Discovering Communities in Valencia: A Guide to Finding Like-Minded People

Valencia is a vibrant city that attracts a diverse range of people from all over the world.

Whether you're a digital nomad, expat, or a local, there are many possibilities to find communities in the city.

In this article, we'll explore different ways to connect with like-minded people, from coliving and coworking to networking events and hobbies.

Live and connect with like-minded people in a coliving space

Imagine you’ve just arrived in Valencia and you're ready to embark on a new adventure and eager to meet new people but you’re unsure of where to start. It’s a big city with so many options and you just don’t have the insights into what’s worth it and what's not. And while there is fun in exploring, you feel like some guidance or at least a friend to explore with would make it a bit easier. Well, in that case, coliving is the perfect starting point.

In a coliving space, you'll find yourself surrounded by a group of fellow explorers, all with different backgrounds and experiences, yet sharing the same excitement for discovering what the city has to offer.

Coliving offers a unique balance of privacy and communal living and an opportunity to create meaningful connections with others, learn from each other, and share experiences.

In Valencia, there are many coliving options, but if you're searching for a community-focused one, Vivarium is an excellent choice (no, we are not biased at all 😉). But, jokes aside, in Vivarium we are all about nurturing relationships and encouraging connections and we take great pride in our community. It’s not bragging if it’s true. 🙃

In a city like Valencia, there are countless opportunities to explore hobbies, attend events, and network with like-minded individuals. And, with Vivarium as your home base, you'll have a primary community to rely on as you venture out into the city. Whatever your interests are, there will be someone to share them with or someone who will point you to a spot where you’ll find others to share them with.

Whether it’s language exchange meetups, or trying out a new yoga class, you'll find that Valencia is full of vibrant communities just waiting to welcome you with open arms, and coliving can be a perfect place to start from.

Find new work buddies in a coworking space

If you’re looking to connect with people but you also have a remote job or often work from your laptop, you can connect the two worlds in a coworking space.

Coworking spaces can be another great option to find like-minded people, especially if you’re looking for an after-work hang-out or someone to share your workday with. Think of it like an office just on your own terms.

The benefits of reserving a spot in a coworking space go way beyond work. While you’ll have a space where you can be completely focused and equipped (with good wifi and free coffee) to work on your tasks or projects, you will start noticing you’re a part of a community very soon.

Coworking spaces know how important it is to balance work and play and how beneficial the role of a coworker is - something that we often take out of our lives when we start working remotely or for ourselves. That’s why these spaces will organize socializing events like weekly get-togethers, pizza nights, bar crawls, etc.

But, aside from all the fun and games, coworking spaces are also one of the best places for professional networking and growth, giving you access to different skill-sharing sessions, seminars, panels, and other professional events that can help you advance in your career and connect with other professionals.

So, if you feel like this professional setting is where you might find your people, definitely take a look into coworkings.

Get to know different cultures through international get-togethers

Valencia offers the perfect balance between foreigners and locals, ensuring that you'll never feel like the city is overrun by tourists.

As you explore the city, you'll hear as much Spanish as you will foreign languages, making it easy to immerse yourself in the local culture while also connecting with others from around the world.

Whether you're a foreigner, a Valencian, or a Spaniard, you'll have the opportunity to choose your company and connect with others based on culture or purposefully put yourself in an international setting to step out of your comfort zone and learn about other cultures.

In our opinion, surrounding yourself with at least a few foreigners will make your life incomparably richer. Even if you want to assimilate into the Valencian culture and not a foreign one, you can meet plenty of Valencians who are happy to participate in cultural exchange events and share a bit of their culture with you in return for hearing about yours. Although, if you think about it, being open to a multicultural community is also a part of Valencian culture. 🙂

Either way, the city boasts numerous meet-ups and cultural exchange events, offering a wealth of opportunities to connect with locals and foreigners alike. Based on your needs, who you are, and where you’re at in your life at the moment, you can find different groups connected around different topics.

Here are some examples of the types of events and meetups you can find in Valencia:

• DN Meetups: Digital Nomad Meetups are events designed specifically for remote workers and digital nomads to connect and network with one another.

• Language Exchange Meetups: These meetups are perfect for those looking to improve their language skills and meet people from different cultures.

• Expat Meetings: These meetings are great for those who have recently moved to Valencia and want to connect with other expats in the city. They can be a great way to make new friends but also get helpful insights about bureaucracy, public health or education, rent or buying property, etc.

• International get-togethers: These can be any type of party meant to exchange cultures, not, in particular, the language, but more of a socializing event that lets you familiarize yourself with different countries and traditions. A potluck dinner, for example, is a great way to connect with others and enjoy good food. Everyone brings a dish to share, and you get to enjoy a variety of foods while getting to know others.

Volunteer and connect with others by giving back

If you’re looking to connect with others over a good deed or combine connections with getting back to Valencia or its community, then volunteering might be a great idea for you to get involved in the community and meet new people in Valencia.

Numerous organizations in the city are always looking for volunteers to help out with a variety of projects. Whether you're interested in working with animals, helping out at community events, or teaching English to residents, you will be able to find a volunteering opportunity for yourself.

Not only will you be able to give back, but you'll also have the chance to connect with other volunteers who share your passion for making a difference.

In general, you do not have to be a resident to volunteer with these organizations. Many organizations welcome both residents and non-residents to volunteer with them. However, some organizations may have specific requirements, such as minimum age or a certain level of Spanish proficiency, so it's important to check with the organization beforehand.

Some of the organizations in Valencia that welcome volunteers are: Caritas Valencia, Voluntariado Valencia, Fundación Pequeño Deseo, Refugiados Bienvenidos Valencia, Save the Children Spain, Cruz Roja Española, Amigos de la Tierra, etc.

Do what you love by enjoying hobbies and sports

Lastly, Valencia is a city that offers a wide range of hobbies and sports activities.

From dancing classes to yoga, outdoor activities to language classes, and art galleries to music lessons, the city has something for everyone.

The hobby and sports communities in Valencia are filled with like-minded individuals who are excited to share their love of a particular activity. They are perfect for meeting new people, improving your skills, and trying out new things.

For example, you can find yoga studios and meditation centers for a relaxing experience or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming along the beautiful coastline.

There are also many language schools and language exchange groups for learning and practicing Spanish or other languages, as well as a thriving art scene with galleries, museums, and cultural events to explore.

Overall, Valencia is a city full of opportunities to connect with like-minded people. From coliving and coworking spaces to networking events and hobbies, there are many ways to find your tribe in Valencia. Whether you're new to the city or a long-time resident, these communities can help you build meaningful relationships and achieve your personal and professional goals - just be open, be yourself, and follow what you like.