Valencia is blessed with the largest urban park in the whole of Spain, and we’ve already highlighted thousands of things to do in the city in our guide to exploring Valencia, which we put together a few weeks ago. What was once a riverbed decades ago is now a vast nine-kilometre-long green corridor that runs through the city from one end to the other. Following the tragic flood of 1957, it was decided to divert the river’s course to protect the city’s residents, gifting Valencia a 110-hectare space that has become the epicentre of outdoor life.
Walking, cycling or simply relaxing in this oasis is a must, but doing so whilst lugging around heavy suitcases or rucksacks is exhausting. To get around with complete freedom, the smartest thing to do is to leave your luggage in safe hands. Lock Here Now has two luggage storage facilities in Valencia, perfect for starting your route: one at 36 Bailèn Street (in the Extramurs neighbourhood) and another at 28 Linterna Street (in the heart of Ciutat Vella).
A walk full of contrasts
The layout of this vast garden is not uniform. As you walk through it, the landscape changes completely, shifting from lush woodlands to geometric designs and avant-garde architecture.
The wild side: Cabecera Park and the first sections
The tour begins at the western end, in the Parque de Cabecera. This area is dominated by a large lake where you can go rowing in small boats, and extensive meadows that are ideal for a picnic. Right here is the entrance to the famous Bioparc, a space that faithfully recreates the African savannah.
As you venture into the first few kilometres of the park, the design uses water as a central theme, evoking the area’s riverine past. Shortly afterwards, the landscape transforms into a genuine urban forest. Far from traditional symmetry, this area immerses you in winding paths, artificial hills and typical Mediterranean vegetation, with Aleppo pines, olive trees and carob trees that make you forget you are in the centre of a major city.
The weight of history and art
As you approach the centre of Valencia, the garden becomes a green oasis surrounded by historic heritage.
The park is criss-crossed by 18 bridges dating from different periods. You’ll pass beneath 15th-century Gothic structures, such as the Puente de la Trinidad, or 16th-century constructions like the Puente del Real and the Puente de los Serranos. Right next to the latter stand the imposing Torres de Serranos, one of the ancient gates in the medieval wall that protected Valencia. Climbing them is one of the best ways to get a panoramic view of the whole park.
In this same central area, on the banks of the old river, stands the Museum of Bellas Artes. Its majestic 17th-century building houses works by Goya, Velázquez and a spectacular collection by Joaquín Sorolla. It is a first-class cultural stop and, what’s more, free of charge.
If you continue eastwards, the layout of the garden becomes much more symmetrical and orderly.
Valencia Music Palace
This stretch is dominated by the Palau de la Música, a large glass-fronted building surrounded by ponds and fountains which, at certain times of the day, put on choreographed displays of water and light. Its open esplanades are a favourite meeting point for skaters and street dancers.
The sleeping giant: Gulliver Park
Just a few metres away lies one of the city’s most original attractions: Gulliver Park. It features a monumental 70-metre figure representing the famous character from Jonathan Swift’s tale, tied to the ground by the Lilliputians. His clothes and body are in fact a network of giant slides and ramps that both children and adults can enjoy.
- A practical tip: If you plan to go down the slides, it’s highly advisable to wear long trousers to avoid chafing. The park is free, but capacity is controlled and opening hours vary depending on the season (continuous in spring and autumn, with a midday closure during the hottest summer months).
The future at the river mouth
The final stretch of the park leads to the spectacular City of Arts and Sciences. The contrast is striking. Here, greenery blends seamlessly with the futuristic architecture of Santiago Calatrava. Buildings such as the Palau de les Arts, the Science Museum and the Hemisfèric appear to float on vast pools of crystal-clear water. The walk culminates near the Oceanogràfic, completing a route that takes you from the African landscapes of the Bioparc to the depths of the sea.
Much more than just a stroll through Valencia
This green space is not just for walking; it is the main open-air sports hub for the people of Valencia.
Along the route, you’ll find a running circuit clearly marked every 100 metres. In addition, the park features dedicated cycle lanes, skating areas, calisthenics zones, and pitches for football, rugby and baseball, as well as even giant chess boards.
And if you’re simply looking to unwind, the landscape design invites relaxation. Towering palm trees, lush ficus, jacarandas that carpet the ground in lilac in spring, and symmetrical rose gardens provide shade and peaceful corners where you can read a book or take a break from the Mediterranean sun.
Discover the green heart of Valencia at your own pace
Exploring the old riverbed is to understand the essence of Valencia: a city that managed to turn a natural disaster into its greatest urban treasure. Whether you want to exercise, soak up history in its riverside museums, or simply lie back on the grass and enjoy the fine weather, this park has something for everyone.
