Discover Eastern Spain

From Coastal Beauty to Timeless Traditions

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team unless otherwise stated.

Welcome to Eastern Spain, where golden beaches meet vibrant cities, Moorish roots blend with modern flair, and every meal tastes like sunshine.

Stretching along the sparkling Mediterranean coast, the regions of Valencia, Alicante and Murcia offer a different side of Spain — one where life moves to the rhythm of the sea and every town has a story to tell. Dive into the futuristic architecture and old-world streets of Valencia, birthplace of paella and home to Spain’s most dazzling festivals. Discover Murcia’s Baroque beauty and culinary richness, or soak up the relaxed coastal charm of Alicante, where castles overlook palm-lined promenades and turquoise waters.

Whether you're arriving from North America or Oceania, Eastern Spain promises sun-soaked adventures, cultural depth, and Mediterranean warmth — all with fewer crowds and more local flavor.

It’s not just a destination. It’s a lifestyle.

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Spain Less Traveled Essentials

Spain Less Traveled Essentials: Eastern Spain

Where is Eastern Spain?

Image by VectorStock.

Eastern Spain stretches along the Mediterranean coast, encompassing the vibrant autonomous communities of the Valencian Community, and Murcia, as well as parts of Aragón and the Balearic Islands just off the coast. This region is defined by its stunning beaches, bustling port cities like Valencia and Alicante, and a rich mix of cultural influences that blend Valencian, and Moorish heritage. From the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida, Eastern Spain offers a diverse and dynamic landscape that’s easy to reach and full of surprises.

Why visit Eastern Spain?

The “palmeral” in Elche combines nature and history.

Eastern Spain offers a stunning mix of golden beaches, historic cities, and authentic cultural experiences. From the vibrant streets of Valencia and Alicante to the peaceful beauty of the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida, the region invites you to explore ancient castles, savor fresh Mediterranean cuisine, and enjoy lively festivals. With its warm climate, diverse landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere, Eastern Spain is the perfect destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure off the beaten path.

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“I must give a huge shout-out to Karen Rosenblum from Spain Less Traveled! I had never planned a trip this long before and it was a bit overwhelming. I had figured out my itinerary but was looking for help planning the specifics for each city. She provided me wonderful guidance on tours, restaurants, and “not to-miss” activities. Her suggestions made our trip so much richer! Some of our very best experiences were the ones she suggested. Her restaurant recommendations were fabulous! I highly recommend Karen and her services if you are looking to have a truly remarkable experience in Spain!”

— Valerie

Top cities & towns

Alicante’s Santa Bárbara castle looming over the city and the Mediterranean Sea.

Valencia. Spain’s third-largest city, famous for its futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, vibrant old town, and the birthplace of paella. It blends history, innovation, and Mediterranean charm perfectly.

Alicante. A bustling coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, lively promenade, and the imposing Santa Bárbara Castle overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Elche. Famous for its vast palm groves—the largest in Europe—and its rich history dating back to Roman times, Elche offers a unique blend of nature and culture.

Murcia. A historic city inland but closely tied to the Mediterranean region, Murcia is known for its baroque architecture, delicious cuisine, and lively festivals.

Peñíscola. A fortified seaside town famous for its castle perched on a rocky headland, beautiful beaches, and medieval atmosphere.

Top things to do

The spectacular old town of Peñíscola.

Explore the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. Discover this architectural masterpiece featuring an interactive science museum, an oceanographic park, an opera house and stunning modern design.

Relax on the Beaches of Costa Blanca. Soak up the sun on beautiful sandy shores like Playa del Postiguet in Alicante or the secluded coves around Jávea.

Visit the Santa Bárbara Castle in Alicante. Climb to this hilltop fortress for panoramic views of the city and Mediterranean Sea, and dive into its rich history.

Wander Through the Palm Groves of Elche. Explore the UNESCO-listed Palmeral, the largest palm grove in Europe, and enjoy peaceful walks amid lush greenery.

Discover the Medieval Castle of Peñíscola. Tour this stunning fortress overlooking the sea, known as the “Pope’s Castle,” and enjoy the charming old town.

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Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Eastern Spain is during the spring (March to June) and autumn (September to November) months. During these seasons, the weather is pleasantly warm but not overly hot, perfect for exploring cities like Valencia and Alicante or enjoying the region’s beautiful beaches without the summer crowds. Springtime also brings vibrant festivals and blooming landscapes, while autumn offers mild temperatures and the harvest season, ideal for tasting local wines and fresh produce. Summers can be quite hot, especially along the coast, but are lively with beach activities and cultural events.

Valencia

Discover the Vibrant Spirit of Valencia.

From its futuristic architecture at the City of Arts and Sciences to the bustling Mercado Central and the sun-kissed beaches, Valencia is a city that perfectly blends tradition and innovation. Dive into its rich culinary scene, including the world-famous paella, and explore charming neighborhoods filled with history and culture.

Murcia

Murcia has a lot to explore and discover

Murcia, the capital of the region, has a reputation of being a quiet city where nothing happens. And that’s so wrong! Murcia is not only the 7th largest city in Spain (with a population a little under 500,000), it’s a vibrant city full of art, culture and joy of life.

FAQs

• What areas make up Eastern Spain?

  Eastern Spain includes the Mediterranean coastal regions of Valencian Community, Murcia, parts of Aragón, and the Balearic Islands, known for their beaches, historic cities, and cultural richness.

• What languages are spoken in Eastern Spain?

  Spanish (Castilian) is widely spoken. In the Valencian Community, Valencian (a variety of Catalan) is also official and commonly used.

• What local dishes should I try?

  Don’t miss paella valenciana, fresh seafood, turrón (nougat), zarangollo (Murcia’s signature dish) and local wines like those from the Utiel-Requena region.

• Are there UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Eastern Spain?

  Yes. Valencia’s Lonja de la Seda (Silk Exchange) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other cultural landmarks in the region.

• What festivals are popular in Eastern Spain?

  Notable festivals include Las Fallas in Valencia, Bonfires of Saint John (Hogueras de San Juan) in Alicante, Bando de la Huerta in Murcia, and various local fiestas celebrating saints and harvests.

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