Valencia

Valencia is considered Spain's relaxed answer to Madrid and Barcelona. Beach, culture and a young, growing queer scene come together here, without the city relying on the big appearance. If you prefer it authentic and unagitated, you've come to the right place. Manageable, cheap and easy to access for German travelers.

Trendy district

The heart of the queer scene beats in Ruzafa, a former working-class district south of the train station. Queer cafés, small shops, rooftop bars and bars with drag shows are lined up here. During the day, the district invites you to stroll, in the evening the terraces and bars fill up quickly. Because many things are within walking distance, an evening can be easily planned on foot.

Nightlife

In Valencia, the nightlife starts relaxed and drags on into the morning. A good place to start is the disco bar The Muse, before moving on to Deseo 54, which runs deep into the night. In Piccadilly, drag queens, students and disco fans mingle on a dance floor, while the latex appeals more to an electro audience. The Bubu bear club rounds off the offer. The scene is certainly smaller than in the big Spanish metropolises, but more personal.

Beaches

Valencia's gay beach is the Platja de l'Arbre del Gos, about eight kilometers south of the center between Pinedo and El Saler. Behind the dunes is its own queer section, the rest is a clean Blue Flag beach. The journey by bus or bike is uncomplicated, and the wide sandy beach offers enough space even in the high season. If you like it livelier, stay closer to the harbour beach Las Arenas with its beach bars and restaurants.

Best time to visit

Valencia is at its most pleasant from May to September, when beach days and sightseeing can be combined well. In midsummer it gets hot, but the sea breeze keeps it bearable. Firmly on the calendar is the Valencia Pride on the last weekend in June, organized by the Colectiu Lambda and one of the most popular in the country. If you want to avoid the heat and high season a bit, it is best to go in spring or early autumn.

Arrival

Valencia Airport is only about eight kilometres west of the city, directly connected to several German airports. From the terminal, the metro takes you to the centre in just over twenty minutes. With the AVE high-speed train from Madrid, you can get there in less than two hours. On site, most sights and trendy places can be reached on foot, by bike or by metro.

Attractions

During the day, the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences by architect Santiago Calatrava with its Ozeaneum, planetarium and science museum is worth a visit. In the old town, the cathedral and the magnificent Central Market, one of the largest fresh food markets in Europe, await. The green Turia Park runs right through the city in the former riverbed, which stretches from the old town to the modern quarter and is good for walking or cycling.

Safety & LGBT Rights

As far as queer people's rights are concerned, Spain is one of the most progressive countries in the world. Same-sex marriage and adoption have been possible for years, discrimination is prohibited by law. Valencia is considered open and safe, holding hands in public is no problem in the center and in Ruzafa. As everywhere, the usual attention is recommended at night in less busy corners.