Thing to do
Mercado Central de Valencia
Valencia's Modernista food market, completed in 1928 opposite La Lonja, where hundreds of stalls sell fish, meat, fruit, vegetables and local specialities.
Turia Garden
A nine-kilometre park laid out in the old bed of the Turia river after the 1957 flood, linking Bioparc, the old town and the City of Arts and Sciences.
At a glance
- Type
- Urban park
- Area
- Former Turia riverbed (citywide), Valencia, Spain
Good to know
- Free
- Cycle paths
- Running track
- Playgrounds
- Sports facilities
Why we recommend it
The Turia Garden (Jardí del Túria) is the green spine of Valencia and one of the largest urban parks in Spain. It follows the old course of the Turia river, which once flowed right past the old town. After the great flood of 1957, which killed at least 81 people, the river was diverted south of the city under the Plan Sur. The dry riverbed was earmarked for a motorway, but residents campaigned for a park instead, and the garden was created from 1986 onwards.
Today it stretches for around nine kilometres and covers about 136 hectares, curving around the northern and eastern edges of the old town. Different teams designed different sections, so the character changes as you go. Ricardo Bofill designed the part near the Palau de la Música, with orange trees, palms and pools, while other stretches have pine woods, sports grounds, football pitches and fountains. More than 30 bridges cross the park, from the Pont del Mar of 1591 to modern designs by Santiago Calatrava, including the Pont de l'Exposició and the Pont de l'Assut de l'Or.
The best way to experience the Turia is on two wheels. A cycle path runs the whole length, and a bike from one of the city's rental shops or the public bike scheme makes it easy to ride from Bioparc in the west to the City of Arts and Sciences in the east in well under an hour. Runners use a dedicated track, and the park is busy with joggers, families and dog walkers early in the morning and in the evening. On foot, a walk from the Torres de Serranos to the City of Arts and Sciences takes about 40 minutes.
Families should not miss Gulliver Park, near the Palau de la Música, where a huge figure of Gulliver lying on the ground has been turned into a play structure of slides and ramps for children to climb. Elsewhere there are playgrounds, cafés and plenty of shade. The park is free and open to everyone.
Because the garden passes so many sights, it works well as a link between them. The Museum of Fine Arts and the Jardines del Real lie on its north bank, the Torres de Serranos on its south side, and the Palau de la Música and the City of Arts and Sciences at its eastern end. In summer, avoid the open stretches in the midday heat and carry water.
Turia Garden FAQs
Why is there a park in the riverbed?
After the 1957 flood the Turia was diverted south of the city, and residents campaigned for the old riverbed to become a park.
How long is the Turia Garden?
Around nine kilometres, covering about 136 hectares.
Is it free?
Yes, the garden is a free public park.
Can you cycle through it?
Yes, a cycle path runs along its full length, and bikes can be rented in the city.
What is Gulliver Park?
A playground shaped like the giant Gulliver lying on the ground, with slides and ramps for children.
How long does it take to walk the whole park?
Allow two to three hours at a steady pace; cycling the length takes under an hour.
Which sights are along the way?
Bioparc, the Torres de Serranos, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Palau de la Música and the City of Arts and Sciences.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or evening, especially in summer when midday heat is strong.