Hola! Welcome to Port Saplaya, a colorful coastal town locals affectionately call Little Venice. This gem will charm you with its picturesque canals, pastel-hued houses, tranquil beaches, and laid-back vibe. Whether you’re after a peaceful seaside escape, a scenic stroll, or a cozy spot to sip coffee by the water, Port Saplaya offers this perfect mix just a stone’s throw from Valencia’s city center! And the best part? You can enjoy it all without the usual big tourist crowds! Vamos, let us show you what makes Port Saplaya so special and great things to do while you’re there!
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Port Saplaya, Spain FAQ
Port Saplaya is a tiny coastal town located in the Province of Valencia on the Mediterranean coast known as Costa de Valencia. It’s located only about 10 kilometres from Valencia (about 15 minutes by car), making it a great day trip destination too.
Definitely! Port Saplaya offers a refreshing change of pace from Valencia’s bustling beaches and streets. It combines seaside relaxation with Instagram-worthy scenery – think rainbow-hued homes, calm canal waters, or yachts bobbing in private docks. Port Saplaya is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a charming, less touristy escape with a local feel.
Port Saplaya is best known for its colorful canal-side houses, tranquil sandy beach, and unique residential marina layout that earned the nickname Little Venice.
Port Saplaya is compact and easy to explore in one day, making it perfect for a short visit or a day trip from Valencia. In just a few hours, you can stroll along the canals, unwind at the beach, and enjoy a meal by the water. However, if you’re craving a peaceful break from city life or laid-back beach holidays, staying a few nights will be an amazing idea.
Explore Port Saplaya, Valencia’s Little Venice
First, let’s quickly recap what makes Port Saplaya special. This small Spanish coastal town, located just north of Valencia, was built around a marina, with winding canals flowing between colorful buildings, earning it the nickname Little Venice.
While Port Saplaya is mostly residential, it still offers a welcoming, holiday atmosphere. It’s loved by locals and visitors alike for its relaxed vibe, beach access, and picturesque scenery.
It’s a compact area, so you won’t find a long list of things to do in Port Saplaya. But what it does offer is peaceful, pretty, and worth exploring. Let’s take a closer look at what you can do here.
Explore colorful streets
Since the colorful buildings around the canals are the main draw of Port Saplaya, let’s start exploring with a leisurely walk. Wander through the scenic promenade and winding pedestrian streets lined with boats, colorful façades, and unique architecture. Don’t forget to explore both sides of the marina, each revealing a different angle of this colorful gem. And of course, have your camera ready – this town is full of Insta-worthy photo spots!
Along the way, you’ll come across cozy cafés, small boutiques, and charming restaurants. Find your perfect spot and stop for a moment for a refreshing drink, delicious ice cream, or a taste of local Valencian flavors like paella, fresh seafood, or horchata.
How do you get around Port Saplaya? It’s a small and walkable area, perfect for exploring on foot. But if you’re up for something more active, rent a bike. And for a bit more adventure and unique views of Port Saplaya, try paddleboarding or kayaking (available to rent locally).
Relax on Port Saplaya beach
In Port Saplaya, you’ll find a wide, golden-sand beach with calm Mediterranean waters. It’s divided by the harbour entrance into two parts, Norte and Sur. And it’s definitely less crowded than Valencia’s beaches!
Port Saplaya beaches are well-equipped with amenities like lifeguards, sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, showers, toilets, and changing rooms. Plus, you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants nearby for a bite or a refreshing drink.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, swim in the sea, or try water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking, you’ll find it on Port Saplaya’s beach. Oh, and apparently the beach is known for beautiful sunsets! We haven’t experienced it personally, but if you get the chance, stay and see for yourself.
Visit nearby attractions
If you decide to stay longer in Port Saplaya, you might be interested in what nearby places and attractions are waiting for you. And the town’s location makes it a great base for short trips! Whether you’re into nature, culture, or food, there’s plenty to explore just a short distance away.
Head to Valencia to discover its charming old town and the striking City of Arts and Sciences. Just south of the city, you can visit the serene Albufera Natural Park, famous for its freshwater lagoon, diverse birdlife, pristine beaches, and for being the birthplace of… paella!
For a deeper dive into local history, take a day trip to Xativa, a beautiful inland town crowned by a magnificent hilltop castle with panoramic views. You can also explore the lesser-known town of Cullera, where you’ll find wide sandy beaches, a castle overlooking the sea, and a laid-back, authentic local vibe.
How to get to Port Saplaya?
Port Saplaya is located about 10km from Valencia, 20km from Sagunto, and 50km from Cullera. The most convenient way to get to Port Saplaya is by car which you can rent at Valencia airport or in the city center.
Where to park in Port Saplaya?
Unfortunately, there aren’t many options to choose from. Your best option is to find a free spot along Avenida l’Hort or at Alcampo parking. But be aware that places disappear quickly so the earliest you arrive, the better chance to find a good spot.
Airports near Port Saplaya
The closest airport to Port Saplaya is located in Valencia, only 15 kilometres away. First, you’ll need to catch a bus/train to the city centre and then catch a bus. You can check connections that might interest you on the rome2rio.com website.
To Port Saplaya by public transport
The fastest way of getting to Port Saplaya by public transport is by bus from Valencia (and probably the only one). Take the bus number 31 from Plaza de la Reina in Valencia city center, which will drop you off at the entrance of the village.
If you love cycling, then you could also bike your way down to Port Saplaya. There is a cycle path along the coast that runs from Patacona Beach all the way up to El Puig, passing through Alboraya and Port Saplaya on its route. You won’t have any problems with finding bike rentals in Valencia.
To Port Saplaya with a guided tour
You can also choose to get to Port Saplaya with a guided tour, like this Boat Tour with Free Drink & Swimming from Valencia. If you’re a more active person, this Bike Private Tour from Valencia might be perfect for you!
Camping Port Saplaya
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Nomadic Valencia Camping Car or Camping Sandaya might interest you. They are located close to Port Saplaya.
Port Saplaya, Valencia – Summing up
Whether you’re staying in Valencia and visiting just for a day or road-tripping along Spain’s east coast, Port Saplaya deserves a spot on your bucket list. It’s a charming, easygoing destination with colorful canals, peaceful beaches, postcard-perfect views, great food, and a relaxed seaside vibe. It’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the moment. We hope you’ll enjoy your time in Port Saplaya, a colorful little corner of the Valencian coast.
Our opinion about Port Saplaya
For us, a visit to Port Saplaya was a half-day trip from nearby Cullera, where we stayed for a few weeks. We visited it in early March, and during that time, it was peaceful, with just a handful of other tourists around. Exploring everything we wanted took less than 3 hours.
Overall, we liked this small coastal gem. Honestly, we think it’s a better version of Port Grimaud in France! Strolling around the colorful houses and canals was a pure pleasure and a photographer’s dream – every corner was worth a shot! We also have to admit that the beach looked very appealing – long, wide, sandy, with calm waters… We’d love spending some time there during warmer months!
Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Port Saplaya?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Port Saplaya:
Where to sleep in Port Saplaya?
Sea You Apartamentos
Sea You Apartamentos offers spacious, fully equipped apartments in the picturesque Port Saplaya. Each unit features a kitchen, air conditioning, and a private terrace or balcony - many with sea views—alongside access to a seasonal outdoor pool and nearby beaches. With its tranquil setting, proximity to Valencia, and pet-friendly policy, it’s an ideal choice for families and travelers seeking a relaxed seaside stay.
Mirant el Mar
Mirant el Mar is a spacious, beachfront apartment in Port Saplaya, offering direct sea views and a relaxed Mediterranean setting. It features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a large terrace overlooking the sea. Guests can enjoy a seasonal outdoor pool, access to a public bath, and proximity to local restaurants and markets, making it ideal for families or groups seeking a coastal getaway near Valencia.
