Valencia turned a river into a park. After a devastating flood in 1957, the Turia river was diverted south of the city. Instead of building a motorway in the empty riverbed, Valencians fought for a park – and today the Jardín del Turia is a green ribbon of about 9 kilometres curving around the old town.
What to find along the way
- Paths for walking, running and cycling, under palm trees, pines and orange trees.
- The old stone bridges of the city, some of them centuries old, crossing over your head.
- The Gulliver park, a giant figure lying on the ground that children climb and slide down – one of the most famous playgrounds in Spain.
- At the eastern end, the City of Arts and Sciences; at the western end, close to the Bioparc zoo.
How to visit
- By bike: hire one in the centre and ride the whole park in about an hour.
- On foot: walk from the Torres de Serranos to the City of Arts and Sciences in about 45 minutes.
Tips
- Go early or late in summer: shade is patchy in places.
- Pack a picnic: there are plenty of lawns and benches.
- Sunday mornings are lively with families, runners and cyclists.
