Parque Natural del Turia

The Turia Natural Park is the metropolitan green corridor that follows the living Turia river upstream from the city, linking Quart de Poblet, Manises and Paterna before it reaches deeper into the countryside. It covers close to 5,000 hectares of pine woodland, riverside groves and traditional market garden: a stretch where the city falls away and the river landscape takes over, with its riverside vegetation, pines and still-worked plots.

What to see

The main feature is the river itself and its banks: water running through the riverside vegetation, pines covering the slopes and patches of traditional huerta still being farmed. It is a mosaic that shifts with the seasons, with no single spot to aim for; you just walk it.

What to do

• Walk or cycle the riverside park, which connects several towns via footpaths and bike-friendly tracks.
• Look for rest areas and shade beneath the pines on hot days.
• Watch the riverside wildlife, most active at dawn and in the late afternoon.

Tips for your visit

• Bring water and comfortable shoes: distances between towns can be long.
• It's a way to get away from the crowds without really leaving the city.
• If you enjoy urban river parks, the Parque de Cabecera is its continuation inside Valencia.