Spots for becoming a local; living and working in Valencia

Becoming a local when living and working in Valencia is something that will really help you enjoy life at its fullest potential in this amazing coastal city. If you live somewhere for a longer time, you don’t want to keep feeling that you are a guest. You want to become a true local Valencian. With the tips we provide you, you will soon go from tourist to local citizen of the city. Enjoy life after your working days by visiting these spots.

We asked our recruiter Amber, who has been living in Valencia for years, about the best hidden gems in Valencia. Visiting these places, that most tourists don’t know about, will help you in becoming a local when living and working in Valencia for sure. 

Basic facts about Valencia

If you decide to start working in Spain, and specifically in Valencia, it is important to know about the basic facts of this city first. We provide you with the most important ones:

• Valencia is a city on the eastern coast of Spain, along the Mediterranean Sea;
• The city itself has around 800,000 inhabitants, making it the third largest city of Spain;
• It has a Mediterranean climate: this means mild winters, hot dry summers and lots of sunshine!

Albufera

We kick off our list with hidden gems of Valencia with Albufera. This natural park is just a 10 minute car ride away from Valencia. You could also take the bike if you like to. It basically is a huge freshwater lagoon and a natural park.. Take a boat ride on the lagoon and enjoy the wetlands and rice fields, or go for a sunset experience. Or go for a bike ride through the park. Getting in some exercise and looking at the amazing nature at the same time. 

Albufera is also the birthplace of paella, so make sure to also try out this typical Spanish food, Because paella is important in this area, eating and preparing the dish is a cultural ritual. You have to try this out while living and working in Valencia.

El Palmar

And if you do so, Amber suggests you to go to the small village of El Palmar. This town lies in the center of Albufera, and therefore it is surrounded by stunning nature. This little fishing village is just 15 kilometres outside of Valencia. On a sunny day, you could even travel that distance by bike! On the streets of El Palmar, you’ll find countless options for eating paella. Pick your favorite spot and enjoy the authentic paella. We think you can really taste the love the local chefs put into the dish, as paella is what defines their food culture. 

Ask the waiter which wine you should combine with the specific paella dish you are eating. This will enhance the taste of the dish, and it will also improve the experience. Eating paella is one of the best things you can do while living and working in Valencia. It shows you are open to adapt to the local food culture, which obviously helps in becoming a real local. And it’s not just pretending, because paella is one of the best food options you will have in Valencia.

Port Saplaya

This small coastal town is just five kilometres away from Valencia. It provides you with the calmness you might need while living in the city center. Port Saplaya is often seen as a Venice-like town. With the cute canals, colourful houses and calm beaches, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and relax. Go for a coffee in one of the cafés, or for a bike ride through the town and the nature around it. You can easily spend a day in Port Saplaya, and on the beach there. And if you have done this, we guarantee you that you will come back to spend more days in this amazing little town!

Living and working in Valencia

The tips we provide you with in this blog, are mostly focussed on hidden gems. But the highlights of Valencia are highlights for a reason. The city offers a lot of astonishing things to see and do. Turia Garden, the longest park of Europe, and the amazing nightlife possibilities, are just a few of the best things about Valencia. Read our city page to read all about living and working in Valencia.

With these local tips, it will become easier for you to adapt to your life in Valencia. But living a great life is nothing without earning money. At Job Squad we know all about working abroad, and working in Valencia as well. We offer multiple job opportunities in this amazing city. Check out the latest vacancies in Valencia and start working in Spain soon!