When you think of Valencia, the city is probably the first thing that springs to mind. But if you look beyond that, you’ll soon discover just how diverse this region is. There are so many other beautiful places to explore, often far less touristy yet still easily accessible. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to one of those places: Cullera.
Cullera is a coastal town on the Costa de Valencia, about 40 kilometres south of Valencia city. It boasts wide sandy beaches, a long promenade and a historic centre, with Cullera Castle towering above it all. It’s the perfect spot for a day by the sea, but also well worth considering if you’re thinking about a longer stay or a second home near Valencia.
What’s Cullera like as a place?
Cullera has many different sides to it. On the beach, you’ll find apartments, terraces and the promenade. In the old town, the focus is more on everyday life, with shops, the municipal market and narrow streets at the foot of the castle hill. Beyond that lie rice fields, the River Júcar and the waters of l’Estany.
In summer, Cullera is a lively seaside resort. So don’t expect a hidden gem where you’ll have the beach to yourself. It is precisely this mix of Spanish holidaymakers, locals and visitors that gives the town its atmosphere.
Outside the high season, things quieten down. Cullera remains a residential town, but the level of activity varies from neighbourhood to neighbourhood. It’s worth bearing this in mind if you’re thinking of spending the winter here or settling here permanently.
Location and accessibility
Cullera is situated south of Valencia city, on the Mediterranean coast and at the mouth of the River Júcar. Further south, you’ll be heading towards Gandía and the Costa Blanca.
You can reach Cullera by car or by public transport:
- By car: there are various routes from Valencia, either via the main roads or along the coast. Journey time depends on your starting point, your destination in Cullera and traffic conditions.
- By train: Cullera is on the Cercanías C1 line between Valencia and Gandía. Check the current timetable on the Renfe website before you set off.
- From the airport: from Valencia Airport, take public transport via Valencia and then change to the train to Cullera. By car, it takes about 45 minutes.
Good to know: the train station is situated about two kilometres outside the town centre and not directly on the beach. For the final leg of the journey, you can take the local bus or a taxi. Bear this in mind when comparing journey times.
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What beaches are there in Cullera?
For many visitors, the beaches are their first taste of Cullera. Yet not every stretch of coastline looks the same. Are you looking for a promenade with outdoor cafés, a beach by the lighthouse, or perhaps a more natural setting?
San Antonio is Cullera’s famous town beach. Here, you can easily combine a day by the sea with a stroll along the promenade or a bite to eat on a terrace. It’s a natural place to start if you’re visiting Cullera for the first time and like to have amenities nearby.
At Playa del Dosel, the coastline takes on a more natural character, with dunes and a landscape that differs from that of the town’s beaches. It’s a lovely change of scene if you want to see a different side of Cullera as well as the promenade.
The coastal landscape changes around the Faro de Cullera. Here, you can combine a visit to the beach with a walk along the rocky coastline, taking in the sea views.
💡Our tip: visit several beaches during your first visit. The area you find pleasant for an afternoon’s swim isn’t necessarily the place where you’ll want to stay for a longer period.
What is there to do in Cullera?
Walk to Cullera Castle, visit the local market, or take a boat trip on the river. Cullera is certainly not a seaside resort where going to the beach is the only option – although it is, of course, a nice bonus that this is also possible.
Here is an overview of some things to do in Cullera:
- Visit Castillo de Cullera and Santuario de la Virgen del Castillo (located next to each other)
A beautiful walking route, if desired you can opt for a challenging climb, but you can also go there by car or by train. Bonus: from here you have a beautiful view of the city and the sea. - Take a boat trip on the Júcar river
During this trip, you will sail to the ‘Azud de la Marquesa’ and then back towards the fish market and the marina. - Visit the Rice Museum (Museo del Arroz)
Cullera is located near Albufera, Valencia’s rice-growing region and therefore important for Valencian paella. Here you will not only learn about the history and rice culture in Valencia, but also enjoy the view over the rice fields. - Shopping and coffee at the Mercado Municipal
Covered market hall for daily shopping or to stroll around in search of local products. It is also a place where you can enjoy coffee, breakfast or a light lunch at one of the cafés. - Cool off at the Aquopolis water park
A welcome attraction in the Spanish summer! In addition to cooling off in the sea, you can also choose this water park with various slides and swimming pools in Cullera. Beautifully situated among the hills of Cullera. - Walking in the botanical garden
For plant lovers, but also for a quiet walk among the greenery, this garden full of tropical and native plants is worth a visit. - Visit to Cueva – Museo del Pirata Dragut
A historic cave converted into a themed museum dedicated to the Turkish pirate Dragut, who attacked and plundered the city in 1550. Nice to combine with a visit to the lighthouse. - Walking along the Faro de Cullera
This lighthouse has been in existence since 1858 and is still in use. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public, but the surrounding area is freely accessible, with walking trails along the rocky coast and various beaches.
And then, of course, there are all the beaches, the long boulevard and the historic centre of Cullera where you can enjoy yourself. Not to mention that there is also a train station with a direct connection to Gandia and Valencia city. All this makes Cullera a very suitable place to live or stay for a longer period of time.
Food and drink in Cullera
This is Spain, so let’s talk about the most important part: food and drink! You will want for nothing in Cullera, from traditional paella to seafood, but also other cuisines such as Italian, it’s all here.
Below, we have listed some of the best restaurants and cafés in Cullera for you, all of them loved by locals and visitors alike.
Tapas, lunch, dinner
- Terra
Modern cuisine with fresh, local ingredients, in the centre of Cullera. The atmosphere is understated and stylish. Excellent wine list! - La Turquesita & Turquesa Beach
For tapas, burgers and cocktails, on the beach. Popular with locals and tourists alike, both during the day and in the evening. - La Piccola Trattoria
Pizza and pasta with a sea view! Cosy Italian restaurant on the boulevard of Cullera. - El Rincón del Faro
As the name suggests, this restaurant is located near the “faro”, the lighthouse of Cullera. It is a seafood restaurant with a view of the coast. - La Perla Negra
Cosy beach bar with a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for lunch or a drink after the beach. - Bariloche Beach
Simple beach bar with a large terrace. Mediterranean cuisine and generous portions! - Bar Pescadores
Seafood restaurant in the centre, next to the river. Simple, but fresh and good prices. - Casa Salvador
A well-established name for rice dishes. The restaurant is situated at l’Estany de Cullera, just outside the town centre. A great option if you fancy a leisurely lunch and want to explore the surrounding area too.
Breakfast and sweet treats
- La Crème El Mercat
A popular coffee spot near the covered market. Croissants, tostadas and café con leche among the locals. - Velvet Cake Shop & Coffee
Cake! From red velvet to carrot cake, everything is homemade. - Heladería Philippe
Very special homemade ice cream, natural ingredients. - Heladería Los Jijonencos Florazar
Scoop ice cream with a wide choice of flavours, with terrace.
In short, Cullera is a place with culture, history, attractions and, of course, delicious food and drink. Add to that the sun, sea, sandy beaches and easy accessibility, and you have the ideal Spanish seaside resort.
Living or spending the winter in Cullera
Cullera might be worth considering if you enjoy staying by the sea and want to be within easy reach of Valencia. For a longer stay, however, you’ll need to look at more than just what’s on offer on a day at the beach.
The neighbourhood and the building itself are just as important as the distance to the sea. Do you want to be able to do your shopping on foot? Are you looking for a lively area, or would you prefer something more peaceful? And how often do you expect to take the train to Valencia?
When exploring the area, pay attention to the following, for example:
- Amenities outside the summer season: which shops and restaurants are open during the months you plan to be there?
- Location: can you do your daily shopping on foot, and how do you get to the station?
- Accessibility: are there any changes in level, steps or steep streets on your daily route?
- Comfort in winter: check the sun exposure, insulation and heating options for the property.
- Busy periods in summer: how do you find the traffic, parking and noise levels around the property?
Ideally, do come and have a look outside the peak season as well. That way, you’ll discover whether Cullera suits the life you envisage for yourself in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cullera
Is Cullera a tourist destination?
Yes, Cullera is a Spanish seaside resort that attracts many holidaymakers in the summer, including a large number of Spaniards. As a result, the atmosphere remains typically Spanish. Cullera also has a historic centre and a daily life that goes beyond tourism. How busy or quiet it feels depends on the neighbourhood and the season.
Can you travel by train from Valencia to Cullera?
Does Cullera have sandy beaches?
Yes, Cullera has several sandy beaches. San Antonio and Racó are situated near the promenade and amenities. Dosel has a more natural feel, with dunes.
Is Cullera a good place to spend the winter?
Would you like to know which neighbourhood suits your plans, or are you torn between Cullera and another coastal town near Valencia? Please feel free to get in touch. We’d be happy to help you find a place that suits the kind of lifestyle you’re looking for in Spain.
