Turia Garden, Valencia’s green lung
The Turia Garden is a succession of green spaces and leisure areas that host cultural venues, children’s playgrounds and sports facilities. A true urban oasis that runs through Valencia from east to west: from the Parque de Cabecera to the City of Arts and Sciences.
Stretching for over nine kilometres, it follows the old course of the River Turia, which was diverted to the south of the city following a series of devastating floods in 1957. This ingenious solution to prevent future tragedies gave rise to one of Valencia's most iconic landmarks.
Residents and visitors use this space to unwind and enjoy nature, serving both as a thoroughfare and a destination with many attractions. It also contributed to Valencia being named European Green Capital in 2024.
Why visit the Turia Garden
- It’s a haven of peace right in the heart of the city
- To enjoy walks among palm trees, orange trees and pines, the scent of rose gardens and aromatic plants, and the gentle sound of its fountains
- It’s a landmark example of engineering and urban design that has inspired other destinations
- It links several key museums, attractions and historic monuments in the city, located within the garden itself or along its banks
What to do in the Turia Garden
Recharge your batteries
After a day of sightseeing or shopping, it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. When the day reaches its peak and temperatures soar, few things compare to relaxing on the grass beneath the shade of its trees.
Cycle through the park
Enjoy cycling routes, as well as segway, tandem or scooter rides along flat paths, far from urban traffic. The fastest, easiest and healthiest way to cross Valencia.
Get active
The Turia Garden is very popular with running enthusiasts, thanks to its well-signposted routes. You’ll also find football and rugby pitches, athletics tracks, skating areas and other sports facilities.
Enjoy the show
At different times of the year, the Turia Garden hosts concerts, festivals, sporting events, craft markets, fireworks displays and much more.
If you visit in July, this is where much of the programme for the Gran Feria de Valencia takes place. Students from Berklee Valencia regularly delight visitors to the City of Arts and Sciences with their free concerts. Don’t forget to check our events calendar so you don’t miss a thing.
What to see in the Turia Garden
Parque de Cabecera
At the western end of the Turia Garden, the Parque de Cabecera is home to Bioparc, the innovative animal park that transports you to the African savannah. You can also enjoy a stroll around its lake in fun swan-shaped boats.
Bridges
Eighteen bridges from different periods and in different styles cross the Turia Garden. From the oldest, the Gothic-style Trinity Bridge (15th century), to the modern Assut d’Or Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava. Fancy crossing them all?
Serranos Towers
Beside the Turia Garden rise the Serranos Towers, one of the former gates of Valencia’s medieval city wall. Their Gothic architecture and the views from their terraces over the garden and the city make them a must-see.
Museum of Fine Arts of Valencia
Next to the northern stretch of the Turia Garden stands the second-largest art gallery in Spain. The Museum of Fine Arts brings together an extraordinary collection of Valencian painting, with a room dedicated to Joaquín Sorolla, as well as masterpieces by artists such as Goya, Velázquez, El Greco, Murillo, Van Dyck and Bosch. All of this is housed in the historic 17th-century building of the former San Pío V Seminary College.
Palau de la Música
- Surrounded by ponds and lush vegetation, this magnificent glass building offers a full annual programme of symphonic concerts and chamber music.
Gulliver
A children’s playground like no other. Little ones will have a great time (like true Lilliputians) climbing over the giant Gulliver or sliding down his sleeves.
City of Arts and Sciences
The futuristic complex of the City of Arts and Sciences, designed by Santiago Calatrava, marks the eastern end of the Turia Garden. In addition to the attractions offered by its different buildings, you can also enjoy the “A Lake of Concerts” series by the prestigious Berklee College of Music here.
