Valencia, far from being a metropolis overwhelmed by pollution and disorganized expansion, is an example of the use of urban spaces as green lungs. The famouse flood which ocurred in October 1957 changed the face of the city, which then chose to divert the course of the River Turia outside the city, and leaving the original riverbed, that crosses Valencia from the West to the East, destined for other uses. Thus, we now propose a route that will have the riverbed of the Turia as its integral element, alnd also proposing other green spaces close to the city.

To start the route off, we propose a visit to a recently opened site which concords with the city’s enthusiasm for the creation of quality tourist attractions. The Bioparc is the new zoo of Valencia, inaugurated in February 2008 to accommodate hundreds of species in thematic areas. In just its first few days of life, the centre received thousands of visitors, making it the most important site of its type in the whole of Spain. Located in Cabecera Park, that marks the beginning of the riverbed, at the opposite extreme to the City of Arts & Sciences, the Bioparc gives new life to the city in the care of species, replacing the previous city zoo.

Once having visited the ample space of the Bioparc, now take the journey, walking or cycling, of discovery of the Turia riverbed. Over a stretch of more than 10 kilometres, you will encounter all types of open air sports facilities, zones of greenery, relaxation and reflection in the absolute geographic centre of the city. If you have the opportunity to enjoy Valencia and wish to do so in the most relaxing way possible, there is nothing more suitable than bringing something to eat and enjoying a good book in the shade of a pine tree in the riverbed. The integral riverbed which lies at some 15 metres below street level, is an opportunity to mix with city folk of all types, practising various sports or simply strolling whilst taking a breath of fresh air.

At both sides of the Turia riverbed exist equally spacious urban green spaces of strong tradition. At the northernmost edge you will find the Botanic Garden, shortly after the Gran Via Fernando Catolico, where a living collection of species typical to these lands is housed. Further on in the opposite direction, are the Royal Gardens, between the Royal bridge and that of The Trinity, an equally clean and refreshing space in a fully central location.

Your visit to Valencia cannot be complete with the sensation of green alone. Valencia is a city that faces the sea, that lives with the sound of the waves and the light of the Mediterranean. For this reason, its beaches, both those of the city itself and those of the surrounding towns are the destinations where a natural and tranquil experience can be found. The beaches of La Malvarrosa or Las Arenas are the broadest and best known of the city, and that of Pinedo being the closest outside of the metropolis.

This route can’t be concluded without the obligatory mention of the natural space the Albufera, located at just 10 kilometres from the city. This coastal lagoon of salt water is seperated from the sea by a cordon of sands and is partially connected to the Mediterranean, and is without doubt the greatest symbol of both tradition and respect for the environment in the l’Horta region, of which Valencia is the capital. With a broad lagoon, the Albufera is the perfect setting to view a Valencian sunset over the water, to see broad protected beaches with natural dunes and to enjoy hiking in touch with nature at its most overwhelming.