Valencia is one of the best places to live in the Mediterranean because of its gorgeous weather, cheap cost of living, and beachy lifestyle.
Often overlooked when it comes to Spanish cities, Valencia is going through a revival.
Located on Spain’s eastern coast, Valencia is the third largest city in the country (after Madrid and Barcelona). Madrid is an hour-and-a-half by train and Barcelona is a three-hour car drive away.
The city of Valencia has one of the oldest historical centers in Europe, dating back to Roman times. Quaint architecture makes up the city center, filled with hip bars, restaurants, and specialty stores. Sitting on the Mediterranean, this beautiful city is blessed with a beach a quick 15-minute bus ride from the city center.
Property prices in Valencia are almost half of what you would expect to pay in its neighbor Barcelona. In the past, people would look to Barcelona as a place to visit and invest. However, the city’s real estate prices have since skyrocketed, making Valencia an attractive alternative.
Public transport is reliable and cheap in Valencia. Buses and the modern EMT Metro system will get you around the city, while trains will get you to destinations further afield.
For example, Valencia is also a very cyclable city, with bike lanes everywhere, and even a city bike scheme where you can rent bikes from different locations all over the city.
Valencia has some of the best beaches in Spain. Its beaches have received many prestigious blue flag awards for their high standards.
In Valencia, city living, and beach life go hand in hand, making it one of the best places to live in the Mediterranean.
Valencia, known as Spain’s City of Oranges, has many accolades. Most recently, the city has just won the 2024 European Green City Award.
Plus, it ranked as the third Most Innovative City in Europe in 2022, when it was also named World Capital Of Design and came first of 50 in InterNations’ Expat City Ranking.
Valencia is well located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain, with direct routes to the rest of Europe. France and the ski-slopes of tiny, tax-free Andorra in the Pyrenees are a few hours by train, while Portugal, the French Riviera, and Gibraltar are also within easy reach. Ferries are also available every day to islands such as Mallorca and Ibiza.