Five ideas for guided tours in Valencia

• The Turia Gardens

  Originally, Valencia was crossed by the river Túria, which was diverted in the 1960s following major floods. It was a colossal work, to finally cover the entire site by the green spaces of the Turia Park. These magnificent gardens, designed by the architect Ricardo Bofill, stretch over 9 kilometers in the heart of the city. You can go for a bike ride and stop at museums, cross bridges that have been preserved and discover monuments from medieval times to the present day. You will pass by sports fields and playgrounds for children, and at the end you will reach the sea.

• Natural Park of the Albufera

  Located just 10 kilometers south of Valencia is the Natural Park of the Albufera. On a coastline that separates the sea from the lagoon, you can discover dunes, wild beaches, pine forests, rice fields, and the largest lake in Spain. There are 7 marked paths where you can venture out and discover amazing flora and fauna, including very rare aquatic birds. The boat trip can be done around the 3 channels that connect the sea and the wetlands of the lagoon. Each canal has its own specificity in terms of landscapes and animals that can be found there. The Albufera Park is also famous for its magnificent sunsets: all the colors of the lake are reflected in gold and orange through the reeds.

• Miguelete Tower

  Climbing the 207 steps of the staircase that makes up the tower, you will reach the terrace of the octagonal tower of Miguelete, adjacent to the Cathedral of Santa María, which contains its bell tower. It was built in 1423 in Gothic style and measures 51 meters. It is also called Torre del Micalet. It is the most famous tower in Valencia, because nowhere else in the city can you see a more beautiful view of the historic center and all the surrounding area.

• The City of Arts and Sciences

  The City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències in Spanish), the work of avant-garde architects Santiago Calatrava and Felix Candela, is a must-see during your visit to Valencia. This futuristic complex is located at the eastern end of the Turia Gardens, and consists of six large buildings:
  – The Príncipe Felipe Science Museum: this building in the shape of a dinosaur skeleton contains a multitude of interactive and didactic activities on 3 floors and 40,000 m2.
  – An IMAX cinema (Hemisfèric): the building is shaped like a human eye.
  – The Umbracle is the suspended garden of the museum. It is a walkway where you can find more than 50 different plants from the region, all surrounded by palm trees under fixed and floating arches.
  – The Oceanogràfic is the largest aquarium in Europe.
  – The Palau de les Arts Reina Sofía auditorium, dedicated to operas.
  – The Agora, a futuristic work representing two intertwined hands, is a venue for concerts of all kinds.

• The central market of Valencia

  Valencia’s central market is one of the oldest markets in Europe still in operation. Its initial construction dates back to 1914, and after many adjustments, its final delivery took place in 1928. Originally built in the open air, it was completely redesigned as a covered space with a modern architectural style. No less than 900 stands are installed on 8,200 m2. As soon as you enter the area, you are immediately amazed by the dome of 30 meters in diameter. It is composed of magnificent stained glass and mosaics. While strolling in the alleys, you will be amazed by this cocktail of colors and flavors.