Valencia’s stunning green space, Turia Gardens, has been recognized as one of the most beautiful parks in the world, according to a recent ranking by Insureandgo, a leading British travel insurance company.
Following its recognition as the best city to live in by InterNations, Valencia continues to receive international acclaim. The city’s Mediterranean allure, rich cultural history, and exceptional culinary scene have all contributed to its rising reputation. At the heart of this admiration is Turia Gardens, a lush park celebrated as one of the finest urban parks on the globe.
The ranking released by Insureandgo places Turia Gardens as the fifth best park worldwide. Designed by the renowned architect Ricardo Bofill, this expansive green space stretches over nine kilometers, making it the largest park in Spain. It follows closely behind the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Arizona, the Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens in Wales, the Missouri Botanical Garden in the USA, and the Royal Botanic Garden in Melbourne, Australia.
Valencia’s commitment to urban sustainability is further highlighted by its designation as the European Green Capital for 2024. This honor underscores the city’s dedication to preserving green areas like Turia Gardens and Parc Central. Notably, over 70% of Valencia’s residents live within five minutes of a green space, providing more than 7.5 square meters of greenery per person.
The city boasts unique ecosystems, such as the Albufera Natural Park, where local wildlife thrives alongside farmers who grow produce with minimal transportation. Turia Gardens, located in the former riverbed from which it derives its name, attracts over three million visitors annually, making it the most visited park in Spain.
Stretching from the Parque de Cabecera to the City of Arts and Sciences, Turia Gardens is a paradise for runners, cyclists, families, and nature lovers. The park features 18 historic bridges and is surrounded by key museums and landmarks, including the Torres de Serranos, the Valencian Institute of Modern Art (IVAM), and the Museum of Fine Arts.
Turia Gardens was created in the aftermath of a devastating flood on October 14, 1957, which led to the river being diverted to the south. Inaugurated in 1986, the gardens were crafted by a team of urban planners and landscape architects who meticulously recreated the ancient river landscape, incorporating palm trees, orange trees, fountains, pines, fragrant plants, ponds, and rose bushes.
Visit Valencia, the city’s tourism organization, emphasizes that Turia Gardens uniquely connects the African savannah, represented by the Bioparc, to the underwater world of l’Oceanogràfic. It also links to the remarkable opera house, the Palau de les Arts, located within the City of Arts and Sciences.
Among the many attractions in the park is Gulliver, a massive playground where children can climb over the 70-meter-long figure’s fingers, hair, and legs.
Visitors can also admire the Palau de la Música and historical bridges such as San José (17th century), Serranos (16th century), Trinidad (15th century), del Real (16th century), and del Mar (16th century).
Modern bridges, including the Exhibition Bridge, the October 9 Bridge, the Flowers Bridge, and the l’Assut d’Or Bridge designed by Santiago Calatrava, as well as the Arts Bridge by Norman Foster and the Guardian Angel Bridge by Arturo Piera, further enhance the park’s landscape.
Turia Gardens stands as a testament to Valencia’s innovative urban planning and commitment to creating a green and sustainable city. Its beauty and significance continue to attract both locals and visitors, solidifying its place among the world’s premier urban parks.
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© Turia Gardens: One of the World’s Finest Parks – Valencian.es
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