Jardín del Turia, Turia Park, or Turia Garden is a 9 km long park that crosses the city of Valencia. It’s the largest urban park in Spain and it stretches from the City of Arts and Sciences to Cabecera Park, covering an area of approximately 160 hectares (1.6 square meters).
Turia Park opened to the public in 1986 in the former riverbed of Turia River. It has an average width of 160 meters and snakes through the city from east to west. Due to this, Turia Park is easily accessible for people living in several of Valencia’s neighbourhoods.
| Access | Free |
| Opening hours | 24/7/365 |
| Toilets | Yes (but few and far in between) |
| Playgrounds | Yes |
| Outdoor sports courts | Yes |
| Drinking fountains | Yes (but water might not taste great) |
| Cycle paths | Yes (from one end of the park to the other) |
| Dog parks | Yes (not many) |
| Dogs must be kept on a leash | Yes |
In This Article
History of Turia Park
The history of Valencia is intertwined with that of the Turia River. Throughout the centuries, this river brought Valencia both prosperity and hardship. And eventually, it gave way to a massive and beautiful garden. To understand how Turia Park came into existence, we need to go back two thousand years.
Valencia was founded by the Romans in 138 BC between two branches of the Turia River. Over time, the second branch of the river dried up and by the Middle Ages, it disappeared completely.
As the city expanded, houses were built in the place of the now dried-up branch. Nevertheless, whenever there was a flood, the water followed its old course, inundating the city.
The largest flood recorded in the city of Valencia occurred in 1517 when after 40 days of heavy rain, the avalanche washed away several bridges and 200 houses.
While most of the time the river had little water and its bed was used for washing clothes, cattle fairs, and mock battles, autumn floods were so frequent that in 1591 banks were built along the Turia River.
Almost four centuries later, on October 14th, 1957, more than 100 liters of water fell per square meter, killing 81 people and causing significant material damage. This is now referred to as the Great Flood.
During this devastating flood, some of Valencia’s neighborhoods were as much as five meters underwater. In the city center, on Calle La Paz and Calle Las Barcas, water levels rose up to 2.5 meters. Small ceramic signs can still be seen today on buildings throughout the city reading ‘the water came up to here in 1957‘.
Spain sent all available military personnel to Valencia to help clean and rebuild the damage caused by the flood. And the government decided to divert the Turia River to the south of the city.
Plans were then made to build a highway with three lanes in each direction in the now-empty Turia riverbed. Fortunately, citizen pressure managed to stop the authorities from committing such a dreadful deed.
Eventually, the old riverbed was transformed into a public garden. Turia Park was inaugurated in 1986.
The different sections of Turia Park were designed by different urban planners and landscapers. The result is a magnificent park and a unique space that features palm, orange, and pine trees, fountains, and ponds, as well as sports facilities and rose bushes.
Turia Park now offers numerous possibilities for walking, biking, and sightseeing and receives almost 7 million visitors every year.
After all the drama, Valencia eventually got its happy ending.
Also read: Biking In Valencia: Top Cycling Routes & Bike Rental Options
What to do in Turia Park
As one of the best parks in Valencia, Turia Park has something for everyone — beautiful promenades, bike lanes, running tracks, football and rugby fields, giant chessboards, ping pong tables, and skate parks, to name just a few of the facilities.
Turia Park is also dog-friendly, great for people-watching, and a popular picnic spot. Many locals and expats living in Valencia come here to stretch their legs and socialize.
Some practice yoga, Tai Chi, and even slacklining. Others join outdoor dance classes, share a ride with family and friends on a four-wheeled bike or enjoy a train ride through the park.
During the summer months, an amusement fair with a giant Ferris wheel is installed between Puente de las Flores and Alameda Bridge.
Each 9th of October, when one of the most important festivals in Valencia is celebrated, a colorful medieval market is organized between Puente de La Exposición and Puente de Las Flores.
Attractions along Turia Park
Along Turia Park, in the historical bed of the Turia River, there are several cultural attractions, some of which are among the best places to visit in Valencia.
The City of Arts and Sciences
The City of Arts and Sciences is situated on the eastern end of Turia Park, close to the sea. It is one of the most imaginative millennium projects and a truly mind-blowing futuristic complex. It was designed by local architect Santiago Calatrava and is often regarded as one of the most memorable bucket list experiences in Spain.
The bridges
Turia Park counts with 19 bridges, including five historic bridges dating back to the 15th century, two modern bridges designed by Santiago Calatrava, and a super Instagramable bridge covered in thousands of flowerpots.
The Gulliver Park
An unusual playground featuring a giant Gulliver tied to the ground by the Lilliputians. This whimsical park has been recently remodelled and updated.
Palau de la Musica
A beautiful concert hall with an imposing glass-covered entrance hall overlooking palm trees and an impressive water fountain that leaps up and down into a pool.
Attractions near Turia Park
Overlooking Turia Park, you’ll find many other attractions worthy of including in your Valencia itinerary.
The Fallero Museum
Situated across the street from Reina Sofia Opera House (part of the City of Arts and Sciences), the Fallas Museum is a great opportunity to learn about Las Fallas festival, held in Valencia every spring. This museum features a series of art prints, photographs, garments, and a large collection of ninots (cardboard figures on a wood frame) from 1934 onwards.
Museo de Bellas Artes San Pio V
This fine arts museum is situated just off Turia Park in a beautiful 18th-century Baroque palace. The museum is one of the most outstanding painting archives in Spain and houses the most significant collection of 19th-century paintings after the El Prado Museum in Madrid (see what else to do in Madrid in 3 days).
Jardines del Real (or Jardines de Viveros)
Situated next to the Museo de Bellas Artes San Pio V, these gardens host the Museum of Natural Sciences, fountains, a coffee shop, flower beds, and a great variety of trees.
The Serranos Towers
The imposing 14th-century Serranos Towers are considered the largest Gothic city gateway in all of Europe. During their long history, the towers served as a prison for knights and noblemen and during the Spanish Civil War were used as a repository of artworks from El Prado Museum (see more interesting Valencia facts like this).
Jose Benlliure Museum
Formerly the residence of the Benlliures, a family of local artists. This traditional Valencian house features beautiful tiles, old furniture, a secret landscaped garden, and a magnificent workshop.
The Museum of Contemporary Art
Valencian Museum of Contemporary Art (IVAM) is one of Spain’s most famous art galleries. It actively promotes the works of local artists with both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Cabecera Park
Located in the historical bed of the Turia River next to Bioparc, this pretty green space area has an open-air auditorium, a bar, and a lake with pedal boats for hire.
