Living and Teaching English in Valencia

Sea-breeze cities, orange-grove valleys, futuristic skylines, and beach-to-tram weekends.

Valencia at a Glance

Valencia Overview

If you’re considering teaching English in Valencia, picture palm-lined plazas, a bike-friendly coastal city, and weekend hops to coves along the Costa Blanca. The region (around 5.3M people) clusters along the coast in Valencia, Alicante, and Castellón, where you’ll get a mix of Gothic old towns, space-age architecture, beach promenades, and small-city calm with storybook castles. The regional language “Valenciano” is spoken here, along with Castellano, and rents are typically more budget-friendly than Madrid or Barcelona.

Day to day, think café-con-leche mornings, busy markets like Mercado Central, and outdoor living most of the year. You’ll get around by bike, Metrovalencia or TRAM d’Alacant in town, and use AVE/iryo/OUIGO links for quick trips to Madrid, all under a broadly Mediterranean climate that turns more semi-arid as you head south toward Alicante.

Why People Love Valencia

“Although I’ve only visited Valencia briefly, it’s a city that made a real impression on me. I remember being completely in awe of its famous, futuristic aquarium, and it’s where I had my first true paella, right in the region where the dish was born. The beaches are incredible; despite the intense summer heat, they have such a unique energy. Valencia just feels like the perfect city to get lost in for a few days and find a little piece of yourself along the way.”

Harrison, RVF Founder

“Valencia has been my home for 4 years now! It has a laid-back coastal rhythm that instantly feels like home. I’ll never forget long bike rides through the Turia Gardens and lazy afternoons sharing paella by the beach. It’s the perfect balance between city and beach vibes. Don’t forget to try the agua de Valencia!”

Petter, RVF Team

“I loved food, people and access to some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever visited.”

Marcus C., RVF Participant

“How diverse the people and students were. I met so many amazing people from all over the world!”

Cara M., RVF Participant

“The small town community feel yet with many city amenities such as easy public transportation, metro system, train station and big parks. It was also very kid-friendly as I brought my family with me when I participated in the auxiliares program. Beach access was wonderful as was being close to the wonderful beach side towns on the way to Barcelona.”

Joyce B., RVF Participant

“What I loved most about Alicante was the strong sense of community paired with a relaxed Mediterranean way of life. People were genuinely warm and welcoming, and it was easy to form meaningful connections both professionally and socially. I especially appreciated the healthy work–life balance, the close proximity to the coast and natural spaces, and the emphasis on enjoying everyday moments: good food, time outdoors, and shared experiences with others. There is a reason I am still here 4 years later!”

Andrew S., RVF Participant

“I loved Valencia for the beautiful beaches, delicious zumo de naranja (orange juice), paella, and the Fallas festival.”

Isabel F., RVF Participant

Local Culture & Attractions

City of Arts & Sciences (CAC complex, Oceanogràfic)

Albufera Natural Park — rice paddies, boat rides, sunset views

Peñíscola Castle — Templar fortress & “Papa Luna” history.

La Lonja de la Seda & Mercado Central - UNESCO Site

Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete tower

Where to Live in Valencia

València — Ruzafa (Russafa): cafés, design shops, late-night tapas.
València — El Carmen: Gothic lanes, murals, lively plazas.
València — Benimaclet: student/bohemian mix, tram easy.
València — El Cabanyal: beach-adjacent, colorful facades, relaxed pace.
Alicante — Centro/Casco Antiguo: harbor walks, Santa Bárbara views.

Tip: Choose housing near a Metrovalencia or TRAM d’Alacant stop for painless commutes.

Quick Facts

Population: ~5.32M (2024); comparable to South Carolina (~5.48M, 2024).
Famous For: City of Arts & Sciences, paella & Albufera rice fields, Costa Blanca beaches, Valencia Fallas.
Travel: Two major airports — Alicante-Elche (ALC) ~18.4M passengers in 2024; València (VLC) ~10.8M in 2024. High-speed rail València ↔ Madrid typically ~1h50–1h55 on fastest trains.
Languages: Spanish & Valencian (co-official) across the region.

Cost Snapshot

Rent (room in shared flat): €250–€500 ($292-$583) typical in València/Alicante; lower in outer districts or smaller towns.
Groceries: ~€180–€250 ($210-$292)
Public transport (monthly): €35 ($41) for AB zones (standard). Temporary reductions Jul–Dec 2025 lower many titles (e.g., Monthly AB often €17.50 ($20.41) under the 50% cut). Student Jove variants exist.

Top 3 Can’t-Miss Experiences

City of Arts & Sciences (CAC)

Science museum, Oceanogràfic, and iconic architecture in the Turia gardens.

Tip: Buy a combo ticket if you want to do multiple sites, and plan extra time just to wander the pools and bridges for photos between entries

Albufera Natural Park

Boat the lagoon, try paella where the rice grows.

Tip: Aim for a late-afternoon boat ride so you can hit golden hour or sunset on the lagoon, then eat paella in nearby El Palmar.

Peñíscola Old Town & Castle

Walled peninsula town with sweeping sea views.

Tip Wear good shoes for the steep, cobbled streets and try to time your castle visit for earlier in the day, then stay for a sunset walk along the seafront.

🌊 beach-to-tram 🏛️ futurist-meets-Gothic 🌅 sunset-Albufera  🍊 orange-grove air 🚲 bike-easy commutes 🍤 paella-and-plazas

RVF Staff Picks

(top places staff suggests)

L’Oceanogràfic (Valencia): Europe’s largest aquarium, a journey through the world’s main marine ecosystems: Spectacular underwater tunnels with sharks, a massive dolphinarium, and unique exhibits featuring beluga whales and walruses. (link to the L’Oceanogràfic site.
- Tip: For an unforgettable meal, book a table at the Submarino Restaurant located in the center of the aquarium, where you can dine completely surrounded by a massive floor-to-ceiling fish tank.
Albufera Natural Park
Café de las Horas
Ruzafa neighborhood street art
Mercado Central de Valencia – the largest market with fresh produce in Europe.