Turia Gardens
Europe's largest urban park — 9km of green in Valencia's old riverbed
Last updated: 2026-06-20
The Turia Gardens is Valencia's masterpiece of urban planning. After a catastrophic flood in 1957, the River Turia was diverted south and the old riverbed was transformed into a 9-kilometre serpentine park that cuts through the entire city. Today it's one of Europe's largest urban green spaces — and it's completely free.
The park runs from the Bioparc zoo in the west to the City of Arts and Sciences in the east, passing under 18 historic bridges along the way. It contains football pitches, running paths, cycling lanes, botanical gardens, playgrounds (including the famous Gulliver playground), cafés, and thousands of orange and palm trees. Whether you're jogging, cycling, pushing a stroller, or just sitting under a tree with a book, the Turia is where Valencia relaxes.
For visitors, the Turia is the city's connective tissue — use it instead of the metro. Walking or cycling from the old town to the beach, or from Ruzafa to Benimaclet, is faster and infinitely more pleasant through the park than on the streets above. It's flat, shaded, and car-free.
Things to See & Do
Gulliver Playground
A massive sculpture of Gulliver lying on the ground, 70 metres long, covered in slides, ramps, steps, and climbing surfaces. Kids (and adults) scramble all over this Lilliputian-scale playground. It's one of Valencia's most iconic experiences.
💡 Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid summer heat and crowds. It's fully free and there are no age restrictions — adults are welcome to climb too.
Bioparc Valencia
A modern, barrier-free zoo at the western end of the Turia. Animals are grouped by African ecosystem (savannah, equatorial forest, Madagascar, wetlands) rather than species. The gorilla and elephant enclosures are outstanding.
💡 Buy tickets online to save time. The feeding schedules (check at entrance) add a lot to the experience. Allow 3-4 hours.
Cycling the Full 9km
The entire park has a dedicated bike lane running end to end. From Bioparc to the City of Arts takes about 40 minutes at a leisurely pace — one of the best urban cycling experiences in Europe. Flat, shaded, and completely car-free.
💡 Use Valenbisi (bike share) stations — there are dozens along the park. Or rent a better bike from a local shop for a half-day.
Palau de la Música
Valencia's main concert venue sits in the middle of the park surrounded by a lake and gardens. Even without a concert, the grounds are beautiful for a stroll. In summer, there are free outdoor performances.
💡 Check their website for free summer concerts — they're a lovely evening out in the park.
Jardí Botànic
The university's botanical garden, technically just outside the Turia but connected to its western section. Over 3,000 plant species, an orchid greenhouse, and a remarkably peaceful atmosphere. One of the oldest in Europe (founded 1567).
💡 Costs €2.50. The cactus collection and tropical greenhouse are the highlights. It's a perfect cool escape on hot summer days.
Getting There
You don't really 'go to' the Turia Gardens — you're always near them. The park runs through the entire city and has dozens of access points via staircases and ramps from the bridges above.
Accessible from virtually anywhere in central Valencia. Staircases and ramps descend from every bridge.
Alameda (L3/L5) exits directly into the park. Àngel Guimerà is also close.
Valenbisi stations are at many entry points. The park itself is the bike route.
Best Time to Visit
The Turia is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn are perfect. Summer is hot — go early morning or late afternoon.
spring
Ideal — orange blossoms everywhere, comfortable temperatures, everything in bloom.
summer
Hot (35°C+). Go before 10am or after 7pm. Shade from the trees helps, but midday is brutal.
autumn
Beautiful — warm, golden light, the oranges are ripening on the trees. Perfect cycling weather.
winter
Mild (10-16°C). Less greenery but pleasant for jogging and walking. Park is quiet and peaceful.
Accessibility
The Turia Gardens is one of the most accessible green spaces in any European city. The park is entirely flat (it's a riverbed), paths are wide and paved, and ramp access is available from most bridge entry points.
♿ Excellent. The main paths are smooth, flat, and wide enough for any wheelchair. Most bridge crossings have ramp access (a few older bridges are stairs only — check the western end). The Gulliver playground has accessible sections.
👶 Perfect for strollers of any size. Flat, smooth paths, shaded sections, multiple playgrounds, and café stops along the way. This is Valencia's best family walk.
🚇 Metro Alameda exits at park level. Multiple bus stops along the bridges above have ramp access down.
What to Bring
✅ Bring
- Water bottle (essential in summer)
- Sun cream
- Comfortable shoes or running kit
- Picnic blanket
❌ Don't Bring
- Heavy bags — you'll be walking/cycling distances
🏷️ Rent Instead
- Bike for the full park experience
- Stroller for families with young children
- Running watch/tracker for the jogging paths
Where to Eat & Drink
Several cafés and kiosks are scattered along the park. The areas near Pont de Fusta and around the Palau de la Música have the most options.
La Pérgola (Palau area)
€💡 The most popular park café. Good for coffee and a sandwich mid-walk. Terrace seating overlooking the lake.
👶 Family-friendlyKiosco near Gulliver
€💡 Basic drinks and ice creams — exactly what you need after the kids have been climbing Gulliver for an hour.
👶 Family-friendlyPont de Fusta area
€€💡 Climb up to street level at Pont de Fusta bridge for a cluster of restaurants and a Mercadona supermarket for picnic supplies.
👶 Family-friendly🍷 Local tip: Pack a picnic with supplies from Mercado Central or Mercadona — eating under the orange trees in the Turia is a quintessential Valencia experience.
Visiting Turia Gardens
The full 9km is a half-day by bike or a full day on foot. Most visitors pick a section — the eastern end (City of Arts to Gulliver) is the most popular.
- •The eastern section (Gulliver → City of Arts) is the most popular and scenic. Start here if time is limited.
- •Rent a bike and cycle the full 9km — it's flat, shaded, and one of the best urban rides in Europe.
- •Pack water and sun cream in summer. The park has trees for shade but midday sun is intense.
- •Use the park as your daily commute — walking through the Turia is faster and nicer than taking the street above.
Tips by Traveller Type
families
- •Gulliver playground is the headline, but there are 6+ smaller playgrounds scattered throughout the park.
- •The Bioparc (western end) is excellent for kids — the barrier-free design means animals feel very close.
- •Bring a picnic — the grassy areas near Gulliver are perfect for spreading a blanket.
digital nomads
- •Morning jog in the Turia, then work at a café above — this is the Valencia digital nomad lifestyle.
- •The Pont de Fusta area has good cafés with Wi-Fi just above the park.
- •The park's eastern end is near Ruzafa — combine a park run with a Ruzafa brunch.
elderly
- •The flat paths make this ideal for gentle walks. The section near the Palau de la Música has benches and shade.
- •Mobility scooters work well on the main paths — they're wide, flat, and smooth.
- •The botanical garden (Jardí Botànic) is a peaceful, slow-paced alternative to the main park.
Practical Tips
- 1The park is below street level (it's a riverbed), so you need to descend via stairs or ramps from the bridges. Most bridges have both.
- 2Don't pick the oranges — they're bitter Seville oranges used for marmalade, not eating. You will regret it.
- 3Cycling lanes and pedestrian paths are separated — stay in the right lane. Cyclists move fast.
- 4The park is safe day and night, though the western end is quieter and less lit after dark.
- 5Public toilets are near the Gulliver playground and at some café kiosks. They're not abundant — plan ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long are the Turia Gardens?
9 kilometres (5.6 miles) from Bioparc in the west to the City of Arts and Sciences in the east. Cycling takes about 40 minutes end to end; walking takes 2-3 hours at a leisurely pace.
Is the Turia park free?
Yes, completely free, open 24 hours, 365 days a year. Individual attractions within or beside it (Bioparc, Botanical Garden) have their own admission fees.
Can you cycle in Turia Gardens?
Yes — there are dedicated cycling lanes running the full length. Use Valenbisi (city bike share, €2/day) or rent from a local shop. It's flat and car-free.
Is the Gulliver playground free?
Yes, completely free. Open daily from approximately 10am-8pm (hours vary seasonally). No age restrictions — adults can climb too. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.