Parks of Valencia part 1

Valencia is a city packed with culture, life, energy, parties and fun like the Las Fallas festival. I've also talked about some of the stunning natural areas around Valencia, and the valleys and mountains that make this a key destination for European climbers and hiking looking for green and beautiful scenery. But you don't even need to leave the city to find really great, open green landscapes, and I wanted to show you some of my favourite parks and green spaces within the city. The second part will focus on Gulliver Park in Valencia and the biopark.

In my overview of Valencia, you can see a little about the history and geography of the first park and largest park in the city, Turia Park...

Palau de la Musica Valencia

Passeig de l'Albereda, 30, 46023 València, Valencia, Spain

Turia Park and gardens

A park created from the fertile bed of a diverted river that heavily flooded the city. This seems like an incredible and almost fantastical way to turn tragedy into triumph, but it's exactly what valencia did after the big flood in 1957. The park extends all the way from Soternes in the western part of the city, to Penya-Roja and on to the sea in the eastern section. One of the largest urban parks in Spain, Turia has 18 bridges over the park, and goes by the famous City of Arts and Sciences building as well as many of the central tourist attractions. Although it's primarily a running and cycling and walking haven, it's also the nicest way to get from one place to another in the city if you don't mind de-touring to get into the park.

Turia Park - Valencia

Turia Park, 46133, Meliana, Valencia, Spain

The park contains plenty of history and activities - bridges like the Puente del Mar in the photo above are strong historical reminders - this one from the 16th Century. Like the park, this bridge has been heavily affected by the flooding and the power of the river, and has been almost destroyed, repaired and almost destroyed again and again. The river has been at the centre of a lot of damage in this city, but now it is right at the middle of much of the joy, culture and sense of community.

Music venues and community spaces

The Palau de la Musica de Valencia is one of the most beautiful parts of the park, and this international music venue hosts year-round concerts is also a place where families and people come together. As well as the broad, interesting and very varied musical programme, there is a huge wide open area in front of the venue, and this is one of the most popular places for people to spend time together in the park. You can also come here to watch people rollerblading, listen to street musicians and the long flat paths of the garden are perfect for the segway and tandem bicycles that you will see whizzing by.

The City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

Av. del Professor López Piñero, 7, 46023 València, Valencia, Spain