Akuarela Valencia: Is This Beach Club Worth Visiting? [Review]

Dr. Leta Bartoletti 14 May 2025

Does Valencia have a nightlife that lives up to its sun-drenched days? The answer, unequivocally, is yes, and a prime example is Akuarela Playa. But beyond the pulsating beats and sea views, a shadow of controversy sometimes lingers.

Akuarela, a beach club in Valencia, has garnered a mixed reputation, reflected in its 2.6 out of 5 rating on Restaurant Guru based on 174 visitor reviews and 49 photos. While many celebrate its location, music, and ambiance, others have voiced concerns. The club, open from Thursday to Saturday at Carrer d’Eugènia Viñes, 152, offers a blend of live music, DJs, cocktails, and sea views, aiming to be the best beach club for families, akin to Mykonos beach clubs. However, some reviews highlight potential issues, such as entry costs, cleanliness, and alleged discriminatory practices.

One particularly troubling account alleges that a staff member, identified by the head of security, humiliated, threatened, and denied entry to a woman's daughter, purportedly due to her being perceived as Roma and from Burjassot. The mother emphasized that her daughter has never faced such discrimination before, questioning the club's right to deny her entry based on prejudice. This incident casts a dark shadow on the club's image, raising questions about its commitment to inclusivity and respect.

Beyond this serious allegation, practical details also shape the Akuarela experience. Entry costs €12 with a guest list and a drink after 2 AM, but without a list, it's €16. Discounts may be available through the Grupo Salamandra app. Reviews mention that while the terraces are reasonably attractive, drinks cost around €10 each. Some visitors have noted that the restrooms are not well-maintained and that the floors can be covered in broken glass. However, others claim the cleanliness is better compared to other nightclubs. The music is generally considered enjoyable, adding to the overall atmosphere.

Akuarela's prime location next to the beach adds to its appeal, offering a terrace with sea views described as "the most fun in Valencia." It aims to be the most popular nightclub after a day at the beach, open year-round on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with special events on other nights. The club's ambiance evokes the sea, sand, shore, waves, sea breeze, salt, and blue sky, harking back to the 1918 Balneario Termas Victoria, which advertised "natural" and "hot waters." From the VIP area, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the sunrise.

However, Akuarela Playa is not a typical beach club for sunbathing. It primarily operates at night, featuring three rooms with diverse music genres and DJs. Its operating hours are from Wednesday to Saturday, catering to tourists and locals seeking nightlife experiences. Online platforms offer guest list and VIP table bookings through various promoters. The club is part of Grupo Salamandra, which manages other venues like Umbracle, Moon, Mya, Le Premier, Jerusalem, High Cube, and Upperclub, offering a range of services for events and leisure activities. The building itself is considered an architectural gem, maintaining its original essence 101 years after its construction, evolving from thermal baths to a nightclub.

The surrounding neighborhood is known for its fisherman's houses adorned with colorful ceramic tiles, reflecting its maritime heritage. Akuarela's location on Malvarrosa beach, on the site of ancient thermal baths, adds to its historical significance. The club is often described as one of the most famous beachfront nightclubs in the city, boasting one of Valencia's most emblematic terraces on the Malvarrosa promenade with sea views. It holds a legendary status in Valencia's clubbing scene, originating from the Movida Madrileña. While some find it enjoyable, its mixed reviews and allegations of discrimination warrant consideration before visiting.

To truly understand the essence of Akuarela, one must delve deeper into the experiences of its patrons and the forces shaping its identity within Valencia's vibrant nightlife landscape.