Is Valencia a good place to raise a family?

Schooling is the decision that shapes everything else here, so start it early, and start with the language. State schools in Valencia teach in both Valencian and Spanish. A 2024 regional law now lets families choose which of the two is the main language of the classroom, with the other and English taught alongside. Children pick both up quickly, but deciding the base language, and finding a school that offers it, is the first thing to sort out.

There are three kinds of school. Public schools are free. Concertado schools are state-funded and free in principle, but most ask families for a monthly contribution. Across Spain that voluntary fee averages roughly €680 to €860 a year, about €60 to €70 a month. Treat it as a guide, not a fixed price, because it changes a lot from school to school. Private and international schools charge full fees.

Valencia has about 32 international schools, a good choice for a mid-size city, with British, American and International Baccalaureate options, many of them out in the greener towns around the city. Treat the search as a project you begin before you move. Shortlist several, apply in parallel, and check each school's curriculum, language of instruction and waiting list.

On fees, plan with a range rather than a single figure, and treat every number here as an estimate, not an official price. International school tuition in Valencia runs roughly €4,400 to €10,600 a year, depending on the school, which is noticeably cheaper than Madrid or Barcelona. A typical place sits around €7,800. On top of tuition, expect a one-off registration fee, usually non-refundable, plus recurring costs for lunch, school transport and uniforms. Always confirm the exact figures with each school before you commit.

Valencia has about 1,374 transit stops across the metro, tram and bus, and the city is flat, so many families simply cycle. Manises airport sits about 8 km west of the city and is on the metro. Between bikes and the metro, most families get by without a car.

This is where Valencia shines for families. The Turia gardens run right through the city, nine kilometres of car-free park with the giant Gulliver playground in the middle. At one end sits the City of Arts and Sciences, with its aquarium, the biggest in Europe, and a hands-on science museum. The city beaches, Malvarrosa and Patacona, are a tram ride away, wide and shallow and lined with family restaurants. A weekend rarely needs planning.