The ‘best seaside town’ in Europe with astonishing beaches that Brits love

Valencia has emerged as the top seaside choice for Brits in a recent poll, surpassing old favourites like Venice, Malaga, and Barcelona. The survey conducted by Which? and involving 3,500 readers revealed a growing interest in exploring alternative coastal destinations.

Situated on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, Valencia secured the coveted title of the best coastal destination, impressing voters across various categories. The city’s beaches, seafronts, marinas, attractiveness, food and drink, and value for money all contributed to its success.

Valencia boasts a multitude of attractions, including its vibrant food scene. From traditional self-service restaurants and food stalls to trendy tapas bars, the city offers a diverse culinary experience. For around £10, visitors can indulge in a delightful array of small dishes.

For those seeking a more upscale dining experience, the beachfront is lined with a selection of pricier restaurants. The southern end, known as Paseo Neptuno, adjacent to the luxurious Las Arenas resort complex, offers the best options and a chance to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous.

The city is also a hub of cultural activities, housing an opera house, arts centre, Imax Cinema, Planetarium, L’Umbracle walkway and garden, and the El Museo de las Ciencias Principle Felipe science museum.

Visitors can immerse themselves in the Les Falles festival, a spectacular celebration of spring featuring dazzling fireworks, parades, and music from March 15 to 19. A romantic stroll to the cathedral and Turia fountain in Plaza de la Virgen, nestled in the heart of the historic district, is also highly recommended.

Valencia offers a welcome escape from Britain’s rainy shores during the winter and spring months. With pleasantly warm sea temperatures from April onwards, visitors can luxuriate in the inviting waters.

The region boasts an array of stunning beaches, including Norte de Peñíscola beach, offering breathtaking views of the castle of Papa Luna and five kilometres of pristine sand. Racó de Mar beach in Canet de Berenguer is another gem, adorned with dunes, beautiful plants, and abundant wildlife.

Unlike the scorching heat that often engulfs southern Spain, Valencia’s coastal position offers a more temperate climate. Currently, temperatures hover around 30C, providing a pleasant environment for British tourists without overwhelming them. Last year, the mercury peaked at 38C.

Valencia’s rich history dates back over 2,100 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Spain. The architectural landscape is a testament to its diverse heritage, featuring styles from the Gothic Age, Baroque Age, and modern works by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava.

Getting around the city is a breeze, thanks to Valencia’s excellent cycling infrastructure. The flat terrain and extensive network of bike paths, separate from the roads, make cycling a popular mode of transportation. A must-visit is the Túria Park, a 9-kilometre-long green oasis, one of Spain’s largest inner-city parks. It was once a river until the water was redirected in the late 20th century.

Flights from the UK to Valencia typically take two to three hours and can be booked for around £100 during the summer. For environmentally conscious travellers, train journeys to the eastern Spanish city are also an option, although they can take at least 15 hours from London.

Top 10 seaside towns and cities in Europe

Valencia, Spain
Porto, Portugal
Venice, Italy
Tavira, Portugal
Pollença, Mallorca, Spain
Chania Town, Crete, Greece
Rhodes, Greece
Syracuse, Sicily, Italy
Barcelona, Spain
Lisbon, Portugal

This article was crafted with the help of AI tools, which speed up http://Express.co.uk ’s editorial research. A news editor reviewed this content before it was published. You can report any errors to [email protected].