Parque de Marxalenes

In the Marxalenes neighbourhood, north of the centre, is one of València's least touristy parks: the Parque de Marxalenes, 80,000 m² that bring together several historic farmhouses, canals, fountains and even a small lagoon. It's a neighbourhood park, used by locals, where the old Valencian huerta (market garden) still lives on among the trees.

Nature with memory

Opened in 2001, the park was built around water that wells gently from the ground (known as the ullal), feeding a lagoon, basins and irrigation channels that run through the whole site. What makes it special is that it keeps the agricultural soul of the place: several alquerías (farmhouses, some of medieval origin like the Barrinto one) and an old oil mill were restored rather than demolished, keeping alive the memory of the huerta and the railway.

What to see

• The lagoon that recreates a small habitat in the style of the Albufera, with its wetland vegetation.
• The Barrinto farmhouse, now home to a public library.
• The old narrow-gauge railway depots, today turned into a café and a small Railway Museum.
• Canals, fountains, tree-lined walks and play areas for little ones.

Practical tips

Entry is free and it's easy to reach by metro or bus from the centre. It works well for a quiet morning away from the tourist crowds, and pairs easily with the nearby Parque de Cabecera or a walk through Parc Central if you want to compare the classic park with the modern one.

Insider tip

Local secret: almost no tourists make it here, so you'll have the farmhouses and canals mostly to yourself. What stands out most is the small railway museum in the old depots: an unexpected railway touch amid the greenery, where you can have a coffee surrounded by history. If you like these little-known corners, you can also check our selection of València's secrets or the guide to things to do in the city.