Valencia - Best of both city & coast together.

For many holiday home buyers, Spain means sun, sea and sand — but it can also mean 'city'. And many Britons dream of a place in the fashionable city of Barcelona or Madrid, well Valencia even better as it has a bustling city and one of the best beach locations in Spain. Valencia started as a trading port from the Mediterranean now one of the best of both worlds. But for those who cannot afford the property prices of these glamorous options, Valencia, on Spain's Mediterranean coastline midway between Barcelona and Malaga can be an affordable alternative.
 
Property prices in central Valencia City range from less than £100,000 for a small apartment not far from the harbour to more than £1 million for a townhouse in the centre.
 
Style and value: The cheaper euro has generated interest from British buyers in this attractive Spanish city. Cities are gently defying the market say Peter Fenton director of Fine & Country Spain estate agency in Javea, North Costa Blanca, Spain says for well-heeled international buyers in search of permanent living or a second home. The slight improvement in the euro-pound exchange rate of recent months has spurred on more interest, particularly in Valencia which has the buzz of Barcelona but with half the population with lower costs of purchasing. The key areas of Valencia include Russafa — the old market district which has Moroccan and South American influences and many new bars and restaurants — and the harbour and extensive Marina.

Valencia's city beach area at the Playa de Levante is also popular with buyers, as are the other central spots such as Malvarrosa and Cabanyal.

Living in Valencia, Spain

Valencia has a growing number of expats and digital nomads who use the city as a digital hub to be inspired, and for good reason!  The quality of life here is exceptional and vibrant for inspiration in design and the arts.
 
Why Valencia? This is what they say: “We love the energy, the architecture, and the overall vibrancy of the city. It seemed like a fun place full of lots of creative types, digital nomads, start-ups, alternative culture and funky independent shops. Valencia reminds me of Shoreditch in London or Brooklyn in New York 15 years ago. “The Valencians and expats are extremely friendly and welcoming. Life just seems easier here and less stressful than anywhere we love the outdoor lifestyle, and also the fact that every one of all ages seems to enjoy socialising every night of the week here. It never gets boring. Then there’s so much to do within 1-2 hours of the city itself. Valencia is close to some beautiful mountains where you can go hiking in summer and snowboarding in winter. There are also some good scuba diving spots just a short distance away and some vineyards where you can go wine-tasting. And of course, Valencia is famous for being the birthplace of paella. What is the expat community like in Valencia? They are really friendly, fun, open-minded and full of living life. There’s a great sense of entrepreneurship, exploration and creativity; a feeling that all things are possible here.”

Valencia is a charming city and one of the oldest in Spain. It is the third Spanish city in terms of importance and population, and the 15th in the European Union. Valencia is on the Mediterranean Sea, approximately four hours to the south of Barcelona and three hours to the east of Madrid.  There aren't many places in the world with a better quality of life than this region of Spain.
 
Many Valencians own a second beach home as well as city property and travel 60 miles down to the coastline to another Mediterranean paradise of Javea. Many people who are looking to move permanently to Spain also visit Javea Costa Blanca North Located between Alicante and Valencia both are contrasting city’s of Spain, Javea is located in the Spanish Alicante region on the Costa Blanca. With its white beaches and gentle Mediterranean breezes, it´s easy to see why Javea is referred to as “the jewel in the crown of the Costa Blanca”. As well as that tasty little title, Javea is also called the Dawn of Spain (Amanecer de Espana). It´s three headlands are the first place to catch the sun in Spain each morning. Javea has it all…Javea, also sometimes known as Xabia, is situated on the Costa Blanca, some 50 miles from Alicante airport and only 60 miles, or so, from Valencia airport.Voted, environmentally, “near perfect”, by the World Health Organisation – and, indeed, boasting over 320 days of sunshine a year – the town nestles at the foot of the mighty Montgo Mountain, between the picturesque bays of San Antonio and San Martin, Cap Marti. Javea is rapidly emerging as a popular tourist attraction – not entirely surprising, given its 15 miles of superb coastline, fantastic opportunities for outdoor pursuits and numerous, cafes, bars and restaurants – but, nevertheless, maintains a relaxed, typically Spanish atmosphere.

Access to Javea, from northern Europe, is easy, via direct international flights, operated by “budget” airlines, to the international airports of Alicante and Valencia. Javea sits in the middle of both airports approximately one hour and ten minutes to each airport. Javea can be divided roughly into three distinct areas, each with its own individual charm and atmosphere.

Old Town, Javea
The old town of Javea, built largely in original, Tosca sandstone, has narrow winding streets and is rich in cultural heritage. For sightseers, the old town includes the fortified, Gothic church of “Iglesia de San Bartolome”, and an excellent museum, “Museo Etnografico Soler Blasco”.It is also known as the fiesta town because of the many interesting and varied fiestas during the year.

Port
The port area offers a harmonious blend of traditional Spanish, and more tourist drove, elements. Javea is still a working fishing port, but this area also includes a picturesque marina with shops and upmarket bars and restaurants.