This old fishing district is now the place to be in Valencia, with endless activities, dining options and cultural attractions.
We’re not the only ones saying so. Its low-rise layout and architecture have earned it the status of a Site of Cultural Interest, confirming that it is one of the city’s most valuable historic districts.
El Cabanyal - technically, Cabanyal-Canyamelar, although from now on we’ll just call it “El Cabanyal” - is pure art whichever way you look at it!
What can you do whilst visiting Cabanyal?
Shall we dive right in and tell you about all the attractions of the neighbourhood? Without further ado,
it’s time to go for a stroll, soak up the history, enjoy a delicious meal and start making plans upon plans.
Explore the neighbourhood on foot
Everything here retains its original charm, from its typical houses in the popular Modernist style, with their brightly coloured, tiled façades, to its small shops and taverns.
As you walk through the neighbourhood, you’ll have to get your camera out at least in the streets of Sant Pere, La Reina and Escalante.
And of course, the Cabanyal is home to the city’s greatest historical fishing heritage.
So, a great way to start your visit is to find out where the fishing boats, traditional sailing boats, nets and fishing gear used to be kept, get a close-up look at what the boat-building workshops were like, and explore the old fish market.
Take a stroll along the “Camins de la Pesca” (Fishing Trails), a walking tour that explores the history of many of the area’s buildings.
El Cabanyal is full of cultural activities
Recently, El Cabanyal has become a vibrant hub for all kinds of artists, particularly those specialising in contemporary and street art, giving the area an underground vibe.
One of the driving forces behind this change are the multidisciplinary spaces such as the Fábrica de Hielo, where you can enjoy concerts and events, and the Teatre El Musical (TEM), which offers a cutting-edge programme focusing on the performing arts, circus, dance and music.
These coexist in perfect harmony with museums of popular culture such as the Museo de la Semana Santa Marinera, the Museo del Arroz or the Casa Museo Blasco Ibáñez.
And El Cabanyal is such an active neighbourhood that it even has its own festival: the Cabanyal Íntim.
It’s an experience where homes open their doors to become venues for intimate theatre performances, allowing you to get to know the neighbourhood from the inside – literally!
El Cabanyal has the beach in the background
Best of all, this neighbourhood is a stone’s throw from the sea.
Just a few steps away you have the Playa de El Cabanyal, where the painter Joaquín Sorolla was so often inspired to capture the essence of the Mediterranean in his paintings.
Right next to it you will find Malvarrosa, the most recommended beach for any water sport you can think of.
In addition, there are always groups organising volleyball games or activities on the sand - it’s impossible to get bored here!
Where to have lunch or dinner in El Cabanyal
If this neighbourhood is famous for one thing, it is for its incredible range of restaurants.
Here you will be able to have all the meals of the day and discover the true flavour of the Mediterranean.
For esmorzar
If your first taste of the neighbourhood has already whetted your appetite, you must try the Valencian-style lunch.
L’esmorzaret is, without a doubt, one of the most deeply-rooted traditions in Valencia and in El Cabanyal you have authentic temples to enjoy it, such as La Aldeana, Casa Guillermo, La Pascuala or Lapaca.
If tapas is more your thing, don’t miss the chance to pop into Casa Montaña, “the home of fine wine and fine food”, as the sign says.
This restaurant dates back to 1836 and boasts one of the best wine cellars in the city. It serves clóchinas, michirones, a titaina pepito and some delicious fried anchovies.
If, as well as sampling the best of the Larder of the Mediterranean, you want to know where the ingredients come from, pop along and pick up some fresh produce at the Cabanyal Market, which has a great selection.
Lunch or dinner with a sea view
If you want to enjoy the sea breeze, choose the Veles e Vents building.
A particular highlight here is La Marítima, a restaurant inspired by the traditional landscape of the Valencian orchards, featuring large windows through which you can watch sailing boats, fishing boats and all the nautical activity come in.
In the penthouse of the same building you will find La Sucursal, a restaurant with two Repsol Suns where you can enjoy a haute cuisine experience and equally impressive views.
More options near the sea?
Go to Casa Carmela, a restaurant with 100 years of history where the rice is still cooked with orange tree wood; to pair sweet rice dishes with fresh fish at Bodega Albacora or to try the most innovative proposals at La Mar by Portolito and Sabbia.
More restaurants in El Cabanyal
If you’re a fan of rice and fideuá, El Cabanyal has places like Casa Isabel, La Alegría de la Huerta, Coso del Mar or Vlue Arribar, where you can try these seafood recipes made in the traditional way.
And if you’re in the mood for signature cuisine, in the neighbourhood you’ll also find restaurants like Bodega Anyora, which has been awarded a Sol Repsol; La Sastrería, the favourite place for lovers of good food and design, or the creative touch of Cocleque.
Impressed with all that El Cabanyal has to offer?
That’s right, in a single day in the neighbourhood of El Cabanyal you can soak up the history and experiences of Valencia’s fishermen, go to the beach, enjoy a gastronomic feast by the sea and even finish off the day with an evening of drinks in La Marina.
Come on, you’ve got the plan made from start to finish without leaving El Cabanyal!
