While Madrid and Barcelona may be the go-to cities for those visiting Spain for long stays and remote work, Valencia’s attractiveness as a destination is undeniable. So how is the remote worker life in Valencia?
With the reliable infrastructure you can expect from western European cities, fantastic internet speeds and countless laptop-friend cafes to work from, it is no wonder so many remote workers and expats have been flocking to Valencia’s shores. Beyond the great amenities, Valencia offers remote workers a rich cultural environment filled with art and tradition. It is this cosmopolitan vibe, together with the city’s international community and its well-connectedness that makes Valencia one of the top destinations for remote workers in western Europe.
Perhaps the most attractive aspect of the remote worker life in Valencia is the city’s affordability. You can comfortably find a fully-furnished, central and modern apartment in some of the best neighborhoods of Valencia for less than 600EUR, and a 1-bedroom apartment with great amenities is unlikely to be priced at more than 850EUR. In comparison with the rest of Europe, these prices are certainly low yet they signify no compromise in terms of quality of life. The city’s affordability extends to food and coffee - going out to eat and drink in Valencia is certainly cheaper than in Barcelona or Madrid, and a good number of local markets provide fresh produce at low prices. Basic utilities like phone service and transport fares are also relatively affordable by European standards.
Valencia’s affordability does not mean remote workers should expect their quality of life here to be lower than in any other major European city. In fact, the huge numbers of fantastic places to work around the city make the remote worker life in Valencia comfortable and convenient. The city’s cafes are very laptop-friendly and provide free and fast WiFi to customers. The coworking spaces in Valencia are also notable and have brought the city firmly onto the European coworking scene - spaces here are well-designed, internationally-driven and with fantastic amenities. Life in Valencia is also comfortable because the city is very safe and asides from petty theft in crowded spaces, there is not much you have to worry about here in terms of safety.
Beyond the affordability and comforts Valencia offers remote workers, the city’s rich cultural traditions make life here extremely rewarding and attractive. The city itself feels like a testament to Spain’s medieval past, with the ancient gates that once formed part of the city walls still standing. This gives the city a huge amount of personality which is further defined by the city’s rich traditions - the Fallas in Valencia during the month of March turn the city upside down, with a carnivalesque celebration of color and pageantry that culminates in raucous partying through the month. The city’s abundant and colorful markets as well as its artistic neighborhoods, such as Ruzafa, ensure that your time in Valencia will always be filled with something to do or see. And of course, Valencia’s famous Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències provides unmissable architectural and cultural experiences to all visitors.
Another hugely attractive aspect of remote worker life in Valencia is certainly the access to the beach and wonderful natural attractions nearby. In many ways a traditional coastal city, Valencia offers countless seaside escapes. The Malvarrosa beach, located right in the city, is spacious and well-organized, with a long promenade offering delicious local cuisine. Just south of the city, El Saler beach offers sandy shores and a quiet, relaxing escape from the city. For mountain-lovers, the La Calderona mountain range is located just 60Km north of Valencia and has excellent hiking and climbing opportunities for adventure-seekers.
Certainly, Valencia’s attractions are numerous. Yet perhaps it is the international sense of community that has developed here among locals, expats and remote workers which makes life here so pleasant. With so many coworking spaces and cultural spaces, the city feels truly global. Valencia is also easily connected to the rest of Spain and Europe, making it an excellent base for those looking to explore the entire region further!
For more information about living in Valencia as a remote worker, check out our complete Valencia guide.