Valencia Marathon 2026 Accommodation: where to sleep by the sea

On Sunday, December 6, 2026, Valencia celebrates the 46th edition of the Valencia Trinidad Alfonso Zurich Marathon, a 42.195-kilometer race that brings together runners from many countries every year. According to the city's official tourism agenda, the start is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. and the finish line is located at the City of Arts and Sciences.

If you already have your bib, or if you are going to accompany someone who does, now it's time for the practical part: accommodation for the Valencia Marathon 2026. And the sooner you decide, the more relaxed your weekend will be. In this article, we tell you what to consider when choosing where to sleep and why Port Saplaya, by the sea, can be a good alternative to combine the marathon and a vacation.

What to keep in mind when choosing where to stay for the Valencia Marathon

Every trip is different, but these questions will help you decide:

How many are you? If you are traveling with a partner, family, or friends, an apartment with a kitchen and living area gives you more flexibility than a room: you can organize yourselves at your own pace, prepare the breakfast you like, and have a common space to rest.

What kind of atmosphere are you looking for the night before? Some people prefer to be in the heart of the city and others want a quieter environment. To arrive at Sunday calmly, many runners value sleeping in a quiet place.

How will you get around? Valencia offers metro, bus, and train. Before booking, think about how you will make the journey on the day of the race and always check the official event guidelines. For example, the organization recommends in its practical information reaching the City of Arts and Sciences area by metro (L10) or various bus lines, but the details of special mobility for that day should be checked on the official website.

When should you book? The marathon weekend attracts a lot of demand. If you still don't have accommodation, it is a good time to check availability.

If you are traveling by train, a useful piece of information: Renfe is the official marathon train and offers discounts to runners and their companions on AVE and Long Distance tickets to Valencia for trips between December 1 and 13. The conditions and how to obtain it can be checked on the race's official website.

Port Saplaya: a stay by the sea near Valencia

Port Saplaya is a coastal residential area in the Valencia region, known for its seafaring atmosphere, its streets by the canals, and its proximity to the beach. It is a different option to staying in the city center: here, the landscape is defined by the Mediterranean.

Those looking for apartments in Valencia near the beach will find in this area a way to experience the marathon weekend at a different pace: walking by the sea before or after the race, having breakfast calmly, and returning to accommodation where you can disconnect. It is also an interesting alternative for those who want to take advantage of the trip for a few more days of rest on the coast. If you are considering accommodation in Port Saplaya, also think about travel: since it is outside the center, it is advisable to plan your route in advance.

Sea You Apartamentos Port Saplaya are tourist apartments located on the beachfront in Port Saplaya. A good option if you are looking for holiday apartments in Valencia with a coastal vibe, both for runners and their companions.

How to organize travel between your accommodation and the event

Here is our most important advice: do not take anything for granted and consult official sources. For the day of the race, check the Valencia Marathon website for:

• The updated start time and the start and finish area.
• The route and possible traffic restrictions.
• The official public transport recommendations for that Sunday.
• Where and when to pick up your bib (the organization handles this at the Expo 42K, at Feria Valencia, and it is not handed out on the day of the race; confirm the days and times for this edition on their website).

With that information, calculate the travel time from your accommodation with a buffer. The ideal thing is to have your transport plan settled the day before, so you don't have to improvise first thing on Sunday morning.

Ideas for companions and enjoying Valencia in December

The marathon is not just for the runners. The organization defines it as a plan for those who participate and those who don't: you can cheer on at any point along the route or experience the finish line at the City of Arts and Sciences.

If you are accompanying a runner, here are some relaxing ideas:

• Walk along the coast. A walk by the sea on a clear December day is a simple and pleasant plan.
• Get lost in the historic center. The Cathedral, the Lonja, or the central market are classic city visits.
• Enjoy Valencian gastronomy. A paella or an horchata with fartons are a good way to celebrate the day after.
• Spend some time in the seaside neighborhood. The restaurants and terraces in the beach area invite you to linger over your after-dinner conversation.

Valencia in December has a slower pace than in summer, ideal for exploring without rushing. If you can extend your stay by a day or two, the trip is even better: first the race and then, rest.

Check availability at Sea You Apartamentos Port Saplaya

If you feel like experiencing the marathon weekend by the sea, we invite you to see the options at Sea You Apartamentos Port Saplaya and check availability for your dates directly on our official website. The sooner you look, the easier it will be to find the accommodation that fits your trip.

Check availability at portsaplaya.com

Frequently asked questions

When is the Valencia Marathon 2026? Sunday, December 6, 2026. The schedules and details of the day are confirmed on the event's official website.

Where to stay for the Valencia Marathon? It depends on your trip: some runners prefer to be near the center and others choose a quieter area by the sea, such as Port Saplaya. The important thing is to book in advance and plan your Sunday travel with official information.

Is it possible to stay in Port Saplaya and get to the marathon? Yes, it is an option for those who prefer to stay by the beach. As it is outside the urban center, it is advisable to check the official transport routes and schedules for the day of the race in advance.

Where do I pick up my bib? At the Expo 42K, at Feria Valencia. The 2026 dates and times must be confirmed on the official website; the organization indicates that bibs are not handed out on the day of the race.

What can companions do during the marathon? They can cheer on along the route or wait for the finish at the City of Arts and Sciences, as well as take advantage of the day to walk around the city or the coast.