When it comes to sustainable cities, Valencia is a veritable inspiration.
Every resident is no more than five minutes away from green space, living the good life in a city surrounded by farmland, lapped by Mediterranean shores and divided in two by the old Turia riverbed, reimagined as a park that unfurls for almost six miles through the city.
Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia has always been happy to fly under the radar, playing third fiddle to the big two, Madrid and Barcelona. Now it’s stepping into the spotlight with a slew of recognitions, including one of Europe's most prestigious sustainability awards.
With its commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2030 and an urban development model that’s influencing cities around the world, Valencia has been named the new European Green Capital. Awarded by the European Commission, it recognises the city’s blooming achievements in the field of sustainable tourism and climate neutrality, and the high quality of life enjoyed by Valencia’s residents.
It’s a testament to the Huerta (which translates as ‘orchard’) in the outskirts that provides fresh produce, the array of green spaces within Valencia and the sprawling national parks that bookend the city: the Parc Natural de l'Albufera, one of Spain’s most important wetlands, and the Parc Natural de la Serra Calderona, a majestic mountain reserve with forests, caves, and hiking and biking trails.
So, with open spaces and natural beauty abounding, what are the best things to do in Valencia, the new European Green Capital?
Cycle Turia Gardens, Valencia: Europe’s longest urban park
Meandering for almost six miles and dissecting the centre of Valencia, Turia Gardens is a vast green space built upon the bed of the river that once ran through the city.
The Turia River was converted into an immense urban green space following rising flood risks. With its flow diverted south, the channel of land that traversed the city from east to west was reimagined as a scenic expanse for Valencians to enjoy.
Today, it’s a cornerstone of the city and the best way to experience Turia Gardens is from the saddle. Savour wide open spaces as you breeze by, winding your way through Valencia’s green heart past emblematic sites such as the Serranos Towers, the Palau de la Música and Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, cycling past swaying palms and fragrant orange trees, fountains, ponds and lush gardens, while marvelling at the unique beauty this park has to offer.
Explore the Huerta
A fertile green expanse that encircles the city, the Huerta is a key part of Valencian heritage. Easily accessible via an excellent network of cycling paths, this is the perfect respite from the hubbub of city life, adored by locals and a popular day trip for those enjoying city breaks in Valencia.
Cycle 18 miles from Turia Gardens all the way to the quaint town of Sagunto without leaving the bike path, or wind your way from the outskirts of Alboraya through the Huerta Norte, past tiger nut fields and rice paddies.
Just a 20-minute cycle from the centre of the city, Hotel La Mozaira is an enchanting sanctuary offering a seductive mix of modern splendour and rustic romance. For those looking for a serene escape, the Huerta is the best location to stay in Valencia and La Mozaira one of the very best boutique hotels in the area.
Discover reclaimed public spaces
Beyond green spaces, Valencia prides itself on creating central sectors that encourage walking and cultivate a sense of community. Recently, the city has pedestrianised the streets surrounding the famous Mercado Central, an area that had historically been clogged with traffic. As one of the largest covered markets in Europe with a stunning Art Nouveau design and a mix of Michelin-star chefs and local artisans, it's a fabulous insight into Valencian food culture and heritage.
Two of Valencia’s most famous squares, Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza de la Reina, have also been converted into pedestrian zones, affording Valencians more space to roam, relax and connect with one another, while significantly reducing inner-city traffic.
Following the reclamation of these areas, one of the best things to do in Valencia is to simply stroll these beautiful spaces, taking in the majesty of the buildings and feeling the warm breeze rolling in from the Mediterranean Sea.
Escape to nature parks
Valencia is replete with bucolic beauty, featuring an array of nature parks that offer blissful escapes to the great outdoors.
Home to paella, Albufera National Park is surrounded by paddy fields, lush vegetation, fragrant pine forests and dramatic coastline. There are six signposted routes that wind through this protected nature reserve, each offering the chance to delve into the landscapes, flora, fauna, and history of the area.
Enjoy a long lazy lunch at a traditional barraca cottage, savouring some of the best paella in Valencia from the very place where the dish was invented. At dusk, book a boat ride and see this stunning landscape from the pristine waters of Spain’s largest lagoon.
Wander through the epic expanse of Turia Nature Park, a Valencia river park located northwest of the city, where pine forests, scrubland, and Huerta envelop the banks of the Turia. There are a total of six official trails to explore on foot, by bike or even on horseback. The most impressive is the Ruta Fluvial de Turia, a 17-mile trail that flanks the banks of the river on both sides, offering a glimpse of local wildlife including jabalí (wild boar), squirrels, rabbits and wildcats.
Turia Nature Park is also home to two historical wonders – the Bronze Age archaeological site Lloma de Betxí, created over 3,000 years ago, and the 6th-century fort, Valencia La Vieja.
A green stay
Valencia offers a slew of sublime accommodations that offer an immersive experience of what makes Valencia a Green Capital. In the Huerta Norte, La Mozaira is an enchanting retreat, perfect for savouring authentic dishes and local wines in the bougainvillea-scented courtyard.
For five-star beachside luxury, the Balneario Las Arenas is perhaps the best place to stay in Valencia. At this elegant and glamorous resort you’ll find pristine gardens, crystalline pools and towering palms, together with one of the city’s best spas and gourmet experiences that serve up delicacies sourced directly from the surrounding Huerta.
Another stunning central stay, Only You Valencia evokes the essence of the city, with earthy tones, timeless furniture and classic Valencian touches, including handcrafted pieces courtesy of local artists. A glamorous boutique that effortlessly blends old-world elegance with contemporary cool, Only You Valencia offers spacious rooms bathed in natural light, and a sparkling rooftop pool with wonderful views of the sea, the Huerta and beyond.
Eat local
Surrounded by fertile terrain and embraced by Mediterranean waters teeming with fresh seafood, Valencia’s sumptuous local produce is foundational to its cuisine. That’s why eating local and eating well is blissfully easy.
Many of the top restaurants in Valencia can be found near the city’s beachfront area, such as La Maritima. The marina-front eatery offers a range of fresh-catch fish dishes, authentic paellas and creative tapas plates, together with panoramic views over the harbour and the Mediterranean Sea.
In town, Goya Gallery serves some of Valencia's best paella. Choose from a selection of 21 inventive paella dishes from the à la carte menu, preceded by pristine starters such as the Goya-style squid mayonnaise with smoked salmon and aubergine.
City breaks in Valencia aren’t the same without a visit to the largest fresh produce market in Europe, Central Market. For a special treat, head to Central Bar, where menus devised by Valencia’s most renowned chef, Michelin-starred Ricard Camarena, feature classic Spanish dishes infused with ingenious flavours.
One of the most rewarding and unique things to do in Valencia is to eat authentic Valencian cuisine surrounded by fields where the produce is grown. Just a 20-minute cycle ride from the centre of the city, Alqueria de l’Horta is a hidden gem favoured among locals. Come for the oven-baked artichokes and local Valencian wines and stay for the exquisite paella valenciana.
Another restaurant in the running for serving the best paella in Valencia is the Alqueria del Pou. Nestled to the south, just a short walk from the Ciudad de las Artes, this whitewashed farmhouse is set in the city yet brings a distinct countryside vibe. Savour classic Valencian dishes such as clotxinas (Valencian mussels), coquinas (wedge clams) and titaina, a mix of peppers, tuna, garlic, tomato and pine nuts.
Discover a green city
Thanks to its unique blend of age-old traditions, diverse landscapes and innovative sustainability model, Valencia has become a benchmark for green cities the world over. With its newfound status as European Green Capital, now’s the time to visit Valencia and discover outdoor delights, lush green spaces and sublime local dishes made from the finest local produce.