Quick pick: which route suits you?
| You want… | Route | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| A first taste of the city | 1. Turia park | 9 km |
| Beach and modern architecture | 2. City of Arts → beach | 8–11 km |
| History and atmosphere | 3. The old town | 4–5 km |
| Nature and paella | 4. Albufera & El Palmar | ± 48 km return |
| Peace and countryside | 5. Vía Xurra | 16 km one way |
The 5 best bike routes
The Turia park from end to end
In 1957 the river Turia flooded the whole city. Afterwards the river was diverted around Valencia and the old riverbed became a park about 9 km long. You ride right through the city without meeting a single car.
Start at Parque de Cabecera (next to the Bioparc) and ride towards the sea. On the way you pass the Torres de Serranos, the Palau de la Música and Gulliver Park, where children climb over a 70-metre giant. The park ends at the City of Arts and Sciences.
City of Arts → harbour → beach
From the end of the Turia park you ride past Calatrava’s white buildings: the Hemisfèric, the Science Museum and the Palau de les Arts. A bike lane then takes you to the harbour (La Marina), where the America’s Cup was sailed in 2007.
From the harbour, the bike lane along the promenade takes you to Las Arenas and Malvarrosa beaches. If you want to go further, it continues to Patacona, which is quieter.
The old town (Ciutat Vella)
A short route past the main sights: the Torres de Quart (with cannonball marks from 1808), the Central Market, the Silk Exchange (La Lonja, a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the cathedral and Plaza de la Virgen. Every Thursday at 12:00 the Water Tribunal meets here, as it has for more than 1,000 years.
The centre has narrow streets and many pedestrian areas. Ride slowly, walk your bike on busy squares and use the cycle ring (anillo ciclista) around the old town for most of the way.
The Albufera and El Palmar
South of the city lies the Albufera Natural Park: Spain’s largest freshwater lake, surrounded by rice fields. From the City of Arts and Sciences you follow the bike path via Pinedo and El Saler, past dunes and beaches. The whole route is flat.
You end in El Palmar, the village where paella comes from. Here you can take a boat trip on the lake and eat paella or all i pebre (eel stew). The lake is at its most beautiful at sunset.
The Vía Xurra to Puçol
The Vía Xurra is a former railway line turned into a paved cycling and walking path. It starts in Benimaclet (at the cemetery roundabout) and runs about 16 km north to Puçol.
You ride through the huerta: orange groves, vegetable fields, irrigation channels and old farmhouses (barracas). On the way you pass Alboraya, Meliana and Albalat dels Sorells. Alboraya is home of the chufa (tiger nut), which horchata is made from.
Practical tips
Renting a bike
As a visitor, the easiest option is a rental shop, for example on Paseo de la Pechina, right by the Turia park. If you join one of Albano’s tours, the bike is included. Valenbisi, the city’s bike-share system, is mainly meant for residents.
Traffic rules
Ride on the bike lanes, not on the pavement, where pedestrians have priority. Children under 16 must wear a helmet. A bell, and lights after dark, are required.
Best time
Spring and autumn are ideal. In July and August ride before 11:00 or after 18:00. Winters are usually sunny at 15–18 °C.
Water and sun
Always carry water and wear sunscreen, even when it does not feel hot. The Turia park has drinking fountains.
Prefer a guide?
I combine routes 1, 2 and 3 in my private bike tour of about 3 hours: through the Turia park, past the City of Arts and Sciences and through the old town, with the stories behind them. Just you and your own group, at your pace.
€150 for 1–2 people, + €25 per extra adult and + €20 per child. Bikes, helmets for the children and water are included.
Book a private bike tourFrequently asked questions
Is Valencia a good city for cycling?
Yes. The city is almost completely flat, has around 200 km of bike lanes, and the Turia park gives you a car-free route right across the city.
What is the most beautiful bike route in Valencia?
For a first visit: the Turia park from end to end (9 km), optionally continuing to the City of Arts and Sciences and the beach.
Can I cycle to the Albufera?
Yes, there is a flat bike path via Pinedo and El Saler to El Palmar. The return trip is about 48 km, so plan half a day to a full day.
Do I need a helmet?
In the city, helmets are compulsory for children under 16. For adults they are not compulsory in town, but recommended.