Every neighborhood has its own story. Many of the neighborhoods used to be villages and were later added to the city, including the El Cabanyal neighborhood on the beach. To understand something about the district, it is good to know a bit of history. The historic center of Valencia is not located by the sea, but six kilometers from the sea.

Valencia has become a city by the sea since 1897. This was the year that El Cabanyal lost its independence and became part of the city of Valencia. At that time there was little construction between the city and El Cabanyal. In 1862, the first tram connection from Valencia to the sea came and in 1893 the wide connecting road Avenida Blasco Ibañez was built.

What makes the El Cabanyal neighborhood so special?

   

In the past there have been many plans for the El Cabanyal neighborhood and the connection of the city with the beach. Every ruling party has its own ideas about this, such as: plan PEPRI (Plan Especial de Protección y de Reforma Interior de El Cabanyal – Canyamelar) was a controversial plan of the PP (Partido Popular). With this plan, 1,651 homes, including many historic buildings, would disappear to extend Avenida Blasco Ibañez to the sea. This plan was opposed for years by the residents, monument care and Europe, and it was eventually canceled by the new municipal council.

At the beginning of this year, the city council approved the PEC plan (Plan Especial del Cabanyal), whereby no homes will disappear, but 1,900 additional homes will be added, including a large residential tower. There will also be more cycle paths, a walking area and there will be 47% more greenery in the district, divided over three green zones.

Great places in El Cabanyal

The district has been popular with investors for several years, which means that prices have risen sharply in the district in recent years. Many nice tapas bars, boutique hotels, a hip market and a factory hall converted for small concerts have also been added. These are some nice addresses in Cabanyal:

Mercabanyal is a food market with nine stands where you can buy tasty snacks and drinks. You can find a spot in the courtyard to enjoy a lazy Sunday afternoon with friends. Also, a nice place to go after a day at the beach. 

At the Fabrica de Hielo there is almost always a live performance by local musicians. The old ice factory is now a cool meeting place for young Valencians and tourists. The furniture is diverse and comes from the thrift store.

Casa Montaña is a household name in Cabanyal, in Valencia and is also regularly listed in Spanish lists as one of the best tapas bars. The bodega has a bar area with wine barrels on the wall and if you pass under the bar, you enter the restaurant.

Bodega Anyora is an authentic Spanish tapas bar with a new look. The dishes are traditional recipes with seasonal products from the region. For example, order the: boquerones fritos (fried fish), ecological bimi with hazelnuts or the potato tortilla with cod.

Lindala is a small very affordable boutique hotel. The rooms are simple, but very neat. A big plus is that the hotel has a good restaurant with a beautiful courtyard, where you can go all day.

If you prefer to sleep in an apartment, Barracart Apartments is an excellent choice to stay in Cabanyal. The 2-person apartments are in a typical village house, and they are modern and luxuriously furnished.

Semana Santa Marinera

The Cabanyal district is known for the Easter processions during Semana Santa. The different Hermanidades (brotherhoods) wear colorful costumes. Some of them have covered their faces with pointed hats as penance in the days leading up to Easter. The parishes have several Hermanidades, all of which also carry an altarpiece. On Easter Sunday the tour is cheerful with rousing music and flowers. Check out the official website with more information about Semana Santa Marinera.

There is much more to discover about Cabanyal. Match Better Valencia is happy to help you discover this neighborhood and the possibilities to buy or do business here.