The Turia Gardens are over 9 kilometers long.
It is one of the largest urban natural parks in Spain.
It was built on the old bed of the Turia.
The Turia River was diverted south of Valencia
After the great flood of October 14, 1957,
to avoid the continuous flooding that the city suffered.
Several landscapers and urban planners designed these gardens
in the space left by the river,
which crosses the city from west to east and surrounds the historic center .
They reproduced the ancient river landscape
with palm trees, orange trees, pines, aromatic plants,
rose bushes, ponds and fountains.
At the western end, the gardens border
with the Cabecera Park and the Bioparc,
where we find a reproduction of the African savannah.
At the eastern end, the gardens border
with the City of Arts and Sciences,
where we can visit the underwater world.
We can say that gardens connect two different worlds.
The 9 kilometers of gardens are full
of areas for sports and leisure
and romantic corners where you can get lost.
It is perfect for families, athletes
and nature lovers.
It is a flat space, ideal for runners
and for riding a bike, tandem …
We can rent these vehicles in the same park.
In addition, we will find some sports courts
along the route.
We can also replenish our strength
on the spacious terraces of bars and cafes
that we will encounter along the way.
In Cabecera Park we can rent
small swan-shaped boats
and sail on its lake.
In the ponds surrounding the City of Arts and Sciences
There are canoes and balls to walk on the water
in the summer months.
There are other interesting stops along the route,
like Gulliver, which is a huge slide park
in the shape of the famous character
from “Gulliver’s Travels”.
Children can play and slide
by the fingers, the hair or the legs of this giant.
Near the Gulliver is the Palau de la Música,
with a very complete program.
On the outskirts of the Palau we also have great courts
to skate or play soccer.
Along the 9-kilometer route,
We found 18 bridges that pass over the garden
and connect one side of the city to the other.
They are from different periods and architectural styles.
The following historic bridges stand out:
• San José Bridge, from the 17th century (17)
• Serranos Bridge, from the 16th century (16)
• Trinity Bridge, from the 15th century (15)
• Puente del Real, from the 16th century (16)
• Sea Bridge, from the 16th century (16)
Several more modern bridges stand out
designed by Santiago Calatrava:
• Exhibition Bridge
• October 9th Bridge
• Bridge of Flowers
• Assut de l'Or Bridge
Also worth mentioning is the Pont des Arts,
by Norman Foster,
and the Angel Bridge, by Arturo Piera.
In addition to visiting the gardens, we can use the park
to visit other essential places in Valencia.
Like the Serranos Towers, which are a wonderful viewpoint
to see the gardens and the historic city center .
Also the Valencian Institute of Modern Art
or the Museum of Fine Arts.
These places are on the banks of the old Turia River
and the park can serve as a guide
for an interesting cultural route.