Things To Do
in Benaguacil

Classic rice dishes cooked with local rice and seasonal ingredients; try in village restaurants or in nearby Valencia; lunchtime is the traditional time for paella.

Must-Try!

A noodle-based cousin of paella, often served with alioli; commonly found in the coastal restaurants and occasionally in inland restaurants that specialize in rice dishes.

Cold salads featuring roasted peppers, salted cod, olive oil and garlic — refreshing and typical of Valencian tapas menus.

Sweet and savoury flatbreads or pastries — buy from local bakeries for a morning treat.

Small weekly market or indoor market where locals buy fruit, vegetables, fish and meats; perfect for sampling seasonal oranges and local cheeses.

During evenings and weekends small bars serve tapas from the counter — try croquetas, fried squid and patatas bravas.

Use a handshake for formal introductions; friends and acquaintances commonly exchange two cheek kisses (starting on the right) or embrace. A friendly 'hola' and 'buenos días' go a long way.

Meals, especially lunch, are relaxed and social; restaurants often open late and dinner commonly starts after 9pm. Expect a slower pace and sociable mealtimes.

Be respectful during religious processions and fiestas—stand back for processions, photograph discreetly and follow any signage or instructions.

Both Spanish (Castilian) and Valencian (a variety of Catalan) are used locally. Using a few phrases in Spanish or greeting in Valencian if you know it is appreciated.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In bars and cafés rounding up the bill or leaving some small change is common; for sit-down meals a 5–10% tip for good service is fine. Taxi drivers and hotel porters generally expect small tips for help with luggage or exceptional service.

Cards (chip and contactless) are widely accepted in shops and restaurants, but small cafés, market stalls and rural businesses may prefer cash. ATMs are available in town; notify your bank if using cards internationally and carry some euros for small purchases.

Hot and dry with temperatures frequently above 30°C (86°F); mid-July and August are hottest. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, stay hydrated and use sun protection. Many locals head to the coast on weekends and some small businesses may have reduced hours during August 'siesta' season.

Milder temperatures and periodic rain make this a pleasant time for hiking, cycling and harvest-related events. Orange groves may be busy with harvesting in late autumn and the countryside looks lush after seasonal rains.

Generally mild winters with daytime temperatures often between 10–16°C (50–61°F), but cold snaps can bring cooler nights. Rain is more frequent; it’s a quiet season good for lower rates and avoiding crowds.

One of the best times to visit: comfortable temperatures, blooming wildflowers and outdoor festivals in the region. Excellent for photography, hiking and visiting markets bursting with fresh produce.

Series of routes through pine and Mediterranean scrub with viewpoints over the Valencia plain; options range from short walks to longer day hikes.

Flat riverside paths ideal for gentle walks, running and cycling with scenic stretches and pockets of natural habitat.

Wetland trails and boardwalks around the Albufera lagoon south of Valencia; great for birdwatching, sunset photography and flat, easy walks.

Network of small rural lanes and farm tracks around Benaguacil suitable for walking and short hikes among orange groves and vineyards.

Long-established residents, many involved in agriculture, small businesses and public services; Valencian language and traditions are common.

People who live in Benaguacil and commute to Valencia or nearby industrial areas for work.

Domestic and some international retirees who prefer a quieter life close to Valencia and the coast.

Small but growing group of internationals attracted to the region’s lifestyle, though larger expat communities are in Valencia city and coastal towns.

The most popular sport across Spain; local clubs and youth teams are active and many residents follow Valencia CF and Levante UD in the nearby city.

Padel has surged in popularity and many towns have courts and clubs; social matches are common year-round.

Road cycling and mountain biking are popular thanks to quiet country roads and hilly terrain nearby.

Valencian pilota is a regional traditional sport that can still be seen in cultural events and local courts in the Valencian Community.

Vegetarian options are widely available in tapas and salads; ask for 'sin carne/ sin pescado' and look for dishes with seasonal vegetables, eggs and cheeses. Informal eateries may have limited dedicated vegetarian mains but can adapt dishes.

Veganism is easier to manage in Valencia itself; in small towns, request dishes without dairy or use salads, grilled vegetables and legume-based tapas. Bringing a translation card explaining 'sin leche, sin huevo, sin pescado' can help.

Gluten-free bread and options are increasingly common in restaurants; always notify staff and look for naturally gluten-free dishes like rice-based paellas, grilled meats and salads.

Communicate allergies clearly in Spanish (e.g., 'Soy alérgico/a a los frutos secos') and confirm cross-contamination if necessary; most restaurants are used to dealing with food requests.