Turia Gardens Guide
Turia Gardens: Valencia's Green Lung Guide
Welcome to the Turia Gardens, a stunning urban park that winds its way through the heart of Valencia. This unique green space, once the Turia River, offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city. Stretching for over nine kilometers, the gardens provide a vibrant tapestry of recreational areas, cultural attractions, and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination for tourists of all ages. The Turia Gardens have a fascinating history. After a devastating flood in 1957, the Turia River was diverted to prevent future disasters. Instead of building a highway, the city decided to transform the dry riverbed into a park. This visionary decision resulted in the creation of one of Europe's largest urban parks, a testament to Valencia's commitment to green spaces and community well-being. The park officially opened in the 1980s and has since become a beloved landmark. The Turia Gardens offer a plethora of activities. Rent a bike and cycle along the dedicated paths, explore the numerous playgrounds designed by renowned architects, or simply relax on the grassy banks and soak up the Valencian sunshine. Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic architectural marvel located within the gardens. You can also find the Gulliver Park, a giant playground where children can climb and slide on a massive sculpture of Gulliver from Gulliver's Travels. The gardens also host various events and festivals throughout the year, adding to their vibrant atmosphere. While the gardens themselves don't have a specific culinary tradition, you're never far from delicious Valencian cuisine in the surrounding city. Be sure to try paella, horchata, or agua de Valencia.
Transportation
The Turia Gardens are easily accessible by public transport. Several metro stations are located near the gardens, including Alameda (Lines 3, 5, 7, and 9) and Colón (Lines 3, 5, 7, and 9). Numerous bus lines also serve the area. For example, bus lines 95, C2, 6, 10, 11, 16, 26, 28, 31, 32, 70, 71, 73, 79, 81, and 92 all have stops near various entrances to the gardens.