Updated by Suitcase in SPAIN June 2023
Table of Contents
Camins al Grau
Camins al Grau (Caminos al Grao in Castillian) owes its name to the roads leading from the city centre to the sea. It is a neighborhood in the city of Valencia, Spain, located to the east of the port area. It has a rich history and has undergone significant changes over the years.
Historically, Camins El Grau was an industrial area with a large concentration of factories and warehouses. However, in the late 20th century, the neighborhood began to transform as the industrial sector declined and the city government started to invest in the area’s infrastructure and urban development.
Today, Camins El Grau is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a mix of residential and commercial areas. It is home to many young professionals and families, attracted by the neighborhood’s proximity to the beach, the city center, and the port area. The neighborhood has a strong sense of community and is known for its cultural and social events, such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions.
One of the most significant landmarks nearby is the City of Arts and Sciences, a complex of futuristic buildings designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava. The complex includes a science museum, an opera house, an IMAX cinema, and an oceanographic park, among other attractions. It is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Spain and has helped to boost the neighborhood’s profile as a cultural and economic hub.
Overall, Camins El Grau is a dynamic and evolving neighborhood that reflects the changing face of Valencia. Its history as an industrial area has given way to a new era of urban development and cultural vitality, making it a fascinating place to explore and experience.
Currently bordered by Algirós to the north, with Ensanche and El Pla del Real to the east, with Poblados Marítimos to the west and Quatre Carreres to the south. It is made up of 5 neighborhoods: Ayora, Albors, La Creu del Grau (La Cruz del Grao), Camí Fondo and Penya-Roja.
Ayora
Ayora, a captivating neighborhood in Valencia that boasts the stunning Ayora garden. Situated near Calle Santo Justo y Pastor, this verdant oasis spans an impressive 4 hectares and showcases a diverse tapestry of lush vegetation. Prepare to be enchanted by the sight of majestic Ficus trees, elegant olive trees, aromatic eucalyptus, swaying palm trees, and vibrant orange trees, creating a serene and picturesque setting.
Ayora owes its existence to the visionary aspirations of Don José Ayora, a prosperous Valencian merchant of the late 19th century. Driven by his affluence and love for nature, he chose to establish his grand mansion and create a private park in the serene countryside on the outskirts of Valencia. Today, this exquisite garden stands as a testament to his legacy, with the neighborhood proudly carrying his name.
Beyond the allure of the Ayora garden, this vibrant neighborhood offers a host of amenities that cater to the needs of its residents. From bustling shops and supermarkets to esteemed educational institutions, enticing restaurants, cozy bars, and reliable pharmacies, Ayora ensures a convenient and fulfilling lifestyle for its inhabitants.
Getting around Ayora and exploring the wider city is a breeze, thanks to its excellent public transportation options. Buses provide seamless connectivity, allowing easy access to the surrounding areas, while Valenbisi, Valencia’s renowned bike-sharing system, offers an eco-friendly and enjoyable way to navigate the streets. For those venturing further, the Ayora and Marítim-Serrería metro stations are within reach, facilitating convenient travel throughout Valencia.
With its captivating garden, rich history, and an abundance of amenities, Ayora invites you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty, experience its cultural heritage, and embrace the vibrant lifestyle it has to offer. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, Ayora promises an enchanting and fulfilling experience that seamlessly blends tranquility and modern living.
Benefits:
- Cosmopolitan and lively neighborhood.
- Abundance of green space with the Ayora garden.
- Proximity to the beach.
Drawbacks:
- Difficult to find parking.
- Limited rental availability, but many properties available for purchase.
Average prices (June 2023):
- Rental: €12/m²
- Purchase: €1,500/m²
Albors
Albors is a neighborhood within the Camins Al Grau district. It is located just west of the Aiora neighborhood and in close proximity to the Mestalla Stadium. Despite being a small neighborhood, it is home to the Casa de Salud hospital and the Algirós market.
The name Albors is a relatively uncommon surname mainly found in Valencia and Alicante. Historical records show the presence of Albors families in Castellon around 1250, indicating their long-standing presence in the Valencian region. In more recent history, notable figures like Gil Albors, a Valencian playwright and journalist (1927-2020), have carried the name.
In Valencia, to the north of the Rascanya district, lies the former farmhouse of Albors. During the Middle Ages, this farmhouse served as a mill owned by the San Miguel Monastery. Over time, the mill was abandoned and later transformed into a country house in the late 19th century.
The neighborhood also has a metro station (Amistat) and is an interesting area for students.
Benefits:
- Proximity to the city center and universities.
Drawbacks:
- Due to its size, the neighborhood has limited green spaces.
Average prices (June 2023):
- Rental: €12/m²
- Purchase: €1,700/m²
La Creu del Grau
La Creu del Grau is part of the Camins Al Grau district and is located just east of the Camí Fondo neighborhood.
The neighborhood gets its name, “La Creu del Grau,” from the old covered cross that used to be in the area. Over time, the cross was moved and modified. Nowadays, the cross can be found at 119 Avenida del Puerto.
It is primarily a residential and relatively extensive neighborhood. Like Camí Fondo, green spaces are limited. However, the Turia River Park and Ayora Gardens are not far away, and it is close to the port and the City of Arts and Sciences.
It shares the same advantages and drawbacks as Camí Fondo. You will need to walk a bit to reach the nearest metro stations (Ayora and Marítim-Serrería).
Benefits:
- A family-friendly and peaceful neighborhood.
- Proximity to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Drawbacks:
- Relatively few bars and restaurants.
Average prices (June 2023):
- Rental: €12/m²
- Purchase: €1,600/m²
Camí Fondo
Camí Fondo (Camino Hondo) is located between Avenida de Baleares and Avenida del Puerto, to the south of the Albors neighborhood.
Camino Hondo, which translates to “the deep path,” was one of the many roads that led to the grau de Valencia. In the district, we also had Camino Viejo, the “old road,” currently known as Calle Islas Canarias, and Camino Nuevo, the “new road,” now the Avenida del Puerto. Camino Hondo is situated near Avenida Baleares.
It is a residential and family-oriented neighborhood. While it lacks green spaces, the nearby Turia River Park compensates for it.
In terms of public transportation, buses are the main mode of travel. The nearest metro station (Amistat) is about a ten-minute walk away.
Benefits:
- Quiet and peaceful neighborhood.
Drawbacks:
- Relatively few bars and restaurants.
- Very few properties available for rent.
Average prices (June 2023):
- Rental: €12/m²
- Purchase: €1,900/m²
Penya-roja
Penya-roja (Peña Roja, the rocky and red hill) is the final neighborhood that makes up the Camins Al Grau district. It is located south of the district, in close proximity to the City of Arts and Sciences. At the heart of the neighborhood, there is a large shopping center called Aqua.
The neighborhood gets its name from the Penya Roja hermitage, built in 1863. Nowadays, it is an integral part of the semi-private Ave Maria de Penya Roja school.
Due to its location bordering the Paseo de Alameda and the Turia Gardens, it is a pleasant neighborhood for walking and strolling.
The major drawback of the neighborhood is the distance to the metro stations (15 to 20 minutes’ walk). Therefore, taking the bus is more convenient.
Benefits:
- The environment (City of Arts, Turia).
- Many modern buildings.
Drawbacks:
- No metro access and only two bus lines.
Average prices (June 2023):
- Rental: €14/m²
- Purchase: €3,300/m²
