Top 5 Cycling Destinations in Valencia

Valencia boasts over 200 km of bike lanes and enjoys around 300 days of pleasant weather, making it a cyclist's paradise with its flat terrain and well-planned grid layout that offers easy access to coastal promenades, wide avenues, and beautiful parks.

Moreover, the city's innovative urban redevelopment transformed a historically flood-prone river into a lush, meandering park, providing one of the most distinctive cycling routes in Europe and a scenic path leading to the Mediterranean. Valencia’s ongoing expansion of bike lanes, green areas, and eco-friendly transport initiatives earned it the title of European Green Capital 2024.

With that in mind, here are some of the top spots to cycle in Spain’s third-largest city.

1. Turia Gardens

Perfect for families

From Torres de Serranos to the City of Arts and Sciences; 3.1 miles (5 km)

Following the devastating flood of 1957 that submerged nearly three-quarters of Valencia, the city redirected the Turia River to flow around its western edge towards the Mediterranean. The dry riverbed was then transformed into a winding park stretching 5.5 miles (9 km) through the city, leading to the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) complex.

The 14th-century Torres de Serranos towers make for a great starting point for a bike ride through the Turia Gardens (Jardines del Turia), as they are conveniently located near several bike rental shops in the city center and are a fascinating historical landmark. Descending the stone ramps provides easy access to the park's cycling paths, where you can glide past towering palm trees, vibrant flowerbeds, striking sculptures, sports fields, and tranquil parks filled with locals enjoying picnics in the sun.

Keep an eye out for the Puente de las Flores as you head south; while it’s one of many bridges, this one is adorned with bright pink hanging flowers, making it a perfect spot for a colorful photo. As you continue, the unique silhouettes of the City of Arts and Sciences will come into view, surrounded by pools and promenades that offer plenty of room to appreciate the stunning architecture. The site hosts captivating exhibitions, and right behind it is the renowned Oceanogràfic aquarium, which is ideal for families (you can even spot some of the zoo’s colorful birds from the path behind the impressive curved L’Agora building).

2. Seafront Promenade (Paseo Maritimo)

Ideal for leisurely coastal rides

From the Marina to La Patacona; 2.5 miles (4 km)

Beginning from the expansive marina, Valencia’s beaches stretch for several kilometers to the north and reach widths of up to 200 yards in some areas. They are completely detached from the city center, creating a laid-back atmosphere reminiscent of a serene seaside town.

Keep an eye out for the large, intersecting flags waving outside the marina (one representing Spain and the other the Valencia region), as this is the perfect spot to start a leisurely ride along the palm-lined boardwalk beside the beach’s golden shoreline.

Pedal north along Playa de las Arenas, where you’ll find some of the most popular hotels and eateries overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean, including the intricately-tiled La Pepica, a favorite of writer Ernest Hemingway during his 1930s visits for paella.

This stretch may require some zigzagging due to the crowds of leisurely tourists, but it becomes less congested after you navigate the right-angle turn toward Playa del Cabanyal. Glide past locals enjoying volleyball on the sand, and consider taking a break with a beer and bocadillo at Beachbol bar, where the wooden deck and sun-bleached umbrellas evoke a Caribbean vibe.

Continue on to Playa de la Malvarrosa, arguably the most famous beach in Valencia. Lined with restaurants, there are convenient bike racks tucked behind the palms, allowing you to stop for a meal if you wish. Conclude Valencia’s most relaxed cycling route at the picturesque Playa de la Patacona, where you can rent lazy hammocks to comfortably watch the sunset.

Are you a beach lover? Discover the finest beaches in Valencia.

3. The Old City

Perfect for taking in the sights

Route starts and ends at Plaza de la Virgen; distances vary

Central Valencia’s historic district features a charming array of whitewashed medieval cathedrals, vibrant squares, narrow streets, and elegant boulevards. This area is home to most bike rental shops, making it perfect for a leisurely ride to soak in the sights. There's no fixed route, but I recommend steering clear of the bustling shopping area on Carrer Colón, especially near the often-congested Modernista train station (Estación del Norte).

I suggest starting your ride at Plaza de la Virgen, where you’ll find an ornate fountain sculpture beneath the watchful gaze of the gothic Catedral de Valencia (the Basilica of the Virgin Cathedral) and the towering El Miguelete bell tower. Cycle south alongside the cathedral’s grand walls, then emerge into the fully pedestrianized Placa de la Reina, adorned with bright palm trees and bustling cafes, showcasing how much more inviting spaces can be without cars (check Google Streetview if you’re skeptical).

A short ride along Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir takes you to Plaça de l'Ajuntament, arguably the most stunning square in Valencia, featuring colorful fountains and the impressive neoclassical Ayuntamiento as its centerpiece (a busy main road was removed from this area in recent years).

If you head west past the gothic Torres de Quart towers and enchanting botanical gardens, you can connect to the Turia River Garden for a lush ride towards the Torres de Serranos before looping back to Plaza de la Virgen.

4. L'Albufera Nature Park

Perfect for nature lovers

From Pinedo to El Palmar; 7.7 miles (12.5 km)

Although Valencia’s beaches are located away from the bustling center, they remain an integral part of the city. For a true getaway, consider visiting Parque Natural de la Albufera (L'Albufera Nature Park). Situated just south of Valencia, this picturesque landscape of rice paddies, swaying reeds, diving cormorants, and a vast lagoon offers a striking contrast to the urban environment.

Public transport is available, but cycling is also a viable option thanks to the flat terrain and a dedicated bike lane that runs parallel to the coast at Pinedo. The ride to the lagoon takes about 30 to 40 minutes, so I recommend it only for those in good shape, especially during the humid summer months.

As you approach the lagoon, you’ll encounter Mirador El Pujol, a great spot for guided electric boat tours around the lake. Here, a guide will share insights about the park’s biodiversity and explain how the eco-friendly boats minimize disturbance to nature.

Continue along Carrer de Vicent Baldoví or explore one of the many side paths where you can truly appreciate the peace and tranquility of L’Albufera. Your journey along Carrer de Vicent Baldoví will take you to the quaint village of El Palmar, home to a variety of welcoming restaurants where you can unwind with a traditional paella or a refreshing Agua de Valencia.

5. Via Verde Xurra

Ideal for exploring off the beaten path

From Torre Miramar to Puçol; 10 miles (16 km)

In addition to revitalizing its once-unreliable river, Valencia has repurposed its old rail lines, creating the Via Xurra—a winding 16 km greenway that was formerly part of the Valencia to Zaragoza line. This pink-tarmac path offers a smooth, flat ride the entire distance.

Starting at the Torre Miramar roundabout in the Benimaclet area, the route winds through charming olive and orange groves, passes the village of Alboraya, and leads into serene farmland alongside the Carraixet River.

The path continues through picturesque villages and groves, with the distant Sierra Caldonera mountains providing a backdrop all the way to Puçol. You can turn back here, but if you're adventurous, consider heading east toward the coast to discover interesting sites like the 13th-century Puig Monastery and the Marjal de Rafael wetlands.

Cycling Tips for Valencia

• Valencia has made significant improvements to its cycling infrastructure, but it can still feel quite car-dominated, especially outside the historic center. Always stay in your bike lane and remain vigilant for traffic.

• The city’s Valenbisi bike rental program allows visitors to pick up bikes from 275 stations throughout Valencia, available 24/7. A one-week pass is priced at €13.30, making it an excellent choice for tourists.

• There are numerous independent bike rental shops in the old town, particularly around Plaza de la Virgen.

Ready to organize your Valencia trip? Here are your next steps:

Looking for more fantastic experiences? Check out our top recommendations in Valencia. Navigate like a local with these getting around tips. Discover which neighborhood suits your style, and explore experiences that are completely free.