Valencia

GREEN CAPITAL EVENTS

A green city  

You can feel Valencia's green credentials as soon as you arrive. You just have to see the number of gardens and green spaces where you can escape from the urban bustle and enjoy nature without leaving the city... almost five million square meters of green areas! We won't ask you to visit them all, but some you really should see. Start with the Jardín del Turia, an impressive nine-kilometer route of gardens and sports and leisure spaces that crosses the city where the Turia River once flowed. Then explore hidden spots for a romantic stroll, such as the Jardín de Monforte, or new esplanades recently added to the urban landscape, such as the Parque Central, with more than 100,000 square meters of land. Valencia is home to gardens for all tastes. Choose your favorite! 

A city with two natural parks  

Valencia not only has multiple green spaces in the urban center, but also two natural parks on its periphery that are easily accessible by public transportation or bicycle. The Parque Natural de l’Albufera is a veritable oasis just half an hour away from the city, not only for people but also for the thousands of birds that frequent its important wetlands every year. You can explore its different ecosystems on foot or by bike, or on a relaxing boat ride, and top it all off with a traditional Valencian paella among the rice fields that gave birth to this dish. 

Going up the course of the Turia River you will find the Turia Natural Park, more than 8,000 hectares of Mediterranean forest, which you can explore on foot, by bike or on horseback. In the warmer months, it is the ideal space to take shelter in the shade of the pines or take a dip in its natural pools. 

If you want to dive even deeper into the nature of the province, a short distance away you will find true natural paradises, such as the small villages that make up two Biosphere Reserves, or Starlight destinations from which to contemplate the universe with no light pollution.  

The world's breadbasket   

Valencia is home to another green space of transcendental importance not only to Valencia, but to the whole world: the Huerta. Surrounding the city are 120 km2 of fertile vegetable and fruit farms whose produce is not only exported, but supplied to local markets and restaurants.   

You are guaranteed to enjoy authentic local cuisine in Valencian restaurants, with seasonal products that have barely any environmental footprint. It's one of the reasons the city was named Capital of Sustainable Urban Food in 2017. 

In addition to tasting delicious dishes in its restaurants, be sure to visit the Mercado Central or one of the other municipal markets in Valencia to get the freshest products, whether as a snack on the spot or to take home.  

Mobility that leaves no trace  

Transportation is also green in Valencia. Not only can you get around the city easily using mass transit, but, even better, you can do so by bike. With over 200 kilometers of bike lanes and practically flat terrain, riding on two wheels through the city is a pleasure, and the most sustainable way to get to all its landmarks. 

If you don't like pedaling, you can also enjoy 94 km2 of pedestrian areas, including the new spaces in Plaza de la Reina, Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza de Brujas, between the Mercado Central and La Lonja. 

Your contribution to an even greener Valencia  

We can all do our bit to help keep Valencia a green city, even after its year as European Green Capital, and help combat climate change.  

In addition to being able to move around sustainably, you will find many other ways to reduce your carbon footprint and be a responsible tourist; for example, by minimizing waste, supporting the economy and local communities with your purchases and consumption, or taking part in ecotourism activities.