Spain has always held a strong appeal for remote workers, travelers, and digital nomads. The country offers numerous attractive features for expats, including affordable living, beautiful beaches, and foreigner-friendly cities. While these factors make Spain an enticing option, the reality of relocating can be much more complicated. For those contemplating a move to Spain from a non-EU country, the notorious visa requirement always comes into play.

The process of navigating visas can feel overwhelming. However, Spain has several options for foreigners who want to live, work, or study. No matter what your aim, there are choices for you. Here we’ve compiled an overview of how to get a visa in Spain. Check out the most popular visa types and get ready to step into your new life under the Spanish sun!

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

After much anticipation, Spain has recently launched a digital nomad visa. This brand new visa allows foreigners who meet certain specifications to live and work in Spain for up to 5 years. Spain joins the ranks of other countries like Portugal, Greece, Italy, and Croatia in offering such visas, which aim to attract international talent and innovation.

The Spain digital nomad visa is open to all non-EU individuals who work remotely for a non-Spanish company. To qualify for the visa, there are several basic requirements. First, applicants must have a history of at least 3 months working with their respective company. The company itself must also have an operational history of at least one year. The job role must be completely remote, and the applicant must demonstrate sufficient qualifications or expertise in their respective field. 

One of the crucial aspects of the digital nomad visa is that the applicant must have social security coverage from their country of origin, which can be difficult to obtain. For countries without a social security agreement with Spain, the applicant’s company will need to register and pay into the Spanish social security system. 

If you’re planning to work as a digital nomad in Spain, be sure to check out our Urban Campus Coliving Spaces. At Urban Campus, you will be connected with other digital nomads and freelancers from all over the world.

Spain Work Visa

Spain’s work visa is one of the most traditional visa types, allowing you to live and work in Spain through the sponsorship of your employer. To acquire a traditional Spanish work visa, the first step is securing a job offer. This will be the main component of your application. The company does not have to be Spanish, but your job position must require your presence in Spain.

The company sponsoring you will need to provide details and documentation about their operations and financial status, and you will also be required to demonstrate your qualifications and expertise. This could include documents like university degrees, certificates, and letters from previous employers. 

The traditional work visa additionally requires some fundamental documents necessary for almost all visa applications. Typically, this includes background checks with stamps and seals, medical certificates and passport scans. The notable advantage of Spain’s traditional work visa is that it allows you to seamlessly integrate into the country’s workforce, and it can be easily renewed year after year.

Spain Student Visa

The Spain student visa can be obtained for various educational pursuits, including university studies, exchange programs, and research endeavors. The student visa has a straightforward application process and also allows you to work up to 30 hours a week. You do not need to attend a traditional university to obtain a student visa, as there are a wide variety of programs and institutions that offer them. It is important to note that you need to be accepted by a program or educational institution before you apply for the visa. 

The student visa remains valid throughout the duration of your study program. If you’re eyeing opportunities to work in Spain, this visa can be a great start. You’ll be able to establish professional contacts in Spain while utilizing the 30 hour student work authorization. Be sure to obtain a certificate of completion at the end of your course, which will be a key requirement if you plan on applying for another visa in the future.

Spain Self-Employed Visa

Do you naturally have an entrepreneurial drive? If that’s the case, considering the self-employment visa might be a smart move. To become a self-employed individual in Spain, you’ll need to show your relevant qualifications, have a solid business plan approved by a government-endorsed organization, and demonstrate your initial investment and investment income for your business. If you have a history of freelancing or self-employment, it will surely make the application easier.  

Once your visa is approved, you’ll need to register as a self-employed person (autónomo) in Spain. This forms the basis for all your business activities. While the process of getting a self-employment visa is more complex, it’s worth it because you will have the freedom to work for yourself and run your business independently.

Fast-Track & Golden Visas

For those lucky individuals who meet stringent criteria, expedited visas are an option. The most common fast-track route is reserved for highly qualified professionals who earn notably high salaries and present exceptional qualifications. Similar to the traditional work permit, you will need a job offer from a company to apply for this visa. If your salary is above the specified threshold, this visa could be an option for you. The approval process for highly qualified professionals is swift and normally involves very little waiting time. 

We would be remiss not to mention the well-known “golden visa”, which is an expedited visa obtained through lofty investment avenues. This includes actions like buying €500,000 of Spanish property or investing €1 million into a Spanish bank. While the golden visa is not a realistic possibility for most people, it certainly is an effective way to obtain a fast-tracked visa.

The Visa Process

Embarking on the visa journey is an exhilarating step towards a new adventure. 

Conventionally, most visa applications are done through an embassy or consulate in your country of origin. However, sometimes you can enter Spain on a tourist visa and initiate your application from inside the country. We highly recommend seeking the guidance of a legal professional, as the requirements are complex and ever-changing. With the right information and support, you can seize the visa process and embark on your new life in Spain. 

Rich history, time-honored traditions, breathtaking nature, and near perfect year-round temperatures are just a snapshot of what life is like in Valencia. As the third largest city in Spain, Valencia makes up a crucial part of the Spanish landscape. The charming city is known for its long history of thriving citrus agriculture, renowned ceramics, and silk trade. 

Nowadays, Valencia continues to grow as a popular destination for expats, freelancers, and young professionals who are drawn by its luscious beaches and top-rated quality of life. Not to mention, it’s the location of our new Urban Campus Ayora, Valencia coliving space.

Sounds appealing, right? 

We agree. Below we’ve assembled a guide with everything to know about Valencia, Spain.

Mastering a Paella Recipe is a MUST

Did you know that Valencia is the birthplace of Paella? 

Paella is one of the most famous rice-based dishes in the entire world. Considered a staple of Spanish cuisine, Paella is believed to have originated amongst rice farmers in the Albufera region of the Valencian Community. Although Paella is typically regarded as a seafood dish, the original recipe used wild field animals like chicken, rabbit, snail, and duck. 

Valencian Paella is still cooked with these traditional ingredients and is heralded as the most authentic version of the dish in all of Spain. You will find many Paella pans, or “paelleras”, sold in shops on every corner of the city. If you prefer to leave the cooking to the experts, there is no shortage of incredible Paella restaurants to try. Restaurante Canela and Casa Carmela consistently rank as two of the most popular.

Prepare your Sunscreen and Hiking Shoes

The Valencia Region has an abundance of stunning mountains, hiking trails and natural getaways. Don’t worry if you don’t have personal transportation to take you outside the city, as there are plenty of hiking and nature groups that organize transportation to nearby destinations every weekend. 

Montanejos, roughly one-hour from Valencia by car, is famous for crystal clear hot springs and sparkling waterfalls. Here you can explore the ruins of 13th century Arabic baths and even swim in the water of the Fuente de los Baños. According to legend, this water has special healing properties that promote eternal youthfulness and radiant beauty. Montanejos is also a great place for rafting, hiking and sunbathing. 

Other great day trips from Valencia city: 

• Peñíscola – impressive castle and peaceful beaches
• Chelva – hike to the remains of the Roman aqueduct Peña Cortada

Brush Up On Some Valenciano

That’s right – if you really want to unleash your inner Valencian, it is time to learn some Valenciano. 

The Valencian language is linguistically influenced by French, Spanish and Catalan, with more than 30% of habitants in the Valencian region speaking Valenciano natively. The language is also widely integrated into the public school system. Although Valenciano is more present in small neighborhoods, the city center has many advertisements and street signs written in Valenciano.

Here are a few phrases to get you started: 

• Bon dia  – Good morning
• Adéu – Goodbye
• Com va tot? – How’s everything going?
• Bé, i vosté? – Fine, and you? 
• Moltes gràcies – Thank you very much
• De res – You’re welcome

You’ll Need a Great Picnic Blanket

Valencia is practically overflowing with gorgeous green spaces to enjoy. Turia Park is one of the most spectacular, with more than 7 kilometers of green space for walking, running, or relaxing. On any given afternoon, you can find exercise classes, meetup groups, families, university students, and even birthday parties all bringing the park to life. 

Turia park was created from the riverbed of the old Turia River. This river previously ran through the city before it was redirected to prevent flooding. Today, many locals still refer to the park as “The River” or “El Río”, honoring its charming history. 

If you are drawn to plants and foliage, Jardín Botánico should be at the top of your list. This garden was established in 16th century as a center for botanic study and research. Now, Jardín Botánico is home to thousands of exotic species of trees and plants from five different continents. The garden is open to the public and is a splendid place to get lost amongst thriving greenery.

Get ready to fight for your life.

With the approach of August comes one of the most epic battles in the modern world. More than 20,000 people will travel to Valencia for the chance to scream, fight and participate in war-like combat. But don’t worry, this isn’t a typical “war” and you certainly won’t need any physical fighting skills. In fact, you’ll only need one thing. Tomatoes.

La Tomatina is the largest organized food fight in the world. It takes place in the small Valencian town of Buñol, where people flood the streets for the chance to hurl tomatoes at each other. The annual festival uses an estimated 150 tons of overripe or unwanted tomatoes saved especially for the occasion.

To commence the fighting, enormous trucks drive through the streets and dump tomatoes from their truckbeds. Participants then lunge into the tomato piles and start the free-for-all battle. The food fighting lasts for exactly one hour, and by the end, Buñol’s streets are deep red rivers of smashed tomato.

You might be wondering…how on earth did a food fighting festival come to be?

The History of La Tomatina

It all started in 1945, when a group of local teenagers in Buñol wanted to participate in a traditional Giants and Big Heads parade. For reasons unknown, a small dispute broke out between the youth and other parade participants. Amidst the skirmish, a nearby vegetable stand collapsed and spilled produce onto the street. The feuding parties quickly leapt for the tomatoes and broke into a full-on food fight. They teamed up and pelted each other until the local police eventually put an end to the battle.

The following year, the same group of youngsters were eager to recreate the scene. They brought tomatoes from home and picked their own fight at the parade. This second tomato fight marked history, and the townspeople of Buñol began to embrace the unusual tradition. The government responded by banning tomato fighting for several years, yet demand for the new custom prevailed. The ban was lifted in 1959 and by 1980 the government had taken charge of organizing the festivities. Now, La Tomatina brings more than 20,000 people to Buñol every year and is one of the most famous celebrations in all of Spain.

So, you want to go? Here’s a guide to La Tomatina in Buñol, Valencia

Consider bringing goggles and earplugs

• Tomatoes will be flying everywhere. Any exposed part of your body will get splashed, so if you have sensitive eyes or ears, bring a form of protection.

Wear clothes you will NEVER use again 

• There is no salvaging tomato-soaked clothes. Be prepared to part with whatever you wear, and bring a fresh change of clothes.

Bring water shoes

• We weren’t kidding when we said Buñol will become a tomato river. Your shoes will not survive the battle, so we suggest getting a cheap pair of water shoes.

Rent a locker

• It is highly recommended to rent a locker at La Tomatina. Anything you bring into the food fight will be soaked and destroyed. Leave all of your valuables, including your phone, in a locker.

Bring cash

• Cash is the only thing you will want to bring into the fight. Put it inside of a plastic bag and store it somewhere safe on your body. The whole town will be shut down aside from a few outdoor food and drink stands, so cash is essential.

Don’t forget to hydrate

• Although there will be water for sale at the festival, it can be hard to maneuver through the giant crowds. Bring your own water and stay hydrated!

La Tomatina always takes place on the last Wednesday in August, and this year’s festival will be celebrated on August 30th. There is a small 10 euro fee to enter. Buñol is an easy 1 hour train or 30 minute drive from Valencia’s city center. If you don’t want to stress about the logistics, you can sign up with a tour group that organizes transportation and item storage. 

So, will we see you and your fellow colivers at La Tomatina this year? 

On Saturday, July 8th 2023, À Punt Media featured the opening of our new coliving building in Ayora, Valencia. Community Manager Paz Lucero guided the crew through the building’s brand new common areas, which include a lounge, kitchen, gym, coworking space and rooftop terrace.

They also toured our different private studio options, exploring the amenities that come in our cozy, standard and premium studios. Our newly inaugurated colivers explained why they were drawn to Urban Campus and what they think about the coliving experience. As the first greenfield coliving project in the whole Valencian Community, we were thrilled to showcase our Ayora building and provide more insight on Urban Campus’ mission.

Summer is supposed to be a time of sweet release and relaxation, but we all know it doesn’t always look that way. Everyday stressors stay present regardless of the season, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Most of us spend the summer juggling work pressure and vacation logistics, all while trying to squeeze in as much “me-time” as possible. Then, in the blink of an eye, the sun wanes and we find ourselves at the start of fall once again. 

Despite the ever-present stressors of life, summer truly is the best time to slow down and reflect. It marks the halfway point of the calendar year, a prime time to check-in on yourself and realign your intentions. We want to encourage you to unwind this summer, even if you’re pressed for time. Here you can find our recommendations on the top 7 ways to de-stress this summer.

Travel to Natural Destinations

Travel doesn’t always have to involve complex planning and expensive tickets. Sometimes a peaceful walk or day spent at the beach is all you need to decompress. There are many easy afternoon, one day or weekend trips that you can enjoy spontaneously with friends and colivers. To de-stress, we recommend forgoing city trips and instead embracing some local nature. Fresh air and scenic views are unmatched when it comes to putting your mind at ease.

• For our Valencia colivers, check out the springwater pools and lush mountains of Montanejos. Montanejos is 45 minutes by car from Valencia city and is great for sunbathing, swimming, hiking and rafting. If you don’t have a car, the Valencia Language Exchange frequently organizes group trips via bus.
• For our Madrid colivers, try the Hayedo de Montejo. Hayedo de Montejo is an expansive forest that makes up part of the European Beech Forests, which all together are declared a UNESCO World Hertiage Site. The forest has long walking paths underneath big beech trees, and is roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes from Madrid’s city center. Be sure to make a reservation before you go.
• For our Lille colivers, we suggest the Parc Naturel de Scarpe Escaut. This natural park is a haven of greenery and walking paths. The park was shaped by the Scarpe and Escaut rivers and now has zones of wetland, forest and farming. The journey from Lille to Parc Naturel de Scarpe Escaut is one hour by train or 30 minutes by car.

Create a “Summer Vibes” Playlist

Usually it’s the little moments that have the biggest impact on your day. Sometimes all it takes is a stellar cup of coffee or listening to your favorite song to flip your mood and alleviate stress. For this reason, we suggest romanticizing your daily routines with your own summer-inspired playlist. Whether you prefer calm beats or scream-your-heart-out bangers, having a soundtrack ready-to-go makes your everyday life sweeter. Activities like working out, eating breakfast and commuting to work all feel more exciting with summer tunes in the background. We asked the Urban Campus team for some summer song recommendations to help you start your playlist. 

Favorite Summer Hits: 

• Lovely Day – Bill Withers
• Summer Days – Martin Garix (Flora, Expansion Strategy Analyst)
• New Soul – Yael Naim (Marta, Marketing Manager)
• LAS BABYS – Aitana (Simon, Product Owner) 

Wander at your local produce market

Eating fresh produce in the summer just feels right. The sunshine has a way of making plump strawberries and scoops of juicy watermelon taste extra delicious. Plus, wandering through an open-air market is sure to soothe your stress. It’s therapeutic to loose yourself amongst the many vendors of colorful produce and blossoming flowers. Also, since many fruits thrive in summer seasonality, you’ll have the chance to explore different types of produce that aren’t available in the fall or winter. Keep your eyes peeled for something different to try – you never know what new favorite food you may uncover! 

Grab your Urban Campus colivers and head to the market nearest you: 

• Valencia – Mercado Central
• Madrid – Mercado San Antón, Mercado de la Paz
• Lille – Marché de Wazemmes

Take an Email Vacation

Trust us, we know – disconnecting is hard. Email and social media have become the foundations of our everyday communication, and shutting them off can feel impossible. However, it is crucial to periodically trade-in the buzz of notifications for true peace and quiet. Even just a few hours of notification detox can leave you feeling refreshed and recalibrated. You can set application time-limits within your phone, or create automated response emails if you’re ready for a longer break. We know everything feels urgent, but this is your reminder that it isn’t. Digital boundaries are key for de-stressing and maintaining a sustainable work-life balance.

Experiment with a Creative Hobby

If you are having a hard time kicking your stress, maybe it’s time to embrace your artistic side. Creative expression is a textbook strategy for stress relief. Art slows down time and encourages more introspection and intentionality. Most of us have strolled curiously through the displays of an art museum, but have you ever participated in the creation of something artistic? Whether you feel a creative passion stirring within you or just want to have some fun with friends, we’ve got some ideas.

Make a Splash!

Ahh, water…the only true escape from the summer heat. Water is naturally comforting, and even just dipping your toes into the cool sea can help you feel less stressed. The sound of water is healing too – the crashing of waves, the current of a river, raindrops on a lake or even the soft splashes of a swimming pool. No matter where you go, taking a swim this summer is essential for your relaxation. Don’t be discouraged if you are landlocked or feel stuck in the city; there is always some type of water to be found. 

• Valencia: Patacona, Malvarrossa, or Cabanyal beach should do the trick. If you’re looking for a change of scenery, go to the end of Turia park and picnic in front of the sparkling lake. You can even rent a paddle boat! 
• Madrid: The Embalse de San Juan is known as “Madrid’s Beach.” It has over 14km of sand beach and is great for laying in the sun, swimming, or canoeing. You can go by bus, train or car – see your best transportation options here.
• Lille: Head to Dunkerque, 1 hour by train from Lille, for a classic beach day. Dunkerque is famous for Kitesurf, long beaches and big sand dunes. Here you will have plenty of space to stroll along the shore or take a dive into the refreshing water.

Be Social

Time flies when you’re in good company. Human beings are a naturally social species, yet we often neglect our need for authentic social interaction. If you’re feeling like a ball of stress, ask yourself – when is the last time I spent quality time with friends? When is the last time I met someone new? Sometimes it is best to drop everything, get out of your house and be present with other people. Grab drinks with your friends, go to a language exchange, or call up that new coworker you’ve been meaning to go out with. You’ll be amazed how a little social interaction goes a long way.

• The new project will be located on Guillem de Anglesola street, with 41 individual units.

• The building has the BREEAM “Very Good” sustainable construction certification.

Madrid, July 6, 2023.

Urban Campus Ayora, Valencia Coliving is opening its doors! This Friday, July 7, the first greenfield coliving in the city of Valencia will be operational and begin welcoming new tenants. The project was developed by the Valencian firm White Investing with additional support from by Batipart, one of the leading real estate investors in Europe. Urban Campus participated in the design and conceptualization of the building interior, and is in charge of managing it.

After 18 months of construction, the building is opening with 100% of the 41 individual units reserved. The building is located at 16 Guillem de Anglesola Street and has more than 200 m2 of common space including a gym, lounge, a rooftop terrace and coworking area.

Ayora Coliving is also BREEAM “Very Good” certified. The building was conceived with the aim of being the first environmentally sustainable new-build coliving in the Valencian Community. The BREEAM certification process is rigorous and consists of several steps. After an initial assessment, a building is evaluated in specific categories to determine an overall score for sustainability. The benchmarks of the BREEAM certification focus on the reduction of water consumption and improvement of building operational efficiency.

The opening of the Ayora coliving space strengthens Urban Campus’ leadership in Spain. Urban Campus continues to grow its residential coliving model in the Spanish market, with presence in the country’s main cities. In line with their market strategy, the new building is located in one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Valencia, where the stunning Ayora Palace stands out with its modernist design.

Casilda Mulliez, head of Real Estate and Business Development at Urban Campus, shared, “We are especially excited about this project because it is our first new-build coliving that we are launching. We have worked with the developer from the beginning in the design of the building and thus created housing perfectly suited to young professionals. We are delighted to inaugurate a coliving in Valencia, one of the largest cities in Spain with one of the best qualities of life, and in one of the most upgraded neighborhoods. We thank both Batipart and White Investing for trusting our management to develop Urban Campus Ayora”.

There is nothing quite like a delicious brunch on a fresh summer morning. Whether you prefer sweet or salty, large platters or small snacks, Valencia has something that can satisfy your cravings. The city is full of quaint brunch locations with diverse menus and vibrant atmospheres. Grab your fellow colivers and come with us to explore the best brunch spots in Valencia!

Federal Café

A stunning café with high ceilings and modern design elements, Federal Café is one of the best brunch spots in all of Valencia. They offer an array of speciality coffees, juices, smoothies, and “hot elixirs” like their unique beetroot latte. You can also order from an extensive brunch menu that includes fluffy pancakes, eggs benedict, croissants and hamburgers. If you’re feeling productive, don’t hesitate to bring your laptop along. You can use up to 1.5 hours of free, high-speed wifi in their designated work zone.

Ubik Café

Have you ever been to a book store, concert house, and brunch spot all in one? Ubik Café is located in the heart of Valencia’s Ruzafa neighborhood and offers a one-of-a-kind experience. The walls are filled with secondhand books of many languages and genres, available to peruse at your leisure. The café has mismatched tables where you can enjoy sandwiches, patatas bravas, falafel, and even poke bowls. In the afternoon, Ubik Café comes to life with different events like small music concerts, comedy nights and language exchanges. Be sure to check out their schedule and share in with other colivers in Urban Campus Ayora, Valencia Coliving. 

Almalibre

If you are a fan of açaí, Almalibre is the place for you. Almalibre is widely regarded for their spectacular version of açaí, a popular dish made with the famous Brazilian berry. At Almalibre you can build your own açaí bowl, choosing from toppings like fruits, seeds, chocolate, peanut butter and coconut shavings. You can even buy a frozen açaí mixture to take home and make yourself. If açaí isn’t your thing, there is a 100% vegan menu with all different types of foods to choose from – colorful wraps, sandwiches, quinoa bowls, and even vegan hot dogs. The interior has bright green plants and pastel furniture, making Almalibre a lovely place to enjoy a late-morning brunch.

Café de Las Horas

Prepare to enter a time capsule to the 19th century. Café de Las Horas is an eccentric café located in Valencia’s city center, only a few steps away from the Plaza de la Virgen. The café is elaborately decorated with chandeliers, red curtains, statues and old-fashioned furniture, drawing inspiration from neo-baroque design. In their own words, Café de Las Horas is a combination of “a Parisian Cafe, English Tea Room and American Cocktail Lounge”. The menu offers juices, teas, cocktails, milkshakes, cereals, and elements of the traditional Spanish breakfast like toast with tomato and jamón.

Dulce de Leche or “DDL Boutique”

DDL Boutique has two locations in Valencia, one in the city center and the other in the Ruzafa neighborhood. Both locations stand out with bright yellow chairs and black and white striped umbrellas. DDL Boutique best known for their decorative tarts, cakes, and pastries, making it the perfect place to share a special treat with someone in our coliving community. They also offer a full brunch menu of bagels, empanadas, fruit bowls and rich coffee, more suited for your everyday brunching needs. Be sure to take a look at their decorative window and admire their ever-changing collection of sweets.

Are you a young professional seeking a vibrant and dynamic city to call home? Look no further than Valencia, Spain, and more specifically, the captivating Ayora neighborhood. With its unique blend of modernity, culture, and a thriving community, Ayora has emerged as a haven for young individuals looking to make their mark in this vibrant coastal city.

Nestled in the heart of Valencia, Ayora offers an irresistible mix of cosmopolitan charm and authentic Spanish living. Here, you’ll find a range of amenities, cultural landmarks, and recreational spaces that cater to the diverse interests of young professionals. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Ayora the perfect neighborhood for those seeking a fulfilling urban lifestyle.

Prime Location and Connectivity: Ayora enjoys an enviable location, offering easy access to Valencia’s city center, beaches, and major transportation hubs. With excellent public transportation options, including Valencia Metro and Valencia Bus Lines, navigating the city is a breeze, ensuring that you’re always connected to Valencia’s vibrant pulse.

Trendy Cafés and Eateries: Ayora is a gastronomic paradise, boasting a diverse range of trendy cafés, restaurants, and bars. Whether you’re seeking a cozy spot to work remotely, a place to socialize with friends, or an opportunity to indulge in the city’s culinary delights, Ayora has it all. From “La Tapadera de Ayora” for a Spanish ambiance and delicious coffee to “Restaurante Pinnea” for traditional Mediterranean cuisine, and “Pizzeria Restaurante Al Pomodoro” for mouthwatering Italian cuisine, you’ll never run out of options to satisfy your cravings.

Green Spaces and Outdoor Recreation: Despite being situated in an urban setting, Ayora offers ample opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. The neighborhood is dotted with lush parks and green spaces, providing a breath of fresh air amidst the bustling cityscape. Take a leisurely stroll in the Turia Gardens (Jardines del Turia) or engage in outdoor activities at the nearby Ayora Garden (Jardín de Ayora) or Cabecera Park (Parque de Cabecera) , where you can go jogging, cycling, or simply relax and soak up the sun.

Cultural Gems: Immerse yourself in Valencia’s rich history and vibrant culture right in Ayora. The neighborhood is home to several museums, art galleries, and cultural centers, where you can explore contemporary art, delve into local history, or attend captivating exhibitions and performances. From the prestigious IVAM (Valencian Institute of Modern Art) to the renowned City of Arts and Sciences, Ayora offers a treasure trove of cultural experiences.

Thriving Community: Ayora’s charm lies not only in its physical attributes but also in its welcoming and inclusive community. The neighborhood attracts a diverse mix of young professionals from various backgrounds, creating a vibrant tapestry of cultures and experiences. Engage in community events, join local interest groups, or simply join our Ayora, Valencia Coliving Space to meet like-minded neighbors to foster connections and a sense of belonging.

As city experts, we at Urban Campus are passionate about promoting the best that Valencia has to offer, and Ayora is undoubtedly a gem worth exploring. Its unique blend of urban conveniences, cultural richness, and the strong sense of community that our Ayora, Valencia Coliving offers, make it an ideal destination for young professionals seeking a fulfilling and exciting lifestyle.

Make Ayora your new home and experience the dynamic energy and endless possibilities that this neighborhood and Valencia have to offer. Discover why so many young professionals are choosing Ayora as their base for success and happiness in this vibrant Spanish city.

Urban Campus is here to guide you every step of the way. Reach out to us today and let us help you find your perfect home in our Ayora, Valencia Coliving!

We are proud to announce that Urban Campus Ayora Valencia has been certified as a new BREEAM construction. This marks our second coliving to receive BREEAM certification during the design phase, with Urban Campus Mellado Madrid Coliving obtaining the first BREEAM in-use certification.

What is BREEAM and why is it important?

BREEAM, which stands for Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method, is a certification program that assesses the sustainability of buildings.
The BREEAM certification process evaluates a building’s performance in several categories: 

management, health and well-being, energy, transport, water, materials, waste, ecological land use, pollution, and innovation. The assessment is based on a set of criteria and standards that are regularly updated to reflect changes in best practices and technological advancements.

The BREEAM certification process is rigorous and involves several steps. First, a building is assessed against the BREEAM criteria and receives a score in each category. The scores are then used to determine the overall BREEAM rating of the building, which ranges from “Pass” to “Outstanding”. Buildings that receive a BREEAM rating of “Good” or above are considered sustainable and environmentally friendly.

There are several benefits to obtaining BREEAM certification. For one, it can help building owners and managers reduce their environmental impact resulting in saving money on operating costs. By improving energy efficiency, reducing water consumption, and using sustainable materials, buildings can become more efficient and cost-effective to operate.

Ayora Valencia Coliving Behind the BREEAM Certification 

Ayora Coliving has always been in mind to be the first sustainable coliving in the Valencian community, but receiving the official certification has made it a reality for our capital managers White Investing, our investors Batipart Immobilier Europe, and our team at Urban Campus as operators. 

Throughout the design phase, we prioritized building sustainability in all aspects of the project. Our collaborative effort involved several teams working together from construction to implementation to ensure that the building met our sustainability goals.

Prior to accepting new tenants into Ayora Coliving, we will be installing comprehensive technology as a method of measuring and monitoring the environmental performance of the building once operational. This is to ensure there is no overconsumption, and emissions are reduced with the help of power meters. 

We take pride in knowing that everything was thought through from the beginning of construction to ensure that Ayora Coliving met BREEAM standards. This certification not only validates our efforts but also encourages us to continue building environmentally-friendly spaces for the benefit of our occupants and the community.

Since you are preparing for your big move to Urban Campus Ayora Valencia Coliving, and want to get to know the city better, we want to introduce you to one of the most famous festivals in Valencia. We have prepared the ultimate article with everything you need to know about “Las Fallas de Valencia”!

What is “Las Fallas”?

Las Fallas de Valencia is a unique festival declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO that takes place every year in you guest it – Valencia, Spain. It is a week-long and takes place annually from March 15th to March 19th. However, the celebrations start picking up on March 1st, to help get the city in the mood and ready for what is to come. You will be able to experience spectacular fireworks displays almost daily, incredibly colorful parades, and elaborate sculptures made out of wood and paper mache.

Understanding the History

The history of Las Fallas dates back to the Middle Ages when carpenters in Valencia would burn their wooden workshops and leftover materials on the Feast Day of Saint Joseph (March 19th), the patron saint of carpenters. Over time, this tradition evolved into the creation of large-scale wooden figures that were eventually set on fire. 

The modern-day version of Las Fallas began in the mid-19th century when the city council began to organize the festival with the citizens. Today, Las Fallas is a major cultural event that attracts millions of visitors worldwide. Will you be one of them this year?

Traditions

La Cremá (The Burning)
The main tradition of Las Fallas is the creation and burning of large-scale sculptures (some as tall as 30 feet), known as “fallas”. These sculptures are made out of wood, paper mache, and other materials, and often depict satirical or humorous scenes. La Cremá will take place on March 19th, the day of San José. The beautiful pieces of art are transformed into towering infernos that light up the night sky with intense heat and light. This tradition symbolizes the wood burning as a way of celebrating the end of the dark winter working days and the arrival of spring.

Did you know that each falla takes a year to create? As soon as one is burned, artists and craftsmen come together again to work on the next year’s creation.

La Nit del Foc (The Night of Fire), is the night of the largest and longest firework display in Las Fallas de Valencia. Approximately 7187 fireworks will be launched in 20 minutes with 62 effects and colours within 27 sets. The beautiful display can be seen from the old river and over the city of Arts and Sciences and will begin in the early hours of Saturday, March 18 to March 19 (at 01:00 a.m.).

Other Traditions in Las Fallas de Valencia
There are also a number of other traditions and events that take place throughout the city. One of the most popular is the Mascleta, which from the beginning of March until the 19th will take place in Valencia’s central square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento) at 14H. It is an explosive display of firecrackers designed to simulate the sound of an earthquake. It is meant to be felt as well as heard.

On the 17th and 18th of March, you will also witness another beautiful tradition, La Ofrenda de Flores (Flower Offering). This is a very emotional part of Las Fallas, where thousands of Valencians dress in traditional clothing and offer flowers to an enormous statue of the Virgin Mary in the Plaza de la Virgin. The flowers are used to create a colorful and intricate mosaic that covers the entire statue.

Why do you need to go to Las Fallas?

During the festival, the city of Valencia becomes alive, there is a vibrant energy that runs through every street corner that you need to experience at least once in your life. So get ready to join the street dancing, feel the rhythm of the music, and marvel at the stunning artwork that surrounds you. We recommend you get to know your new coliving city better and immerse yourself in Las Fallas!