The breathtaking parks and outdoor areas of Valencia
Valencia enjoys nearly constant blue skies, making outdoor life irresistible. In Spain's third-largest city, socializing unfolds on sunlit terraces over a caña or while sipping mojitos with feet buried in golden sand.
Visit Valencia to admire its modernist architecture and Gothic landmarks. When you need to unwind, retreat to a serene beach in a vibrant natural park, paddleboard on tranquil waters, or practice yoga in one of the city's verdant parks. Beyond the city, there are mountains to discover and scenic bike paths to enjoy.
Valencia's outdoor spaces, from elegant squares to stunning natural landscapes, encourage everyone to embrace the beauty of the outdoors.
Clockwise from the top left: The Jardines del Turia, built on the former flood-prone bed of a diverted river, now stands as Spain's largest urban park. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. Winding through the greenery are paths for running and cycling. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. A constructed pond encircles the science museum within the park. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. The Daniel Horchataria offers the classic Spanish drink, refreshing horchata. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet.Jardin del Turia
Stretching across the city like a champion's ribbon, Jardin del Turia is a 5.6-mile-long green oasis. This park is nestled in the former riverbed of the Río Turia, which was redirected following a catastrophic flood in 1957. Today, it holds the title of the largest urban park in Spain, adorned with lemon trees, grassy fields, and cafés that serve refreshing horchata beneath rubber trees. Some areas, left untamed, promote biodiversity and may appear overgrown. Winding through the greenery are paths for running and cycling, while yoga classes flourish in the shade of palm trees. Stroll along these trails to discover cultural landmarks like the majestic music venue Palau de la Música and the surreal Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias.
Playa de la Patacona and the Cabanyal boardwalk along Playa de las Arenas are ideal spots for observing the vibrant beach scene. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet
Valencia city beaches
Valencia's favorite beach, Playa El Cabañal, features a lively expanse of golden sand backed by the historic fisherman's neighborhood. Start your visit by wandering through the barrio's charming tiled houses, then stop by the local market, Mercat Municipal del Cabanyal, for some fresh peaches before heading to the beach. Prefer something more active? Reserve one of the free volleyball courts on Playa de la Malvarrosa for you and up to eight friends through the local school BeachBol.
A variety of water activities await just off the coast of all of Valencia’s beaches. From sunset cruises and catamaran sailing to jet skiing, windsurfing, and paddleboarding, there's something for every kind of sea enthusiast.
Albufera and El Saler Beach are located less than 7 miles from the city. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet
La Devesa
This hidden beach, located just south of Valencia, is a remarkable example of sustainability and rewilding. Originally slated for redevelopment, the coastline of La Devesa was preserved, allowing its natural beauty to flourish. The dune landscape is now covered in shrubs and can only be accessed on foot. Take the number 25 bus from Porta de la Mar to Embarcador de l'Albufera, then enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk past pine trees and butterflies to discover the serene sands adorned with shells. Don’t forget to bring a picnic, as there are no beach bars serving cocktails—just tranquility and untouched nature.
Complete your adventure with a trip to nearby La Albufera for the region's renowned paella. Bon Aire offers its house specialty (with optional snails) on a lovely terrace next to the rice fields, or you can enjoy the light-filled Restaurant El Redoli. For a memorable boat tour of l’Albufera paired with delectable paella, check out Nou Racó, where traditional flavors meet modern presentation.
Clockwise from top left: The Jardin Botánico is home to a diverse range of plants. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. Tropical and subtropical species, cacti, succulents, palms, orchids, and Mediterranean plants flourish here. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. The botanical garden is vital for plant conservation, biodiversity research, and educational programs. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. Its beauty and serenity are enhanced by greenhouses, ponds, fountains, sculptures, and architectural features. Blake Horn for Dinogo PlanetJardín Botánico
Nestled in a tranquil corner of the city center, Jardín Botánico boasts a rich history dating back to the 16th century and was moved to its present site in 1802. In the 19th century, it served as a venue for botanical classes before falling into disrepair. A decade-long restoration project, completed in 2000, revived its original charm and introduced new attractions, such as the impressive glasshouse for orchids and carnivorous plants. Now, it stands as a serene retreat, perfect for leisurely morning walks or enchanting evening strolls (open until 8pm). Check its website for delightful events amidst the blooms.
Left: The fountain in Plaza de la Virgen symbolizes the Río Turia and the region's eight irrigation canals. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet Right: A public square has existed on this site for millennia. Blake Horn for Dinogo PlanetPlaza de la Virgen
The elegant Plaza de la Virgen is one of the most enchanting squares in Valencia, rich in history. A square has been present since Roman times, and today, it remains a vibrant gathering spot beneath the open sky. At the center, a reclining figure in the fountain represents the Río Turia, while the women surrounding him symbolize the eight irrigation canals that nourished the nearby fields. For a stunning view, head to the rooftop of Hotel Palacio Vallier (with a €10 minimum spend per person). From here, enjoy a bird's-eye view of the soft pink basilica and the cathedral.
Clockwise from top left: Valencia's Bioparc and Oceanogràfic offer a retreat from the bustling city. Krzysztof Dydynski for Dinogo Planet. They provide immersive experiences to understand our planet's biodiversity. Krzysztof Dydynski for Dinogo Planet. Both focus on promoting conservation and education. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. Seek relief from the heat in the well-planned enclosures. Blake Horn for Dinogo PlanetBioparc and Oceanogràfic
Opened in 2008, Bioparc is a vast zoo located at the western edge of Jardin del Turia. This expansive park has been ingeniously designed to create an immersive experience, replacing traditional fences and cages with streams, rocks, and lakes. The recreated habitats include the African savannah home to rhinos and antelopes, and the Kenyan wetlands with crocodiles and hippos. Even the café resembles a round hut, allowing giraffes to stroll by the terrace. In the Madagascar section, lemurs with long, springy tails scurry along fences and weave through visitors' legs. Be sure to look out for Makena, Valencia's first baby elephant.
Spain's most renowned aquarium, Oceanográfic, is the southernmost structure of the Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. The shark tunnel is a highlight, while stunning tanks showcase species from temperate, Mediterranean, Red Sea, and tropical waters. Above the water, an aviary displays wetland birds, and the polar section features penguins, seals, sea lions, and walruses.
Clockwise from top left: Parque Central, nestled in the Russafa neighborhood, serves as another urban sanctuary. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. This former railway yard has been transformed into a 27-acre park teeming with native plants. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. It's also an ideal spot for picnics. Blake Horn for Dinogo Planet. Tranquil water features and contemporary installations create perfect gathering places after a day of exploring. Blake Horn for Dinogo PlanetParque Central
Russafa is one of Valencia's most culturally rich barrios, and in 2019, a new park was created to add greenery to this lively area. Parque Central is a diverse, leafy haven with serene water features, local flora, and modern elements; it's perfect for picnics and unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing. During the summer, children delight in running through the interactive fountains known as Estanque de la Panderola, while families celebrate birthdays at picnic tables shaded by trees. A walkway shaded by vibrant pink bougainvillea leads to a spacious lawn and a flower garden interspersed with gentle pools. On your way, grab some seasonal fruits and local treats from Ruzafa Market and lay out a blanket next to the roses for a leisurely afternoon.
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