Turia Nature Park

This stretches 25 kilometres along both banks of the river. But don't worry, you'll find several rest areas along the way in case you need to make a pit stop.

The route starts at Cabecera Park, in the capital, but if it's more convenient you can join it from Llíria, Vilamarxant or Riba-roja.

One thing you can be sure of as you walk along the banks of the Turia: you'll find no less than 19 wooden bridges where you can cross the river to explore other scenic spots, such as the traditional meadowlands of the Vega Valenciana.

You'll also get a close look at the Moncada canal, the most important one fed by the River Turia, which irrigates all the fields from west to east between its course and the Mediterranean Sea.

This is an easy route, ideal for the whole family. The kids will be delighted to cross paths with squirrels and herons or spy trout in the river.

As we mentioned earlier, for those of you who prefer two wheels, this path offers various MTB routes with the chance to explore culture and nature all along the way.

The Equestrian Trail IE-031 follows the course of the river through the Turia green corridor, with a variety of routes (also green) that reveal the park's ecological value and cultural heritage in all their glory.

The Arab tower Felx, the Hispano-Visigothic hill fort of València la Vella and the Bronze Age archaeological site of Lloma de Betxí are just some of the fascinating discoveries that await you.

This equestrian trail is one of the most complete ones you will find anywhere in Spain because there are two paths to choose from: you can either ride for 7.2 kilometres through the Vallesa forest (see below for more details) or follow the 12.8-kilometre path through Les Rodanes.

Including the 15.3 kilometres of parkland, you have 35.3 kilometres of black poplar and elm forests, understoreys of aromatic plants and Aleppo pines through which to ride or stroll with only the sounds of the forest for company.

But that's not all. There's so much more to explore.

This is a 13-kilometre circular trail that takes approximately four and a half hours to complete. It has a medium level of difficulty.

The trail starts at the Bassa Barreta car park and passes through Rodana Gran, a series of trenches built during the Spanish Civil War, Rodana del Pic and Caballons.

YELLOW ROUTE

This 13.5-kilometre trail takes you close to Peña Atrón, the peak where birds of prey nest between December and May.

It starts at the Molino car park in Pedralba and along the way you'll see the Pedralba reservoir, Chucheve Hill, the viewpoint at Las Hoces del Turia, the Cuatro Piedras or "Four Rocks" beauty spot (if it's hot you can take a refreshing dip here), the Pea hydroelectric power station and the Troneta viewpoint.

The trail has a medium level of difficulty and climbs to a height of 210 metres above sea level.

RED ROUTE

This is another circular route, 11.9 kilometres long and with a medium level of difficulty. It also begins at the Molino car park in Pedralba and takes in scenic enclaves such as the Virgen de Luján chapel, the Palmeral Hill, the Pedrera ravine and cave, and the Palmeral path.

On this route you will see examples of dry stone architectural heritage such as water tanks, "catxirulos" or rustic shelters, and walls.

BLUE ROUTE

This 9-kilometre trail winds it way through farm lands and forests, taking in architectural heritage related to water and the old irrigation systems typically found in this area.

It runs between the Pea route and the Turia River Park and you can either start at the public washing place in Villamarxant or at the Visitor Centre.

PURPLE ROUTE

La Vallesa is home to a rich biodiversity of both plant and animal species. Be sure to look closely around you when you visit this forest.

• With regard to the flora, you will find typical Mediterranean species like Aleppo pines, olive trees and carobs. A little closer to the ground, the Mediterranean scrubland includes Kermes oaks, gorse, rosemary and thyme bushes, and mastic trees.
• As for the wildlife, the number of species is infinite: eagles, owls, frogs, toads, snakes, rabbits, martens, weasels, genets, foxes, boars and squirrels are just some of the animals that live in these parts.

Besides, La Vallesa is home to one of the world's best (and rarest) populations of Anthyllis cytisoides, a gorgeous lilac-coloured endemic shrub.

Other wild flowers, mixed with the characteristic aroma of rosemary and thyme, complete the ever-present mantle of colours in this forest.

If you decide to visit it, you will pass through a variety of landscapes, ranging from pinewoods, a hill in the process of regeneration after a wildfire, and dryland crops.

But don't worry, you don't need to do too much research in advance. The paths are dotted with explanatory panels offering full details of all the ecosystems you are passing through.

And if you get hungry, you can stop at one of the sustainable restaurants you'll find in the vicinity.

The park stretches 30 kilometres along the banks of the River Turia, beginning in Vilamarxant and ending in the city of Valencia.

Although, as you can imagine, the best part is in the middle.

Heritage is also a dominant presence thanks to the ruins that bear testament to the different civilisations that have made their home here through the ages and in which the river, as the source of life, has played such a crucial role.

Roman and Arab aqueducts and canals, remains of irrigation channels, water pumps and tanks, and "catxirulos" or rustic drystone shelters are just some of the examples you will find.

But nature is the predominant feature of the park. The river banks endow the area with an extraordinary biodiversity, including species such as aspens, black poplars, white willows and basket willows that form little forests.

Vegetation also continues to flourish in the water thanks to different species of reeds and bulrushes.

The same is true of the wildlife: this area is home to over 150 vertebrates, ranging from amphibians, reptiles and fish to birds and mammals.