El Cabañal: the fishing district of Valencia

El Cabañal is a neighborhood in the city of Valencia that stands out for its architectural value, with many representations of its past as a fishing village. This area offers an authentic traditional experience where life moves at a different pace. In recent years, the neighborhood has been renovated and has gained popularity, with many plans and places worth walking through. From Sea You Apartamentos Port Saplaya, we bring you the perfect route through the El Cabañal neighborhood, a must-see on your visit to Valencia.

If you are staying at Sea You Hotel, right at the door are the Atarazanas (Shipyards), the first stop on the route through El Cabañal. The old shipyards, dating back to the 14th century, are a symbol of the maritime history of Valencia. It currently hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. Its Gothic structure and stone walls stand out to any guest of our hotel.

Next, we recommend taking a walk through the streets of El Cabañal, which maintain the fishing spirit and are characterized by their colorful houses with modernist tiles. Many of these facades are protected for their high value as an example of the modernist and traditional Valencian style. Some recommended streets are Calle Rosario or Calle Escalante.

Make a stop during your walk through the neighborhood at the El Cabañal Market, where you can immerse yourself in the daily life of the neighborhood while enjoying fresh, local products or an authentic Valencian esmorzar (mid-morning snack).

The neighborhood has other buildings like the Fishermen's Guild Hall (Lonja de Pescadores), which is of historical relevance to the society of El Cabañal. Built in 1904 for the neighborhood's boat masters' association, it is a modernist-style building that was even an inspiration for Sorolla in many of his works and was also used as a hospital, housing for fishermen, a prison, etc. Currently, it cannot be visited as some of its parts are private residences, but be sure to take a look at the exterior during your walk through El Cabañal.

If you take the route back to the hotel along the Promenade, at the end you will find the Veles e Vents building. This is the modern icon of La Marina de Valencia. Designed by David Chipperfield and Fermín Vázquez, this building is a masterpiece of contemporary architecture located in the heart of the port of Valencia. Built for the 32nd edition of the America's Cup, this building symbolizes the connection between the sea and the city.

Take the opportunity to visit the Port Sheds (Tinglados del Puerto). These modernist sheds are an example of early 20th-century industrial architecture and an excellent place to walk and take photos, as they are decorated with brightly colored ceramics.

The last point on this tour is the Clock Building (Edificio del Reloj). Known as the "modernist jewel of the port," this 20th-century building was originally the office of the Port Works Board and today is a symbol of the port of Valencia and modernism. Its clock, visible from afar, is a perfect landmark for those strolling through the area.

In this neighborhood, we can find a wide gastronomic offer, especially boosted in recent years. Places like Mercabañal (an open-air gastronomic market with different food stalls) or Mercader offer varied culinary experiences in renovated and cozy spaces that maintain the spirit of the neighborhood. You can also find more traditional options like Casa Montaña or La Pascuala.

If you visit Valencia in the summer, you can also enjoy other plans like summer cinema at La Marina, boat trips, or surfing lessons. However, since Valencia has many sunny days a year, you can enjoy a bike ride through the neighborhood or a stroll along Las Arenas Beach at any time of the year.