least some Spanish. Many relocators take advantage of affordable group courses or even free community-led conversation groups to improve their skills and integrate more easily.
Valencia is regarded as one of Spain’s most LGBT-friendly cities. Same-sex marriage has been legal in Spain since 2005, and the Valencian Community has strong anti-discrimination laws and protections for LGBT residents. The city hosts Valencia Pride (Orgullo) each June, drawing thousands of participants. Local organisations such as Lambda provide community support, advocacy, and resources. Neighbourhoods like El Carmen and Ruzafa are particularly inclusive, with a mix of gay bars, clubs, and cultural spaces.