Parks and the outdoors in Valencia

Parks and the outdoors in Valencia

1. Eat

   Alquería del Pou

   A favourite with locals, this hidden gem specialises in all types of traditional Valencian rice dishes and seafood, served in a garden setting.

   Daily 13:00-17:00; closed every Sun in Aug·Mains €12-20

2. See

   Bioparc Valencia

   As far as zoos go, this is more animal-friendly than most. Focused exclusively on African fauna, the modern zoo has been thoughtfully designed to provide maximum space in natural settings for its residents. A special highlight is the walk-in lemur exhibit (no touching or feeding).

   Daily, hours vary by month and season: 10:00-18:00 in winter, 10:00-19:00/20:00 in spring/fall, 10:00-21:00 in summer; detailed hours available here·€28.90-€31.90 adults, reduced prices for 4-12 & 65+, free children under 4. Book through website

3. See

   Casa-Museu Benlliure

   Casa-Museo Benlliure

   This was once home to two generations of the Benlliure family, headed by prominent Valencian artist José Benlliure. The early 20th-century residence has been maintained in three distinct sections, including the primary house with original furnishings and artworks, a lovely courtyard and garden, and a second building with a private study and more artworks.

   Tue-Sat 09:30-14:00 15:00-19:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00·€2 adults, €1 concessions, free on Su and holidays

4. Do

   Cridà

   the 'call'

   Crowds gather along bridges and the Túria river bed to hear the fallera mayor (principal fallera) announce the beginning of the Falles season at 20:00. Fireworks conclude the event.

   Last Sun of February

5. See

   Jardí Botànic

   Jardín Botánico de Valencia / Botanic Garden of Valencia

   Established in 1802 by the University of Valencia, this lovely garden maintains extensive collections of plants from a number of different habitats. Most of the greenhouses date from the latter half of the 19th century, while the modern research centre was completed in 2000.

   Nov-Feb: 10:00-18:00, Mar Oct: 10:00-19:00, Apr Sep: 10:00-20:00, May-Aug: 10:00-21:00; open daily except 25 Dec, 1 Jan, and during inclement weather·€4 adults, €1.70 concessions, free children under 7 €14.50 10-visit ticket

6. See

   Jardí de Montfort

   Jardín de Monforte / Monforte Garden

   This formal Neoclassical garden was designed in the mid-19th century by Valencian architect Don Monleón for the aristocrat Marqués de San Juan. It was declared a 'National Artistic Garden' and is now maintained by the city of Valencia, which opened it to the public in 1973.

   Daily 21 Mar - 20 Sep: 10:30-20:00; 21 Sep - 20 Mar: 10:30-18:00·Free

7. See

   Jardín de Viveros

   Jardines del Real / Royal Gardens

   Established by the Moors in the 13th century as gardens for the royal palace (no longer standing), this pleasant and popular park is the second-largest park in Valencia, after the Turia gardens. The park includes a rose garden, sculpture garden, bicycle track, and aviary. During the summer various festivals are held here.

   Summer: daily 07:30-21:30; winter: Mon-Fri 07:30-20:30, Sat Sun 07:30-21:30·Free

8. Eat

   La Más Bonita Patacona

   Good for breakfast, lunches, fresh juices, coffee and cocktails; this place is especially known for its cakes. There is seating in two areas: on the beach side with a view, or in an interior patio with garden. It is very popular, so if you don't have reservations be prepared to wait awhile.

   Daily 08:00-01:30

9. See

   L’Oceanogràfic

   The largest oceanarium in Europe, and the second-largest in the world, has seven sections devoted to different ecological zones. The building was designed by Félix Candela to resemble a water lily. Highlights include a dolphinarium, a walk-through shark tunnel, a shark tank (open for public diving), and spherical bird aviary. There are several restaurants on-site, and with so many attractions it’s easy to make this into an all-day affair.

   Hours vary by season, open daily·high season €41.80 (adults), €31.00 (concession)

10. See

    L’Umbracle

    A botanic garden landscaped with plants native to Valencia. The park also has the Jardí d'Astronomia (Jardín de la Astronomía / Astronomy Garden) and the Passeig de l'Art (Paseo del Arte / Art Promenade), which has permanent and temporary exhibits of large-scale contemporary art, mostly sculpture.

    Free

11. Drink

    Marina Beach Club

    Beach club and restaurant by day, this is a popular music hotspot at night with live performances and visiting international DJs.

    Daily 11:00-03:30

12. See

    MuVIM

    Museu Valencià de la Il·lustració i de la Modernitat / The Valencia Museum of the Enlightenment and Modernity

    The museum is devoted to civics and culture, with special exhibits focused on such topics as graphic design, photography, and cinema. The building and garden were designed by Valencian architect Guillermo Vázquez Consuegra.

    Tue-Sat 10:00-14:00 16:00-20:00, Sun and holidays 10:00-20:00

13. See

    Parc Gulliver

    Parque Gulliver / Gulliver Park

    The centrepiece of this unusual playground is a 70-m-long sculpture of Gulliver (from the classic book Gulliver's Travels), who has been tied to the ground. Visitors can climb on and slide down the giant figure, much as Lilliputians might have. The sculpture was designed by Valencian artist and illustrator Sento Llobell.

    Sep-Jun: daily 10:00-20:00; Jul-Aug: daily 10:00-14:00, 17:00-21:00·Free

14. See

    Torres de Serrano

    Porta de Serrans

    Built in 1392, this gate was also part of the ancient wall and for a time also served as a prison. The gate has been massively renovated and somewhat modernized, but is still interesting. It is across the street from the park. This tower also offers excellent views.

    Mon-Sat 09:30-19:00, Sun and holidays 09:30-15:00·€2 (adults), €1 (concessions), free on Su and holidays

15. See Not mapped

    El Cabanyal

    Cabañal

    Established in the 13th century as a fishing village, in the 19th century the town became known as a beach getaway before being annexed by Valencia in 1897. Along with easy access to the beach, it has many charming historic tiled buildings and great bars and restaurants, and is the setting of the annual Semana Santa Marinera (described below under 'Do'). For many years the area directly east of the Valencia-Cabanyal train station was badly neglected, and squatters and other nefarious types moved in. Although the related political and legal disputes have since been resolved, for the near future this specific area is still best avoided at night.

16. Do Not mapped

    Els Castells

    fireworks displays

    A nightly fireworks display between midnight and 01:30, with each night more impressive than the previous one, until culminating in the final display on the 18th, which is known as La Nit del Foc (the Night of Fire). This is also very crowded and you should arrive early to see it. The best location to view this is from pedestrian bridges crossing the Turía Park riverbed, or even better, from below the Palacio de la Musica.

    15-18 March

17. See Not mapped

    Jardí del Túria

    Jardines del Turia / Turia Gardens

    After catastrophic flooding in 1957, the Turia River was diverted to the south of the city, and the former river bed was converted into a 7-km-long elongated park which spans many neighborhoods, ending at the City of Arts and Sciences. The park encompasses soccer and rugby fields, an artificial boating lake, athletics track, playgrounds, fountains, and cafés. Abundant bicycle paths make it an ideal place to get in a little exercise and sun.

    Daylight hours·Free

18. Do Not mapped

    Nou d’Octubre

    Diada Nacional del País Valencià / Valencian Community National Day

    This annual public holiday has been celebrated since 1338 and commemorates the date in 1238 when King James I of Aragón entered the city, freeing it from Moorish rule. In the week leading up to the 9th there are free concerts and parades around town, including a correfoc ('fire-running') which takes place on the preceding Saturday evening in the El Carme district. During this same weekend nine governmental palaces which are ordinarily closed to the public are opened for general visitation (Sa and Su 10:00-20:00, free admission). Of these the 15th-century Gothic (Palacio de la Generalidad / Palace of the General Assembly) is the most remarkable, and is well worth the long queue to see the well-preserved interior. Formal festivities commence at midnight on 8 October with a fireworks display from the Túria River park by the Pont de l'Exposició (by Alameda metro station). At noon on the following day a formal procession carries the Valencian flag from the Ayuntamiento (City Hall) to the (Parque del Parterre / Parterre Park), where a wreath is laid before the equestrian statue of King James. The highlight of the 9th itself is the parade of Moros i Cristians (Spanish: Moros y Cristianos), which commences at and proceeds down Carrer de la Pau and Carrer de Sant Vicent, finally terminating at Plaça de l’Ajuntament. The parade starts at 18:30 but it is best to find a spot about a half-hour before the parade begins. The 9th of October is also the day of St. Dionysius, which for Valencians is similar to Valentine's Day. In a tradition dating to the 18th century, it is customary for men to give their sweethearts a mocadorà – a small bundle of marzipan treats shaped like fruits and wrapped in a handkerchief. Beginning a week before the 9th, these can be purchased at pastry shops and even some supermarkets.

    1-9 October

19. Eat Not mapped

    Paella

    There are several versions of this tasteful rice dish: paella valenciana, with meat (chicken and/or rabbit usually), paella de marisco, with fish or seafood, or even paella mixta, with meat and fish at the same time, the least popular among locals. It is very difficult to say which is the 'real' paella, as every person has his/her own version (though no paella that deserves this name contains sausage, ham or meat broth, for instance). If you want to eat an authentic paella, try it at the Malvarrosa beach area; you will find there are several good restaurants. The authentic Valencian paella is made only with fresh ingredients, in a special iron pan and using a fire made with wood (not gas or electricity). Vegetarian paella is called paella vegetal or paella de verduras. Authentic paella can be rather dry, it's not a soup and shouldn't look like gumbo. Don't be shy about scraping the caramelized rice from the bottom of the pan, it's delicious!

20. See Not mapped

    Russafa

    Ruzafa

    Ruzafa (from Arabic رصافة – rusafa, or 'garden') was established in the 9th century as a Moorish pleasure garden, and evolved into a farming community. It was independent until 1877, when it was annexed by the city. Today the barrio is known for its cultural diversity, charming hipster shops and cafés, great restaurants, and vibrant nightlife.

21. Do Not mapped

    Semana Santa Marinera

    Setmana Santa Marinera / Marinera Holy Week

    As elsewhere in Spain, Valencia celebrates Holy Week with street processions of penitents, organised into fraternities. Although not as well known as the more elaborate processions in Andalusia and Castile and Leon, Valencia's own unique traditions date back to the 15th century and are centred in the neighbourhood of Cabanyal, formerly an independent fishing village. Especially noteworthy are the Good Friday morning processions: two separate fraternities carry a crucifixion effigy to the beach, say a prayer for those who have lost their lives at sea, and place a laurel wreath in the ocean. This practice is unique in Spain and has been designated a 'Fiesta of National Touristic Interest' by the government. The processions, routes, and times may vary from year to year. The Valencia edition of ABC (in Spanish) publishes detailed routes and schedules of each day's events.

    Week before Easter Sun

22. Drink Not mapped

    Olhöps Craft Beer Lab

    A further 9 beers a short walk away in Ruzafa.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Valencia (CC BY-SA 4.0).