Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Paterna (Paterna (Provincia de Valencia)) is a municipality in Provincia de Valencia, Valencian Community (coordinates 39.5323°N, -0.4732°E; population 67,356). Visitors use Paterna as a base to explore Valencian Community's historic town centers, regional markets, and culinary specialties such as Authentic Paella Valenciana, Arroz a banda & Fideuà, Horchata de chufa with fartons.
Within Valencian Community Region (Provincia de Valencia region), Paterna (Paterna (Provincia de Valencia)) serves as a municipio (municipality) in valencian community region. Travelers exploring Valencian Community often combine a stop in Paterna with regional highlights such as Valencia City of Arts and Sciences & Turia Gardens, Valencia Central Market & La Lonja de la Seda, Alicante Santa Bárbara Castle & Costa Blanca, Albufera Natural Park & Peñíscola.
| Fact | Details for Paterna (Paterna (Provincia de Valencia)) |
|---|---|
| Spain Name | Paterna (Provincia de Valencia) (Paterna) |
| Administrative Status | Municipio (Municipality) in Valencian Community Region |
| Region & Capital | Valencian Community Region (Capital: Valencia) |
| Region of Spain | Provincia de Valencia |
| Population | 67,356 residents |
| Total Area / Density | Regional km² · Urban/Town people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | Official Municipality |
| Coordinates | 39.5323°N, -0.4732°E |
Getting to Paterna & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Valencia Central Station (Renfe AVE, Iryo & Ouigo High-Speed Rail)): AVE / Ouigo / Iryo high-speed trains from Madrid to Valencia (1h50) and Alicante (2h15); Valencia (VLC) & Alicante (ALC) airports.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Valencian Community Region, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Valencia with Paterna. Nationwide IC cards (Transit Card, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep €1,000 bills and €100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Valencian Community have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Paterna en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Paterna are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Renfe AVE, Iryo & Ouigo High-Speed Rail station or airport in Valencian Community can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Spain Guide.
What to Eat in Paterna & Valencian Community
Paterna shares the culinary traditions of Valencian Community Region and the wider Provincia de Valencia region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Authentic Paella Valenciana — a signature specialty across Valencian Community Region.
- Arroz a banda & Fideuà — a signature specialty across Valencian Community Region.
- Horchata de chufa with fartons — a signature specialty across Valencian Community Region.
- Turrón de Jijona — a signature specialty across Valencian Community Region.
- Valencian oranges — a signature specialty across Valencian Community Region.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Spain Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Spain dietary explanations at restaurants in Paterna.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Best time to visit Valencian Community: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov.
Regional highlights across Valencian Community Region that pair well with a visit to Paterna include: Valencia City of Arts and Sciences & Turia Gardens, Valencia Central Market & La Lonja de la Seda, Alicante Santa Bárbara Castle & Costa Blanca, Albufera Natural Park & Peñíscola.
Practical Travel Tips for Paterna
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Paterna (or at Valencia Central Station (Renfe AVE, Iryo & Ouigo High-Speed Rail)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Paterna accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Spain Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Paterna (Paterna (Provincia de Valencia)) located in Spain?
Paterna (Paterna (Provincia de Valencia)) is a municipio (municipality) located in Valencian Community Region in the Provincia de Valencia region of Spain (coordinates: 39.5323°N, -0.4732°E). It has a population of approximately 67,356 across an area of Regional km².
How do I get to Paterna by train?
Most visitors reach Paterna via the main prefectural gateway of Valencia Central Station (Renfe AVE, Iryo & Ouigo High-Speed Rail). AVE / Ouigo / Iryo high-speed trains from Madrid to Valencia (1h50) and Alicante (2h15); Valencia (VLC) & Alicante (ALC) airports. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Paterna. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Renfe AVE, Iryo & Ouigo High-Speed Rail Fare Calculator.
What local food is Paterna and Valencian Community known for?
In Paterna and across Valencian Community Region, top local dishes include Authentic Paella Valenciana, Arroz a banda & Fideuà, Horchata de chufa with fartons, as well as Turrón de Jijona and Valencian oranges. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Paterna?
Best time to visit Valencian Community: Mar–Jun, Sep–Nov. Check our Spain Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: