If you ever need a break from Valencia’s busy streets, Jardines del Turia is the spot locals escape to. It’s built in the old riverbed of the Turia River, which was diverted long ago after big floods and now it stretches for almost ten kilometres through the heart of the city. You’ll find everything here: shady palms and orange trees, fountains, calm ponds and winding paths for walking or biking. There are playgrounds, fitness areas, sports courts, even a giant Gulliver sculpture that kids climb and slide on pretending they’re Liliputians.

One end starts at Parque de Cabecera, another ends near the futuristic curves of the City of Arts & Sciences. Along the way you cross under or over 18 bridges, some medieval, some super modern. You can pull up at little cafés for a café con leche, stop for a picnic, join joggers, cyclists or simply lie in the grass and watch Valencia drift by. Any time of day feels good here, but early morning or late afternoon is magic.