Best Photoshoot Locations in Valencia | Beaches, City & Hidden Gems. Julia Gnatenko — Photographer Valencia, Alicante, Barcelona, Spain, Europe

Valencia is a very diverse Spanish city for photography. Within a short distance you can go through broad Mediterranean beaches, futuristic buildings, old streets, beautiful gardens, and serene nature. The diversity of Valencia makes it perfect for family photoshoots, couples, love stories, maternity sessions, portraits, and brand photography.

The selection of the appropriate location is not only a matter of aesthetics, but it directly influences the level of relaxation, how natural the photos are, and how well the photos reflect your personality. The following is a full list of top photoshoot locations in Valencia, with iconic places, less popular ones, and secret places that are not well-known by most visitors.

1. City of Arts and Sciences  

It is the most well-known landmark in Valencia and one of the most popular photoshoot locations in Spain. 

Sleek, white architecture, the reflections of water and open spaces give it a modern and elegant appearance that suits particularly well: 

  • Couples & love stories
  • Individual portraits
  • Lifestyle and brand photoshoots

Best time: Early morning or golden hour
Style: modern, editorial, and minimal

To avoid overcrowding, morning sessions are preferable. It is the ideal place to capture pictures that feel international, classic and elegant. 

Family photoshoot at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia, Spain, featuring modern white architecture and a relaxed, elegant atmosphere.

2. Malvarrosa Beach

Malvarrosa is the main city beach in Valencia where one can find a typical Mediterranean environment with soft sand and open horizons.

Ideal for:

  • Family photoshoots
  • Individual sessions
  • Couples
  • Maternity sessions

Best time: Sunset
Style: Natural, warm, emotional

It is easy to walk, move and interact in a natural manner due to the long shoreline, which is particularly important when taking pictures of children.

Sunset portrait at Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia, Spain, capturing a calm Mediterranean atmosphere and natural light by the sea.

3. Patacona Beach

Patacona has a similar view just north of Malvarrosa but with fewer people and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Best for:

  • Families with young kids
  • Couples who are looking for a casual session
  • Lifestyle portraits

Best time: Before sunset
Style: Soft, calm, intimate

Many clients prefer Patacona because it is less crowded and more private even though it is highly accessible.

Family photoshoot at Patacona Beach near Valencia, Spain, featuring a relaxed atmosphere, soft sand, and natural coastal light.

4. El Saler Beach

El Saler Beach is a very beautiful and natural beach that is located close to Valencia. It is situated between the city and the Albufera Natural Park, and it has dunes, pine trees, broad sandy beaches, and a far more natural environment than the beaches in the city. This place is ideal for clients who are looking for a wild, natural Mediterranean setting without crowds and urban elements in the background.

Best for:

  • Maternity photoshoots
  • Couples & love stories
  • Family photoshoots with a calm, natural vibe

Best time: Sunset
Style: Cinematic, natural (calm and airy), emotional.

El Saler works especially well for barefoot photo sessions, flowing dresses, neutral clothing, and loose movement. The dunes and pine forest allow for multiple looks within one session—beach, nature, and soft greenery without having to move.

El Saler is also a good option because it is less crowded and noisy, which is why clients who are shy in front of the camera and like a calm atmosphere will also feel comfortable. 

Romantic couple photoshoot at El Saler Beach near Valencia, Spain, featuring natural dunes, soft sunset light, and a calm Mediterranean atmosphere.

5. Turia Gardens

Turia Gardens is a large urban park that runs through the city along a former riverbed. It is one of the greenest urban spaces in Europe.

Perfect for:

  • Family photoshoots
  • Kids
  • Casual lifestyle photo sessions

Best time: Morning or sunset
Style: Natural, fresh, relaxed

The different bridges, trees, and paths give the opportunity to have different backdrops without changing locations.

Couple photoshoot in Turia Gardens, Valencia, surrounded by palm trees and urban greenery with a relaxed, natural atmosphere.

6. Gulliver Park

Gulliver Park is a very popular park for families with children and is located in Turia Gardens.

Best for:

  • Family photoshoots
  • Playful, candid moments

Best time: Morning
Style: Fun, dynamic, joyful

Children feel at ease here and this tends to lead to more genuine smiles and natural interaction.

Playful family photoshoot at Gulliver Park in Valencia, capturing joyful moments in a green park setting with natural light.

7. El Carmen & Valencia Old Town

Valencia has a historic center that is full of small streets, textured walls, balconies, and small plazas.

Best for:

  • Couples
  • Individual portraits
  • Editorial-style sessions

Best time: Early morning (not crowded)
Style: European, artistic or romantic

This area is perfect for those who love historic architecture and storytelling images.

Portrait photoshoot in Valencia Old Town, El Carmen district, featuring historic architecture, palm-lined streets, and an elegant city atmosphere.

8. Plaza de la Virgen & Plaza de la Reina

These historic squares are historic, provide a sense of place, and are not overly busy at the beginning of the day.

Ideal for:

  • Couples
  • Solo portraits
  • Elegant city sessions

Best time: Early morning
Style: Classic, timeless

They are particularly effective when used together with adjacent Old Town streets.

Couple photoshoot at Plaza de la Virgen in Valencia Old Town, featuring historic architecture, cathedral details, and a timeless city atmosphere.

9. Port Saplaya (“Little Venice”)

Port Saplaya is located outside Valencia and is characterized by colorful buildings and canals.

Perfect for:

  • Families
  • Couples
  • Lifestyle portraits

Best time: Morning or sunset
Style: Mediterranean, cheerful, bright

This place is fun and vibrant, making it great for relaxed photo sessions.

Family photoshoot in Port Saplaya near Valencia, featuring colorful marina buildings, boats, and a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere.

10. Albufera Natural Park (Hidden Gem)

Albufera is a very beautiful natural place near Valencia and a popular location to take sunset pictures.

Best for:

  • Maternity photoshoots
  • Couples
  • Artistic portraits

Best time: Sunset
Style: Dreamy, natural (airy), cinematic.

The reflections, open spaces, and serene environment create emotional, timeless images.

Portrait photoshoot at Albufera Natural Park near Valencia, featuring pine trees, natural paths, and soft golden light in a peaceful setting.

11. Cabecera Park

Located in the western part of Turia Gardens, Cabecera Park resembles a natural reserve.

Ideal for:

  • Families
  • Couples
  • Nature-inspired sessions

Best time: Late afternoon
Style: Green, warm, natural

It is an excellent alternative when you do not want to drive far to have a natural look.

Maternity photoshoot at Cabecera Park in Valencia, surrounded by trees and soft natural light in a peaceful green setting.

12. Monforte Gardens

Another garden in the city that is less famous but very elegant.

Perfect for:

  • Couples
  • Portraits
  • Maternity sessions

Best time: Morning
Style: Elegant, romantic, refined

It is almost as though it were a secret garden and it is very effective for intimate sessions.

Elegant portrait photoshoot at Monforte Gardens in Valencia, featuring classical garden paths, greenery, and a refined, romantic atmosphere.

13. Marina of Valencia

The marina offers modern lines, boats, and open sea views.

Best for:

  • Couples
  • Brand photography
  • Modern portraits

Best time: Golden hour
Style: Stylish, romantic, modern

It’s especially popular for relaxed yet polished photos.

Couple photoshoot at the Marina of Valencia, Spain, featuring yachts, sunset light, and a modern coastal atmosphere.

14. Ruzafa Neighborhood

For a modern, lived-in city vibe, Ruzafa is full of cafés, streets, and urban textures.

Best for:

  • Lifestyle portraits
  • Brand sessions
  • Casual couple shoots

Best time: Morning
Style: Modern, creative, urban

This is a great location for clients who prefer something other than the usual tourist spots.

Lifestyle portrait in Ruzafa neighborhood, Valencia, featuring urban textures, a local fountain, and a relaxed city atmosphere.

15. Serra Calderona

For those who are willing to travel a bit farther, Serra Calderona offers mountains, scenic views, and forests.

Best for:

  • Couples
  • Artistic portraits
  • Dramatic sessions

Best time: Late afternoon
Style: Adventurous, cinematic

This location provides a unique option for clients seeking something different. 

Couple photoshoot in Serra Calderona near Valencia, featuring dramatic rocky landscapes, mountain views, and a cinematic natural atmosphere.

How to Choose the Right Photoshoot Location in Valencia

Choosing the right location depends on several factors, including:

  • Who the photoshoot is for, such as a family, couple, or individual
  • The mood you want to create, whether romantic, playful, elegant, or natural
  • The time of day and the season
  • Comfort level, especially when children are involved

Many clients start without having everything figured out, and that’s absolutely natural. Choosing a location is always an important part of the preparation process, as it helps you feel relaxed and confident before the shoot.

If you’re planning a photoshoot in Valencia and are not sure which location best fits your vision, choosing the place together often leads to the most natural results. Every session is unique, and the right setting helps turn simple moments into memorable ones. 

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