Parque de Cabecera

At the western end of the Turia Garden, where the old riverbed reaches the city, lies the Parque de Cabecera, a huge naturalistic space of more than 330,000 m² designed to recreate the Mediterranean riverside woodland that once grew along the Turia. It's one of València's great parks and yet far quieter than the central stretch of the riverbed.

A recreated riverside forest

The park was designed as the closure and "head" (cabecera) of the Turia green corridor, with a landscape approach that mimics nature: it is structured around a large artificial lake, gently rolling topography and dense native woodland. Water, vegetation and pathways are the threads that tie the whole thing together.

What to see and do

• The lake, where you can rent boats shaped like swans or little ships to row among ducks and greenery.
• The Colina Mirador (Viewpoint Hill), a mound topped by a lookout with views over the park, the city and, on clear days, the Sierra Calderona.
• The Riverside Forest, which bridges land and water.
• A large playground that's very popular with families.

Practical tips

Entry to the park is free. The best thing about its location is that it sits right next to the Bioparc, the city's immersive zoo, making it the ideal plan to combine a morning of animals with an afternoon in nature. It's easy to reach by bus, or by bike along the Turia Garden from the centre (around 20-25 minutes' ride).

Insider tip

Tip for families: on weekends a small pirate ship sails the lake to the children's delight, and climbing the Viewpoint Hill at dusk rewards you with a pretty, little-known sunset, far from the crowds. Bring water and a picnic: there's plenty of shade and very few tourists. If you want more nature, chain it with the Parque de Marxalenes or find other green ideas in free things to do in València.