Turia Gardens
Nine kilometers where a river used to run.
The Turia flooded catastrophically in 1957. The government planned a motorway through the empty riverbed. The people of Valencia said no. They got a park instead — nine kilometers of gardens, sports fields, and playgrounds running through the center of the city, with medieval bridges overhead.
This walk follows the gardens from west to east, passing under bridges that were built for a river and now span joggers and cyclists. It covers the history of the flood, the fight to save the space, and the way the park has shaped how Valencians live.
It is the best decision the city ever made. Everyone here knows it.
What you'll discover
·In 1957 the Turia flooded and killed 81 people. The city moved the entire river.
·18 bridges cross the gardens. Each one was built for a river that is no longer there.
·Gulliver Park has a 70-meter sculpture you can climb. It was designed for children but adults use the slides.
·The orange trees along the western stretch produce fruit every winter. The city harvests it for marmalade.
·A football pitch, a rugby field, and an athletics track — all in a former riverbed.
·The gardens connect the old town to the City of Arts & Sciences. Most Valencians walk or cycle the route daily.
Hear what it's like
Stop 4 of Turia Gardens. Puente de las Flores.
“In 1957 the Turia flooded and killed 81 people. The city decided to move the river. Now you are standing in it.”
Each walk has 9+ stops like this. Sample a few free in the app.
Before you go
Best time
Morning or late afternoon. Midday is hot and shadeless in the open stretches.
Getting there
Enter at Puente de las Flores near the old town, or at any of the 18 bridges along the route.
Duration
55 minutes end to end. Most people cover a section rather than the full length.
Footwear
Flat gravel and paved paths. Running shoes or comfortable trainers are ideal.
€3.99
This walk. 30 days.
Or all 4 Valencia walks for €18.99
Open in app2 devices. One can be a friend's.