We told you in our previous article all about the main attractions of this beautiful city. Today, we will tell you all about the best parks and gardens of this charming city. We have selected for you 8 of the most famous gardens and family parks of Valencia. Although, of course, there are many more wonderful green areas in the city.
The green heart of the city – Jardines del Real or Viveros in Valencia
Jardines del Real, also known as Jardín de Viveros, is the true green heart of Valencia and a living witness to the history of the city, which has survived several centuries and has an incalculable cultural, historical, and environmental value. This garden was created during the Arab rule and remains almost intact until today. Currently, the gardens consist of more than 2700 plants belonging to 167 species. Another essential place in the Jardín de Viveros is the Rosaleda, where more than 100 different types of roses grow. In addition, there are the Museum of Natural Science, the Royal Palace Tourist Information Point, the ruins of a palace, several playgrounds and three bars in the gardens area. Also, different cultural events take place in the Jardín de Viveros throughout the year.
Jardines del Real or Viveros on the map:
Neoclassical park in Valencia: Jardin de Monforte
It is a beautiful neoclassical garden of about 12 000 square meters, designed in the 19th century. The garden is decorated with lots of beautiful statues, fountains, slender bushes, old and majestic trees, and beautiful areas planted with colourful flowers. Without a doubt, this is a great place to walk and relax surrounded by nature.
Free entrance.
Opening Hours:
- Spring-summer (from March 21 to September 20): from 10:30 to 20:00.
- Autumn-winter (from September 21 to March 20): from 10:30 to 18:00.
Jardin de Monforte on the map:
Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia or Jardín Botánico de la Universidad de Valencia
The Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia is an excellent place to walk among palm trees and centuries-old oak trees. In addition, workshops for children are frequently organized here, which will allow them to get acquainted with the world of botany in an interesting and enjoyable way. The Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia grew out of a small kitchen garden under the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Valencia, which was inaugurated in the 15th century. Here, for the first time in Spain, it was possible to grow peanuts, soybeans and sweet potatoes. Currently, more than 4500 herbs, trees, flowers, shrubs, lichens, mosses, algae, succulents, etc., grow in the territory of the Botanical Garden.
Rates:
- € 2.5 for adults;
- € 1.5 disabled;
- Free for children under 7 years old.
Schedule:
- November – February: from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm;
- March – October: from 10 am to 7 pm;
- April and September: from 10 am to 8 pm;
- May – August: from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia on the map:
Turia Garden or Jardín del Turia in Valencia
This is one of the largest parks of Spain. It is a park with a length of more than 7 km, located in the old riverbed of the Turia river. Many families in Valencia choose this place in order to spend a family weekend, and this is not surprising: this place has everything you need to spend an excellent day with the whole family. In addition, you will find here a football field, several rugby fields and baseball courts, cycle lanes, skating areas and many bars and cafes with an outdoor terrace.
The Turia gardens are divided into several areas:
Area A
- Parque de Cabecera. The famous Bioparc of Valencia is located here.
- Zone 1. From Puente de Octubre to Casa del Agua. Open green areas with playgrounds and cycle lanes.
- Zones 2 and 3. Great variety of green areas with basketball courts, volleyball courts and athletics tracks.
Area B
- Zones 4 and 5. There are a cycling area and a rugby field in this area.
- Zone 6. Near the Royal Monastery of the Holy Trinity. There are several football fields.
- Zones 7 and 8. Gardens with fruit and palm trees. The Valencia Museum of Fine Arts and the Temple Monastery are nearby.
- Zone 9. A great variety of playgrounds. There is also a craft fair.
Area C
- Zones 10 and 11. Water gain special prominence here. The Palau de la Música is also here.
- Zone 12. One of the favourite places for children since the famous Gulliver Park of Valencia is here. It is a giant figure of 70 meters that represents the hero of the famous novel by Jonathan Swift, whose hair and clothes became slides and facilities for children in order to climb them and have fun. There are also places to play chess, a mini golf, picnic areas and restaurants.
- Zones 13, 14, 15 and 16. Nature and urban design coexist here in perfect harmony: The City of Arts and Sciences and the Valencia Aquarium and Marine Park – L’Oceanografic are at the end of the Turia gardens.
Parque de Cabecera on the map:
Jardin del Turia on the map:
Gulliver Park or Parque de Gulliver on the map:
A park in Valencia with swimming pool − El Parc de Benicalap
It is one of the most important green areas of Valencia, in whose territory you can find sports areas, a forum theatre, playgrounds, swimming pools for children and adults and a small water park. The park covers an area of more than 80 000 square meters, and it was opened in 1983. You will find here many types of trees and shrubs: olive tree, cypress, pine, laurel, oak, mulberry and strawberry plants.
Free admission.
Schedule:
- From March 21 to September 21: from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- From September 22 to March 20: from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The swimming pools are open only in summer:
- Monday to Friday from 12 a.m. to 6 p.m.;
- Saturdays and Sundays: from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Rates:
- adults: € 3.25;
- children: € 1.65;
- children under 6 years − free.
Parc de Benicalap on the map:
The Parque del Oeste in Valencia
It is a large park (about 43 000 square meters), located next to the Avenida del Cid street. It is a popular place in Valencia for family outings. It is a green area with a well-developed tourist infrastructure. This park is a true paradise for children since you can find many play areas for children of all ages, an area for roller skating and scooters, a swimming pool with slides, a climbing wall and even a mini golf. Concerts and other events are regularly held here, and film screenings at night. The true star of the Parque del Oeste is the monument to the F-86 Saber aircraft. This is a real aircraft, which was operational from 1958 to 1972 and, in 1981, was placed as a monument in the old Manises Air Base. After the base was closed, the plane was transferred to the Parque del Oeste.
Free admission.
Schedule:
- From March 21 to September 20: every day from 9 a.m. at 8 p.m.
- From September 21 to March 20: every day from 9 a.m. at 7 p.m.
Parque del Oeste on the map:
The Marxalenes Park or Parque de Marxalenes in Valencia
It is a green area of more than 80 000 square meters, located between the streets of San Pancracio, Luis Crumiere, Reus-Ruaya y La Estrella.
You will find n this beautiful park many types of trees and shrubs, natural springs and ponds, fountains, fields and sports facilities and playgrounds.
The park is divided into 4 zones:
- Mediterranean forest.
- Orchards.
- Sports area.
- An area of beautiful buildings surrounded by gardens.
Marxalenes Park on the map:
A romantic park in Valencia − The Jardín de Polífilo
A romantic garden with many interesting corners. You will find here cosy squares and a beautiful pond surrounded by orange trees, with an island in the middle, many walking trails, several types of trees, a playground and even an artificial mountain with beautiful views from the top.
The Jardín de Polífilo on the map:
We have told you all about 8 of the most popular parks and gardens of Valencia. If you have something to add, leave your comments on our social networks. Also share with us your experience about the green corners of Valencia you have visited and how you remember them. Additionally, if you are interested in choosing the wonderful city of Valencia in order to live in and you plan to buy a home in this beautiful city, you can get acquainted with our real estate offer in Valencia, here.
You may be interested in the following articles:
- The best municipalities of the Valencia Metropolitan Area in order to live: the most complete guide
- The most important tourist attractions in Valencia
- City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia
- Quality and cost of living in Valencia city in 2020
