About the nomad base, Valencia, the neighbourhood and local culture
Nazaret neighbourhood
This neighbourhood (spelled with a t = "Natzaret" in Valenciano) once had a bad reputation, there was a fair amount of petty crime, poverty and drugs here, at least by Spanish and European standards. Which is to say: not all that much. When you talk to Valencians from other areas, older ones especially may be wary of Nazaret since their idea of what it is like is based on how it was 15+ years ago. However, plenty of of immigrants and locals have been bought property, we got a Metro/Tram line in 2022, Linea 10 & the stop, "Natzaret" is about a minute walk from the apartment. The city has started on building the ca 90.000+ m2 "Parque de Desembocadura" with sport and recreation facilities (the park will separate the neighbourhood from the harbour, which you can smell on some days). This park is 5 minutes walk from the Nomadbase.
There are at least three (newish) real estate agent offices here, these companies are all of the opinion this is the next neighbourhood to truly become more popular and better. My real estate agent friend plus my downstairs neighbour Rosa have lived their whole lives in Nazaret and in their opinion it is very safe. Like in any city, common sense is a must.
Much of life here takes place outdoors. Spaniards are on average friendlier & louder than North Europeans. On some days you may hear music fairly loud (sound system), or locals playing guitar & singing Flamenco close by. Doesn't go late usually, but for when it does, earplugs can be a good thing.
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Neighbourhood facilities, sights, shops and activities
Within 1 to 7 minutes walking distance you will find:
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-A polideportivo (large multi-sports center) with a pool & a lot of different sports
-An amazing Pumptrack skate park, this one. It is set in middle of a large park they are expanding.
-A public library with free WiFi.
-An indoor market hall, open in the mornings, small but has a lot of fresh produce, meat, fish and more. Ukrainian food store. 4+ Hairdressers 4+ Pharmacies. One ATM.
-An outdoor market for household goods, clothes etc, Tuesday mornings until about 13:00
-An award winning bakery, close. Pic on the right. The bakery opens until evening, great prices, big range of baked goods and they do some home cooked meals/takeout if you show early, before they run out.
-A "CONSUM" supermarket as well as many fresh produce stores and convenience stores
-A 12+ small lunch rooms & bars that serve bocadillos/snacks and a few which also have dinner. 8 Minutes cycling gets you Indian, Italian, Spanish food & more.
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A little further afield you will find:
-Two long/large beaches: one popular and 10 minutes cycle (Playa de las Arenas/Cabanyal), the other quiet and 14 minutes cycle (Playa de Pinedo).
-The spectacularly chill and long (7km) "Jardín del Turia" park is 10 minutes cycle away.
-"El Rastro" a good flea market, every Sunday from 10:00 to 12:45, 20 mins bike.
-The architecturally gorgeous Central Market of Valencia, great food, 25 mins bike.
So, so much more, half of which I don't even know yet. :) See link/guide below.
Opening times, siesta, meals, pace of life & a 100 things to do
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In Valencia the siesta is observed. This means that almost every business and (Government) organization will be closed from 14:00 to 17:00, with the exception of most super markets but including the majority of restaurants, we know the exceptions, just ask. A lot of businesses will stay open until 20:00 after they open at 17:00 again
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Valencians eat breakfast quite early and then have heaviest, most varied & longest, meal of the day ca. 13:00. Then have another meal, at 21:00 or later.
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I am not an early morning person, am quite the night owl. I tend to active 11:00 ish (though before that I am usually working/translating online in my room), but if you like to get up between early morn, go do your thing! :) Ideal time go to explore.
This is an extensive guide we made, it has 100+ things to do, see, places to eat, shops, prices, information and much more. It is rough -especially the formatting- but the info should be invaluable nonetheless. âž” Guide to Valencia
Tidbits and good to know things: ATMs, tap water & cycling
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ATM is 1 minute walk from our place, Caixa bank. The tap water is perfectly fine to drink everywhere if pretty hard (minerals). In summer you really want to fill up your own bottle & apply sunscreen before you head out, the sun is no joke.
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Valencians tend to be quick to smile and joke, friendly & social, they are not the best drivers however. It used to be a real car-centric city but in last 10+ years it is becoming a true cycling city. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of people that are not so good at anticipating bikes, even on bike lanes. It is not like Germany/Netherlands/Scandinavia.
The city is not big, so just go slow, certainly obey all traffic laws, the fines are high if you bike on sidewalk, with headphones or against traffic etc! If not rushed, riding inside Turia park you can cross entire city, is super safe, 0 cars and really beautiful. Right above & along rather than in the park often is bit faster and there are plenty of bike paths there too.
