Turia Gardens

Imagine a river is diverted and its old bed becomes Spain's largest urban park – that's exactly what the Turia Gardens are! Over 9 kilometers, this green lung winds through the heart of Valencia, from Bioparc in the west to the City of Arts and Sciences in the east.

The story behind it is fascinating: in 1957, the Turia River overflowed after heavy rains and flooded large parts of the city – a catastrophe! Afterwards, they decided to divert the river. And what do you do with a 9 km long, empty riverbed in the middle of the city? Exactly – create a gigantic park!

Today, the Turia Gardens are the green heart of the city. Here locals jog in the morning, families picnic on weekends, children play on the many playgrounds, and everywhere you see cyclists on the wide paths. The park is divided into different sections, each with its own character: from Mediterranean gardens to sports facilities to shady pine forests.

Especially cool: The historic bridges that once spanned the river are still there – now they cross over the park. Each has its own style, from medieval to modern. The Puente de las Flores bridge is particularly Instagram-worthy!

You can rent a bike and explore the entire park, or just let your soul dangle in a shady spot. In summer, there are open-air cinemas and concerts. And the best part? The park is completely car-free – pure relaxation in the middle of the city!