The enormous Turia Park sways it’s way alongside the centre of Valencia. For years, this has been the ultimate place for locals to workout, play or relax. The Turia Park offers a lot of beautiful highlights, for example Palau de la Musica, Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and Bioparc Zoo. A visit to Valencia isn’t complete without a visit to this old riverbed.
The Turia story
The Turia Park has a very intruding but sad history. Years ago, Valencia got hit by a flood that ruined a crucial part of the city. What is called the Turia Park nowadays was a river back in 1957. The old riverbed was completely ruined. Many groups of people, including architects, were dedicated to reconstruct the old riverbed.
The municipality had the intention to turn the area into a highway throughout the centre of Valencia. It took a long time before the decision about the final result was made. After a lot of discussion in 1982, the message was clear: the grey area would be turned into a large, green and beautiful park.
The lucky one
From all over the world, successful architects could not wait to get their hands on the design of the park. The design should be innovative, eco-friendly, but most of all, interesting for the citizens. Eventually, the lucky architect Gustafson and his team got the responsibility to turn the old riverbed into a great city park. The team really made an effort to mimic the old river into unique paths. These routes are completed with palm trees, orange trees and beautiful fountains and flower bushes.
Green heart
The Turia Park is also known as ‘Valencia’s green heart’. The thought behind the Turia park design is the attention for a healthy environment. In 2007 the Turia Park was declared as a strategic environment project for bringing together environment, landscape and cultural values. The protection of the environment of this part of Turia is meant to help the natural resources that contribute to a healthy, green ambiance.
The park traverses different zones like play gardens, romantic little spots and workout areas. Even paths especially for runners are constructed. Many sportspeople, families, tourists and nature lovers spent their time here. The vibe throughout the whole park is really relaxed and you can see that the park is clean and well taken care of. It’s a nine kilometres long green oasis.
Fun fact! The total surface of the park is crowned with 18 historical bridges. These bridges connect the city centre with other areas.
Discover by bike!
It takes a bit of time to get to know the whole Turia Park. The perfect way to discover Turia is by bike. Cycle through the park along the City of Arts and Sciences all the way to the beach. Looking for comfy Dutch bikes? Rent a bike in our bike rental shop in Ruzafa! From there, you’ll be in the park in no time. Another way to discover the park, the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias and a part of the historical centre, is joining our bicycle tour. An enthusiastic local guide will show you the city in three hours!
Best spots
The Turia Park itself is already worth the visit. Looking for some spots to visit when you’re walking or cycling in the park? Check our best spots!
Flower Bridge
This incredible bridge was honoured in 2002. It’s a tribute to the city, with the message that Valencia is the city of flowers! Nowadays, it’s a loved and very much attended attraction. If you cross this bridge, you’ll be surrounded by fresh smelling and beautiful coloured flowers. Take a seat at one of the benches and watch the locals passing by.
Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias
If you visit the Turia Park, you should definitely visit the City of Arts and Sciences. These impressive buildings are designed by the famous architect Calatrava, who is born in Valencia. Take a look at the science museum, the cinema and of course the opera building Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía. According to some people, this building looks like the famous Opera House in Sydney. If you have some time, you should definitely visit the Oceanogràfic, which is partly outside. Fun fact: it’s one of the biggest aquariums of Europe!
Palau de la Música
This impressive building is located inside the Turia Park. You can recognize this music palace by the palm trees and huge fountain. The locals love to sit outside the Palau for a picnic. The building is definitely worth a visit. Several (classical) concerts take place. If you are curious about the program, check the website of Palau de la Música.
Cabacera Park
At the end of the Turia Park, you find Cabacera Park. Another green oasis that’s even a bit more tranquilo than the Turia Park itself. Go here to enjoy the pedal boats on the lake or visit Bioparc, the beautiful zoo.
Things to do
There is so much to do in this beautiful park! If you love to sport, Turia is the perfect spot for you. But also other activities take place in this lovely piece of nature. Are you with children? They will have the time of their lives while playing in this park.
Sporty
Who needs the gym, when you’ve got the incredible Turia Park? This park has got everything it takes for a good workout. Check out this article if you want to know more about running in Valencia. Besides paths for runners, there is even a running track for athletes. Besides that, you’ll find several spots where you can use fitness equipment. The park also offers football fields, basketball fields and ramps for skateboarders.
You need a moment for yourself? Participate in one of the yoga, meditation or mindfulness classes. Do you see local people balancing on a rope between two trees? This is called slack lining, a very popular sport in Valencia. There are so many options for a sporty day. Don’t hesitate, grab your sport shoes and go to the Turia! What’s better than sporting outside in the city where the sun shines 300 days a year?
You want to have a healthy exercise and at the same time get some information about the park? Join the Nightlife Run! Your guide and trainer will tell you all about the sights you see along the way. Go for it!
Group classes
Yoga and meditation groups are very common in the park. If you’re more into creativity, there are also drawing and outdoor painting classes given. Are you more into music? Join the beatbox and percussion classes! Curious to all the activities in the park? Check this overview!
For children
You might get a strange first impression of the Gulliver playground. You find this big area close to the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Can you see that this play garden is actually a human being, lying on the ground? This play garden is full of slides and stairs and is inspired by the huge Gulliver, based on the book Gulliver’s Travels. We see Gulliver right after he is overpowered by the citizens of the Lilliput village. You can find this special playground close to Palau de la Música and Pont del Regne. A perfect spot to go with children!
Location
Turia Garden
46023 Valencia
Opening hours
October until March: 10:00 – 17:30
April, May, June and September: 10:00 – 20:00
July and August: 10:00 – 13:30 and 17:30 – 21:00
Festivals and ferias
With its nine kilometres the Turia Park is the perfect place for events. Valencians know how to celebrate life and how to enjoy art and culture and therefore they organise events on a regular basis in the park. In the summer you can enjoy the Open Air Cinema near Palau de la Música. Sit back, relax and watch one of the Spanish or English movies.
During Feria de Julio there is a small fun fair for kids (and parents of course!). And what to think about Feria de Andalucía, where you can have a little taste of the life in Andalusia, the southern part of Spain? Be prepared for some beautiful flamenco shows and a lot of casetas (little tents) where you can have a drink! Furthermore the Turia Park is the perfect location for food truck festivals and wine tastings.
Having drinks
Are you longing for a cold beer or a good coffee after your walk through the park? There are several bars in the Turia Park. Every evening the open-air bar next to the science museum opens. Having drinks with a great view over the Ciudad de Las Artes y las Ciencias. One of our favourites! Having drinks in the Cabecera park? Go to Deleita Cafetaria and enjoy your beer or café con leche while watching the pedal boats on the lake.
The hidden café Jardines del Palau is, obviously, located next to the Palau de la Música. Enjoy your drink while siting in this beautiful garden. Also a good spot if you are looking for some shadow on the hot summer days. Outside the Turia Park you can find Convent Carmen: an old monastery with a big garden, food trucks and several small bars. A cool hipster vibe in an ancient building!
More green
Turia may be the biggest and most impressive city park of Valencia; it’s definitely not the only one. There are a lot of parks and gardens. If you are a nature lover and you are looking for more quietness in this vivid city, go to Jardines de Viveros and Jardin de Monforte. These parks are smaller, and definitely worth a visit. Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of students walking around: both parks are close to the university area. On regular basis events, like food festivals and concerts, take place in Jardines de Viveros. Check our calendar to see if there are some nice events when you are in Valencia!
