Parc de Benicalap

Benicalap Park (Parc de Benicalap) is a well-kept garden in the Benicalap district, beside the Ciutat Fallera (where the Fallas monuments are built). Its 80,000 m² combine ponds, Arab-style fountains, a waterfall and plenty of shade with generous play and sports areas. It's a local park, not touristy at all: a good plan for a relaxed family afternoon.

History

The land belonged to the Ministry of Agriculture, which for years ran a Horticulture Station here dedicated to research. The city council acquired it in 1975 to turn it into a park, opened in the mid-1980s, and it has been a neighbourhood institution ever since.

What to see and do

• The Arab-inspired relaxation area, with ornamental fountains and the murmur of water.
• The artificial waterfall and water curtain, the park's most photographed corner.
• Ponds, palms and shady nooks for strolling.
• Sports courts (tennis, frontenis, football, basketball) and summer pools.

Practical tips

Entry is free. Get there by metro (line 1, Benicalap stop) or by bus. In summer, the fountains and tree shade make it especially pleasant in the late afternoon.

LOCAL TIP: you're a short walk from the Ciutat Fallera, so pair the park with a visit to the Fallas Museum to learn about the Fallas outside of March. If you like quiet neighbourhood parks, add Marxalenes Park or Parc de la Rambleta. More green, free ideas in our guide to free things to do in València.