The Night of San Juan is one of the most magical and eagerly anticipated celebrations in the Valencian Community’s festive calendar. Every year on the night of 23rd June, thousands of people gather on the beaches along the Valencian coast to welcome the summer. The tradition involves meeting up with friends and family, lighting bonfires, jumping over the flames to attract good luck, enjoying picnics and soaking up a vibrant, symbolic atmosphere.
To truly experience the magic of this celebration, it’s essential to find accommodation that offers comfort, convenience and a prime location. At HQ Rooms, we provide fully equipped, centrally located apartments with everything you need to feel at home in the city. Discover the best plans and recommendations to make the most of San Juan, and find the perfect place to stay in Valencia.
When and where is the Night of San Juan celebrated in Valencia?
San Juan is celebrated overnight from 23rd to 24th June, and it’s far more than just a party—it’s a ritual that begins with preparations in the afternoon and lasts until sunrise. While 24th June is a public holiday in Valencia and many take the chance to enjoy the celebrations at the beach, it’s important to know that not all beaches allow bonfires, so checking local regulations in advance is essential.
At present, bonfires are only permitted on Cabanyal and Malvarrosa beaches. Lighting fires is strictly prohibited on any other beaches, especially those that are part of the L’Albufera Natural Park, such as El Saler, Pinedo, l’Arbre del Gos, Garrofera, La Devesa, Recatí and Perellonet, in order to protect the local wildlife and environment.
How to enjoy the Night of San Juan responsibly in Valencia
Every year, Valencia City Council sets up a comprehensive safety and maintenance operation along its beaches to ensure the wellbeing of all attendees. This includes distributing firewood, bin bags and deploying beach cleaning services.
Here’s how the celebration unfolds:
In the afternoon, firewood from seasonal tree pruning is distributed free of charge at designated collection points.
From 8pm, bin bags are handed out at beach entrances to encourage responsible rubbish disposal.
You’re allowed to stay on the beach until 4am on 24th June. After this time, everyone must leave to allow cleaning teams to begin their work.
The best beaches to experience the Night of San Juan in Valencia
Although the whole city buzzes with festive energy, the beaches are the heart of the celebration. The most popular—and the only ones where bonfires are allowed—are:
Malvarrosa Beach: the most iconic and lively, perfect for those looking for a bustling, youthful vibe.
Patacona Beach: quieter than Malvarrosa, ideal if you’re after a more relaxed experience. Bonfires are only allowed in certain areas, so it’s best to check before lighting one.
Las Arenas or Cabanyal Beach: very popular during this time, and a great spot to soak up the festive atmosphere.
In addition to bonfires, it is also tradition to jump over the waves at midnight and make a wish for good luck in the months ahead.
Must-do plans for San Juan in Valencia
If you’re planning to visit Valencia around these dates, get ready to experience one of the most magical nights of the year. Beyond the beach bonfires, the city offers a variety of things to do—whether you’re a visitor or a local. Here are a few ideas:
1. Spend the afternoon exploring the historic centre
Take time to explore Valencia’s charming city centre. Don’t miss iconic spots like the Town Hall Square, the Central Market or the atmospheric El Carmen neighbourhood. If you’re looking for more recommendations on what to see, here is a guide to the main places of interest in the centre of Valencia, so you don’t miss a thing.
After your walk, treat yourself to a good meal. If you’re after terraces with lively atmospheres, Ruzafa is one of the best places to dine in Valencia, a must—one of Valencia’s trendiest neighbourhoods with something for everyone.
If you are looking for more recommendations on what to visit, here we leave you a guide with the places of interest in the center of Valencia, so you don’t miss anything.
2. Enjoy the beach experience, at your own pace
You can enjoy San Juan in a peaceful way too. We recommend heading to the beach early, picking a good spot and settling in before nightfall. Bring the essentials: comfy clothes, towels, water, sun cream and a light jumper for later on—the sea breeze cools things down. And of course, remember to follow the rules and leave the beach clean.
3. Exclusive plans for a different San Juan Night in Valencia
If you are looking for an alternative way to celebrate? Valencia offers more exclusive options to enjoy the night:
Seaside dinners in restaurants with a view.
Private events with live music and cocktails at hotels and venues in La Marina.
Night-time city tours to discover a quieter, beautifully lit Valencia.
For those looking to enjoy the night in a more sophisticated way, here we leave you a selection of the best terraces in Valencia where you can toast the arrival of summer in style.
Rest like home at HQ Rooms: best accommodation for San Juan in Valencia
If you’re planning to spend the Night of San Juan in Valencia, don’t leave your accommodation to the last minute. After a night full of energy and excitement, it’s essential to have a comfortable and secure place to rest.
At HQ Rooms, we offer modern, central apartments with top-level services, so you can enjoy the celebration without a worry. Book your stay in the centre of Valencia now and experience San Juan like a local, with all the comfort you deserve.