“Updated for 2026: This post has been refreshed with current information where available. Some original links from this episode are no longer active, and Natacha’s vegan tours and retreats no longer appear to be operating in the same way. We have kept this episode as a helpful guide to vegan Valencia and removed outdated links where needed.”
Valencia is sunny, relaxed, full of color, and often overlooked by travelers rushing between Madrid and Barcelona.
But for vegan travelers, it deserves attention.
In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, Brighde chats with Natacha Parmantier, a French vegan mom, traveler, polyglot, and business owner who made Valencia her home.
Together, they explore what makes Valencia special, what to see nearby, where to eat as a vegan, and why this Mediterranean city is such a lovely destination for plant-based travelers.
Meet Natacha Parmantier
At the time of this episode, Natacha was living in Valencia and working on several projects, including Airbnb hosting, marketing for rental hosts, and vegan tours and retreats in Spain.
She had lived in many different places and built a flexible lifestyle around travel, family, and entrepreneurship.
Her perspective is especially helpful because she knew Valencia not only as a visitor, but as someone who had chosen to live there.
Why Visit Valencia?
Valencia is Spain’s third-largest city, but it often feels calmer and easier to explore than Madrid or Barcelona.
It offers a beautiful mix of:
- Beaches
- Historic streets
- Modern architecture
- Local markets
- Green spaces
- Vegan and vegan-friendly restaurants
- Day trips to nearby towns and nature areas
It is also a very bike-friendly city, making it easy to explore without needing a car.
Where Is Valencia?
Valencia sits on Spain’s east coast, along the Mediterranean Sea.
It is easy to reach by train, bus, or plane, and it can work well as part of a larger Spain itinerary.
You could visit Valencia on its own or combine it with Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, or other parts of the country.
What to See in Valencia
Valencia has a wonderful mix of old and new.
Some highlights include:
- The historic old town
- The Central Market
- The City of Arts and Sciences
- Turia Gardens
- Valencia’s beaches
- El Carmen neighborhood
- Local horchaterías
The city is especially pleasant for walking and cycling, with plenty of open spaces and relaxed places to stop along the way.
Turia Gardens
Turia Gardens is one of Valencia’s most loved green spaces.
It was created in the old riverbed of the Turia River and now stretches through the city as a long park.
You can walk, cycle, picnic, or simply enjoy a slower moment away from the city streets.
For vegan travelers, it is also useful because you can pair a walk through the park with nearby vegan-friendly cafés or restaurants.
Vegan Food in Valencia
Valencia has become much easier for vegan travelers over the years.
You can find fully vegan restaurants, vegetarian restaurants with vegan options, and many places that understand plant-based eating.
Natacha mentions Almalibre, a popular vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurant known for açai bowls, burgers, smoothies, and fresh casual food.
Because restaurant scenes change quickly, it is always worth checking HappyCow before you travel.
Horchata: A Naturally Vegan Valencian Drink
One of the most famous local drinks in Valencia is horchata.
Valencian horchata is made from tiger nuts, water, and sugar, so it is usually naturally vegan.
It is sweet, refreshing, and especially lovely on a warm day.
If you want to try something local without worrying about dairy, horchata is a great choice.
What About Paella?
Valencia is the home of paella.
Traditional Valencian paella is not vegan, but some restaurants offer vegetable-based versions.
If you want to try vegan paella, check menus carefully or ask ahead.
A little planning makes a big difference.
Day Trips Near Valencia
Natacha also shares ideas for places to visit outside the city.
These include:
- El Saler
- Sagunto
- Cullera Castle
- Nearby beaches
- Small towns around the Valencia region
These places are useful if you want to slow down and see more than the city center.
Vegan Accommodation Around Valencia
At the time of the episode, Natacha also talked about accommodation options in and around Valencia.
Some of the original accommodation links from this episode are no longer current, so we recommend checking recent reviews before booking.
For vegan travelers, useful things to look for include:
- A kitchen or kitchenette
- Easy access to vegan restaurants
- Nearby supermarkets
- Good public transport
- Clear communication with the host or hotel
This makes your stay much easier, especially if you are visiting for more than a few days.
Final Thoughts
Valencia is a wonderful city for vegan travelers who want sunshine, food, culture, and a slower pace.
It may not always get the same attention as Madrid or Barcelona, but that is part of its charm.
With beaches, parks, markets, horchata, day trips, and a growing vegan food scene, Valencia is a destination worth adding to your Spain travel list.
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Learn More About What We Discuss
- Valencia
- Turia Gardens
- El Saler
- Cullera Castle
- Sagunto
- Horchata
- HappyCow Valencia listings
- Almalibre Açaí House
Other World Vegan Travel Content Connected With This Episode
- # 13 | Being a Vegan in Madrid and Spain | Diana Esteban
- Seville Vegan Tours: Flamenco, Tapas, Sunshine – Why you should add Seville to your must-visit list in Spain | Bruno and Marta | Ep 97
- Rated V Food: Vegan Foodie Shares Three Favorite Cities in Spain | Eunice Reyes | Ep 87
- S4 Ep 7 | Traveling Spain as Vegans | Be Bold and Venture
- Planning Delicious Vegan Meals when going to a Cabin or Rented Airbnb with Non-Vegans | Kim Sujovolsky / Brownble | Ep 74
- S4 Ep17 | International School Teaching to Travel the World | Nina Radcliffe
- S4 Ep 3 | Madrid, Dublin, Prague and Budapest | Angel – A Yummy Vegan
- S 3 Ep 3 | Vegan Holiday Rental In Andalusia | James Evans and Nina Graetz
Connect with Natacha
At the time this episode was recorded, Natacha was connected with vegan tours, retreats, Airbnb hosting, and digital nomad projects in Spain.
Some of her original links are no longer active or no longer appear to be connected to the same vegan travel work, so we have removed outdated links from this updated post.
