Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, but its location on the Costa Blanca by the Mediterranean Sea make it the most pleasant year-round destination. The city has good public transportation that can transport visitors from sight to sight, but a popular way to move around is cycling and walking. Here the best walking and cycling routes in the city of Valencia (more details and maps in the travel guidebook).

Across the old town

This route starts from Plaza del Ayuntamiento and ends at Torres de Serranos. From the Plaza, head towards Mercado Central markethall. Walk or cycle along the main roads or narrow alleys, whichever you find more interesting. Once you find Mercado Central, notice that La Lonja is right next to the market. The next milestone is Plaza Tossal, a central place when the night falls, and people start looking for food and drinks. From there, the route continues to Plaza del Carmen which is hidden behind narrow alleys. You will experience Valencia’s oldest neighborhood El Carmen. From the plaza, it is a short walk to Torres de Serranos.

It is possible to ascend to the tower of Torres de Serranos for views of the city, but after that, it is time to head toward Plaza de la Virgen. Pick your route to the square, and once you find it, you can see Palau de la Generalitat, Basilica de la Virgen, and the Catedral. Continue to Plaza de la Reina. A main road leads from Plaza de la Reina to Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

City of Arts and Sciences

The ultramodern City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de les Arts y les Ciencias) is an impressive sight. Simply walking or cycling in the large museum area and at the adjacent Turia Park is a fabulous experience.

From the street level, you can get a general view of the City of Arts and Sciences. Walking or cycling gives a unique perspective of the bold shapes of the buildings.
Descend at the lower level where the water flows, and an entirely new world opens up. Rent a small boat at the pond or try other water activities.

Beach promenade and La Marina

Even during winter when the city beaches – Arenas and Malvarrosa – are used for jogging, dog walking, and ball games, the adjacent beach promenade draws plenty of people to the coast to enjoy the sea views. Explore the colorful houses along the streets of the old fishermen neighborhood of El Cabanyal near the promenade on the return trip.

The beach promenade starts from La Marina port area and stretches north along the coast. It is suitable both for walking and cycling.

Ensanche neighborhood

The Ensanche district is the neatest and classiest neighborhood in Valencia. If you don’t get lost in the shops and boutiques of the district, here is a route with many key sights along the way.

Let’s take the central place of Ensanche, Mercado Colon (markethall converted into a restaurant center) as the starting point. From there, find your way to the Carrer Colon via any street that leads from Mercado Colon to the main street. If you find yourself anywhere near the El Corte Ingles department store, you are in the shopping district.
Next, head west toward the town hall square (Plaza de Ayuntamiento) via a street called Carrer de les Barques. The buildings that banks have built along the street are impressive and certainly communicate what the banks wanted them to say a long time ago: money is power.

The town hall, post office (Correos), and many other beautiful buildings around Plaza de Ayuntamiento are worth seeing, but after this, head south. The wonderful train station Estacio del Nord is visible to the town hall square. Take a look inside the station for art on the walls and spacious atmosphere. Valencia’s bullring, the round building, is next to the train station and has a museum exhibiting the bullfight tradition.

Albufera

A walk in a historic natural environment gives another view of the culture and history of Valencia. Albufera is an old rice cultivation area where the paella dish is believed to have its origins.

Albufera Natural Park is so near the city that you can reach it by city buses. The best point to start a hike is the Albufera Visitor Center. The center has helpful personnel, maps, and lots of information about the area and its history.

The signposted paths are for walking only (without dogs). If you decide to drive or ride to Albufera, a sign on the CV-500 coastal road directs you to the Visitor Center. It is open only until the Spanish lunch hour (2pm).