El Cabanyal: Valencia’s Trendy Seaside Escape

(13 reviews)

Valencia audio tour: El Cabanyal: Valencia’s Trendy Seaside Escape

This is a 0.7mi walking tour

It takes an average of 90 mins to complete.

Valencia

Spain

$8.99

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About the Tour

What happens when you blend the weathered charm of a traditional fishing district with modern creativity and a rich cultural past?

You get El Cabanyal!

On this walking tour around the former heart of Valencia’s fishing community, you’ll take in the seaside neighborhood’s unique tiled houses, colourful heritage, and bohemian spirit as you wander down narrow streets.

The tour starts in Plaza de los Hombres del Mar, the square bordering the historical Antiga Llotja del Mercat (the Old Market Hall). You’ll hear the story of Cabanyal’s fishing heritage before being immersed in the neighbourhood’s history, culture, and seaside charm. From there, I’ll show you the district’s more affluent side filled with Valencian country villas.

As you wander past colourful murals and intricate tilework, you’ll hear stories of fishermen, artists, and the local traditions that shaped this unique corner. On your way to the intimate Parroquia Cristo Redentor-San Rafael Arcángel (Church of the Archangel Raphael), I’ll tell you how during Holy Week, Calle de la Reina, the neighborhood’s main street, is transformed into a giant religious procession. The tour ends in front of the Biblioteca Municipal Casa de la Reina, a Municipal Library nicknamed the Queen’s House even though no queen has ever lived there.

On this 90-minute tour, you’ll have the chance to:

Discover the secrets of the unique fishing technique, Pesca del Bou, and its role in Valencia’s history
Marvel at the mysteries of light impressionism while exploring the area that inspired Valencian painter, Joaquín Sorolla
Explore the architectural styles of the Valencian Riviera that seem to transport you to a different era
Find out the secrets of Cabanyal’s traditional cuisine, from seafood rice dishes to the sweet pairing of horchata (a beverage made from rice and water) and fartons (confectionary sweets)
Listen to the story of the neighbourhood’s most ambitious inventor, who lived in the iconic Casa de la Reina, and learn about his daring and disastrous creations

From the handcrafted ceramic tiles adorning the houses to the Art Nouveau embellishments that once symbolised wealth and modernity, every corner holds a surprise.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an admirer of coastal charm, or simply looking for a leisurely stroll through one of Valencia’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, this tour is for you.

Tour Producer

Read The City

3 tours

Read the City offers a fresh way to explore cities, enabling travelers to "read" architecture and history through immersive and engaging tours. Unlike standard tours overloaded with facts and dates, our itineraries create a rich, sensory experience, bringing the past to life with artifacts, images, and music. Participants don’t just observe history – they become part of it, uncovering the city's architectural codes and cultural details. It’s not just a walk, but a journey full of discovery, revealing hidden layers of the urban environment. Every tour offers a chance to see the city as an open book, where you unlock its secrets through architecture.

Preview Location

Location 4

Street Art and the Hidden Messages of Cabañal 2

Do you see it? Yes, on the wall of the former fishermen’s market. It feels like something out of an adventure novel—a pirate ship, a desert island, and the waves of the sea, as if drawn by a child’s hand. This is the hidden magic of Cabañal—a place full of fantasy and a true h... Do you see it? Yes, on the wall of the former fishermen’s market. It feels like something out of an adventure novel—a pirate ship, a desert island, and the waves of the sea, as if drawn by a child’s hand. This is the hidden magic of Cabañal—a place full of fantasy and a true hub for street art in Valencia. Both local and international artists have created murals here, transforming the neighbourhood’s walls into expressions of a larger struggle for its preservation.

Indeed, Cabañal has long been at the centre of debate, and you can probably see the varied conditions of these buildings for yourself. In fact, The Guardian listed it as one of Europe’s 10 most fashionable neighbourhoods in 2020. Thanks to recent investments, the neighbourhood is undergoing a revival, gradually becoming a real gem on the Costa de Valencia.

Now, have you noticed the houses to the left of the mural? Look—a long building with brightly coloured, two-storey fishermen’s houses, all aligned in a row. They look almost identical, like two drops of water, yet each has its own character, bursting with colour and joy. Close your eyes for a moment and try to absorb the atmosphere. The salty breeze from the sea carries the scent of fresh fish... In the shadows of these sun-drenched houses, life has passed by—fishermen returning with their catch, and the wind bringing the sound of the sea and the gentle rustle of waves through the streets.

Here in Cabañal, time seems to slow down, letting us truly listen and feel.

Now, friends, we’ve reached what’s called the first line of the neighbourhood. But unlike in many places, this first line wasn’t always considered prestigious. Until the early 19th century, only fishermen and midshipmen lived here, even in the small one-storey houses I pointed out earlier. The classic fisherman’s house, known as a 'barraca,' consisted of two parts—a living area and a small barn for oxen. Here it is, on the third picture of the image carousel.

With clay walls and a thatched roof, these houses often suffered from fires. When new residents started arriving, including workers and members of the Valencian bourgeoisie, they preferred to move further from the coast for safety. This is how Cabañal’s unique street layout was born: the streets, almost reflecting social inequality, run parallel to the sea, from the poorer areas to the wealthier ones.

In the wealthier part of the neighbourhood, each gentleman strived to build the most beautiful house, competing in refinement and style. We’ll see them soon. Read More

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Major Landmarks

Plaça dels Homes de la Mar
Antiga Llotja del Mercat
Parroquia Cristo Redentor-San Rafael Arcángel
Biblioteca Municipal Casa de la Reina

Getting There

Route Overview

VoiceMap tours follow a route from a set starting point. It’s how we give turn-by-turn directions and tell a story greater than the sum of its parts.

Start location
Carrer dels Pescadors, 39-33, Poblados Marítimos, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain
Total distance

1km
Final location
C/ de la Reina, 95-89, Poblados Marítimos, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain
Distance back to start location

289.82m

Directions to Starting Point

The tour begins in a small square opposite Casa del Bou and the old fisherman’s market. You can get there:

By Bus: Take Line 19 to Josep Benlliure - Progrés stop, right near the starting point.
By Tram: Use Line 4 towards Doctor Lluch and get off at Doctor Lluch, about a 10-minute walk away.
By Bike: Rent a bike via Valenbisi, with the nearest station on Carrer de la Reina, a 5-minute ride to the square.
On Foot: A 30-40 minute walk from Valencia’s city centre.
By Car: Drive to Carrer de Josep Benlliure, 274, but be aware of limited parking options.
Make sure to check local transport apps like EMT Valencia for updated schedules.

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Tips

Places to stop along the way

Our top recomendations:
Bikini Cabañal - cozy spot known for creative tapas and cocktails.
Mercado Cabañal - perfect for trying fresh local seafood and other specialties.
Casa Montaña - a historic tavern offering authentic paella and traditional Valencian dishes.

Best time of day

The best time to visit the tour location is between 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM or 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During these times, the weather is typically more pleasant, avoiding the peak heat of the afternoon, and it allows for a relaxed and enjoyable experience with better lighting for photography and sightseeing.

Precautions

If you're visiting during the summer, make sure to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated in the warm weather. Don't rush through the tour—take your time to enjoy each stop and rest in the shade when needed. Comfortable shoes will help you make the most of your experience.

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“This app has become my go-to app for audio tours. I pretty much use it for every trip and it works wonderfully. I highly recommend VoiceMap for travelers to truly experience cities.”

App Store Review

“Great app. walk around at your own pace, stop where you want, move on or speed up when you want. Read the script before you go or during the commentary, speed it up or replay it. Repeat the tour whenever you like.”

Google Play Store

Questions and Reviews

4.5 / 5

13 Ratings

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