Jardin del Turia, Valencia

Gardens, Park and Walk in Valencia

Jardin del Turia
Jardin del Turia
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Enric

Jardin del Turia is Valencia's signature urban park: a long, landscaped green corridor created in the former Turia riverbed and running right through the city. Instead of being a single “park gate” destination, it's more like a scenic backbone for Valencia—linking neighborhoods, bridges, gardens, sports areas, and cultural landmarks along the way.

It's ideal to experience on a walking tour (or a self-guided stroll) by choosing a section and letting the park lead you between highlights—especially the stretch from the historic center toward the City of Arts and Sciences, where you'll pass fountains, orange and palm trees, and plenty of shaded spots to pause.

History and Significance of the Jardin del Turia

Jardin del Turia exists because Valencia made a bold urban choice: after devastating floods in the 20th century, the river was diverted away from the city, leaving a wide, empty riverbed behind. What could have become a highway corridor instead evolved—through planning and public pressure—into a major public green space.

Over time, the former river channel was transformed into a sequence of landscaped “tramos” (sections), each with its own character: formal gardens, sports zones, playgrounds, and cultural venues. Today, it’s not just a park but a defining piece of Valencia’s identity—an everyday place for locals to run, cycle, picnic, and cross the city away from traffic.

That significance is also practical: the park functions as a calm, mostly flat route that makes Valencia feel more walkable and bike-friendly, while adding a cooling, tree-filled buffer during warmer months.

Things to See and Do in the Jardin del Turia

The best way to enjoy Jardin del Turia is to treat it like a choose-your-own-adventure route. Walk or cycle a stretch that fits your day: many visitors love using it as the scenic connection between central Valencia and the City of Arts and Sciences, with frequent benches, lawns, and viewpoints under the bridges.

Along the way you’ll find a mix of nature and city life: palm-lined paths, orange trees, ponds with ducks, fountains, and pockets of surprisingly old, shady trees. Keep an eye out for urban wildlife too—many travelers mention spotting colorful birds while wandering.

If you're traveling with kids (or just want something playful), plan time for the famous Gulliver playground area, and look for the many small play zones scattered through the park. For active travelers, the dedicated cycle lanes and running-friendly paths make it one of the easiest places in Valencia to move at your own pace.

How to Get to the Jardin del Turia

Valencia Airport (VLC) is the closest airport for most travelers, with Alicante–Elche Airport (ALC) a common alternative if you're combining destinations on Spain's east coast. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Valencia on Booking.com.

If you’re arriving by rail, Valencia’s main stations (Estació del Nord and Joaquín Sorolla) put you within an easy taxi, bus, or metro ride of multiple access points to the park. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By car, you generally won’t “drive to the park” so much as park near the section you want to explore, then continue on foot or by bike once you’re inside the gardens. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Jardin del Turia

  • Entrance fee: Free.
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours.
  • Best time to visit: Go early morning for runners and soft light, or late afternoon for a cooler walk and a lively local atmosphere.
  • How long to spend: For a taste, plan 60–90 minutes; for a fuller experience (with stops), 3–5 hours works well.
  • Accessibility: Many entrances use ramps and the main routes are largely flat, but surfaces and access points vary by section.
  • Facilities: You’ll find cafés in and around certain areas, plus restrooms at key points and plenty of benches and shaded rest spots.

Where to Stay Close to the Jardin del Turia

If you want the easiest, most flexible visit, base yourself in central Valencia near the historic center and the park's mid-sections so you can walk to both old-town sights and longer Turia stretches.

The Westin Valencia A polished, classic option near the park that’s great if you want a calm, upscale stay with quick access to walking paths and an easy route toward the City of Arts and Sciences.

SH Valencia Palace A strong pick for travelers who want to be close to the Palau de la Música area and enjoy a comfortable, full-service hotel feel near a prime Turia section.

Caro Hotel A boutique stay in the historic center that’s ideal if you want design-forward rooms and the ability to dip into the park for a morning stroll, then return to old-town dining.

Vincci Lys A convenient, well-located choice for transport and sightseeing, with straightforward access to the park and an easy base for walking-heavy itineraries.

Hotel Dimar A practical mid-range option near the Eixample area that balances comfort, good city access, and quick entry points into the Turia gardens.

Is the Jardin del Turia Worth Visiting?

Yes—Jardin del Turia is one of Valencia's best “do it like a local” experiences, and it's worth visiting even if you only have a short stay. It's beautiful, relaxing, and genuinely useful for getting around, and it shows off a greener, more spacious side of the city than you'd expect.

Honest Pivot: If you’re short on time and only care about major monuments or museums, you might prefer to focus on the Cathedral area or the City of Arts and Sciences and simply pass through a small Turia section as a connector rather than making it a main event.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (43,817)

Google reviewers rate Jardin del Turia very highly overall, describing it as one of Valencia's standout experiences. Common highlights include the sheer length of the park through the old riverbed, lush greenery even outside peak season, and excellent cycling and walking paths that make it easy to explore for hours. Visitors also mention relaxing local vibes (shade breaks and siesta energy) and small surprises like ponds, fountains, and urban wildlife. The main drawbacks are that some areas can feel busy—especially the bike lanes—and the park's size can be tiring if you don't plan your route and stops.

Aleksander Gurskiy
2 months ago
"If I say this is one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration at all. Even off-season (in March), the park looksincredibly green thanks to the palm trees — and of course, the orange trees.🍊🌴 The park is located in the former riverbed and stretches across the entire city. It’s a perfect place to escape the urban hustle and truly relax..."
Thomas Ball (Tom)
4 weeks ago
"Massive, beautiful park that goes for miles through the heart of Valencia in the old riverbed. The cycle lanes are fantastic and really busy. It'snice to see everyone taking a siesta in the shade under the trees...."
Manuel Rathmayr
a month ago
"Great concept, great park. Nice to stroll around nearly for half a day. Take your time and walk from the city center to the city of arts and sciencethrough the park or go by bicycle - you won't regret it...."

For Different Travelers

Jardin del Turia works for almost every travel style because it's flexible: you can do a quick scenic walk, a long bike ride, or a picnic-style afternoon. The key is choosing the right section for your interests—playgrounds, gardens, sports paths, or the route toward Valencia's modern architecture.

Families with Kids

Families will love how easy it is to burn off energy here: there are multiple playgrounds, wide paths for strollers, and plenty of open space for breaks. It’s also a low-stress outing because you can enter and exit at many points, rather than committing to one fixed loop.

Plan your visit around one “anchor” stop—like a big playground area—then add a short walk to a pond or fountain so kids get variety without feeling like it’s a long march.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

For couples, the park is perfect for a slow, unstructured Valencia moment: a shaded walk, a coffee stop, and a sunset-leaning stroll toward the City of Arts and Sciences. The bridges, palms, and long perspectives through the old riverbed can feel surprisingly cinematic.

If you want a more romantic pace, choose a greener, quieter section and bring a small picnic or plan a café stop nearby, then wander without a strict route.

Budget Travelers

Budget travelers get maximum value here because it’s a top-tier attraction that doesn’t require tickets. It’s also a smart way to reduce transport costs: walking or cycling through the Turia can replace multiple short taxi rides.

Bring water and snacks, then use the park as your main “between sights” route—especially if you’re moving between the center and the City of Arts and Sciences.

FAQs for Visiting Jardin del Turia

Getting There

Popular starting points are near the historic center bridges or around the Palau de la Música area. If you’re heading to the City of Arts and Sciences, enter from a nearby ramp and walk back toward the center for a scenic one-way route.
Yes, cycling is one of the best ways to cover longer distances in the Turia gardens. Expect busy lanes at peak times, so ride predictably and slow down near crossings and playground zones.
Very—many visitors use the park as the most pleasant route between central Valencia and the modern complex. It’s a straightforward, mostly flat connection that feels much calmer than street-level traffic.

Tickets & Entry

No, it’s a public park and you can enter freely. Costs only come up if you choose paid activities nearby (like certain attractions or rentals).
Most of the park is open-access, but some nearby attractions along the route may charge admission. If something looks gated or staffed, check signage before entering.
Many walking and bike tours include a section of the Turia as part of a broader Valencia itinerary. It’s often used as a scenic corridor rather than a single-stop tour location.

Visiting Experience

Pick one section and enjoy it slowly rather than trying to “complete” the whole park. A great short plan is a walk from near the center toward the City of Arts and Sciences, then stop when you’re ready.
It’s both: some sections feel like formal gardens, while others are more like open lawns and sports areas. The variety is part of the appeal, so don’t worry if one stretch feels different from another.
Certain paths can get busy, especially on weekends and around popular playgrounds. If you want quieter vibes, go early or choose less central sections.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Enter near the historic center, stroll under a few bridges, then continue toward the Palau de la Música and onward if you have time. Finish near the City of Arts and Sciences for a dramatic modern contrast.
Yes if you want to cover more ground and learn how the park fits into Valencia’s history and layout. It’s also a good option in warmer weather when you’d rather ride than walk long distances.
Yes—the park touches many districts, so you can hop out for markets, museums, or cafés and then re-enter later. Think of it as a flexible route rather than a single attraction.

Photography

Look for long, straight perspectives under bridges, palm-lined paths, and fountain areas for classic Valencia park shots. The approach toward the City of Arts and Sciences is especially photogenic.
Morning gives softer light and fewer people, while late afternoon adds warmth and longer shadows. If you want lively scenes of locals, early evening is a good bet.
Use the bridges for elevated angles and frame the paths as leading lines. Be mindful of other path users and avoid stopping in the middle of busy lanes.

Accessibility & Facilities

Yes, there are public restrooms at key points, but they’re not evenly spaced everywhere. If you’re planning a long walk, note facilities when you pass them.
Many routes are flat and workable, but access ramps and surfaces vary by section. If you need the smoothest experience, stick to the main paved paths and plan entry points with ramps.
Yes—benches and shaded areas are common, and you’ll find plenty of spots to pause. In hotter months, prioritize shade breaks and carry water.

Food & Breaks Nearby

In some sections, yes, and there are also plenty of options just outside the park edges. It’s easy to step out for a snack and rejoin the path.
Absolutely—there are lawns and quieter corners that work well for a simple picnic. Bring a small blanket and choose a spot away from bike lanes.
A good strategy is to finish near the historic center for classic tapas options, or end near the City of Arts and Sciences for modern dining choices. Either way, you’ll have plenty within a short walk.

Safety & Timing

Many areas are active with runners and cyclists, especially on well-used routes. Still, use normal city awareness and stick to busier, better-lit sections after dark.
Valencia summers can feel intense, and the park’s long stretches can be exposed in places. Plan early or late visits, use sunscreen, and take shade breaks.
If you dislike crowds, avoid weekend mid-days near major playgrounds and popular central sections. Going early is the simplest way to get a calmer experience.

Nearby Attractions to the Jardin del Turia

  • City of Arts and Sciences: Valencia’s futuristic landmark complex with striking architecture and multiple attractions.
  • Palau de la Música: A major concert venue set beside a scenic stretch of the gardens and ponds.
  • Bioparc Valencia: A modern zoo experience near the western end of the former riverbed.
  • Torres de Serranos: One of Valencia's best-known historic gates, easy to pair with a Turia walk.
  • Valencia Cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen: The city's historic heart, a natural pre- or post-park stop for sightseeing and dining.

The Jardin del Turia appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valencia!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours.

Price:

Free.

Address: 46003 València, Valencia, Spain
Valencia: 2 km

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