The Turia riverbed defines much of the life in Valencia. Following a catastrophic flood in 1957 (more on that later, gentle readers!), the river itself was diverted to an area to the south of the city. The semicircular pathway through the cityspans both old and new areas, and in many ways is the boundary between the old city and the new zones that have emerged as Valencia has grown and prospered.
The riverbed has been converted into a green space that runs from the areas near the port to the local Bioparc zoo. With running trails, exercise equipment, bike paths, soccer fields, playgrounds, bridges, and forested areas, the Turia riverbed, or simply Turia river, is an amazing reflection of the importance of being outdoors in this city.
One of my latest habits is to take bike rides in the morning in the riverbed. If I get up early enough, I am treated to a view of the city waking up into its rush hour routine. In the photos below, you can see the way the river is integrated into the city, but I assure you that the sense of calm in the river is a great way to start a day. These pictures are heading west, but I will publish a set of pictures soon of my rides to the east.
 Below: Swan boats ready to start the day at BioParc zoo…
This sounds like the perfect place for a triathlon. Let me know if there is one and Todd and will have to try to visit.
There is a triathlon, but it is near the port area to have access to the water: http://www.valenciatriatlon.com/eng/modalidades-triatlon.php
Let me know what you think!
I was in Valencia last Christmas and loved it. Now thinking of moving there with my family this summer 2015. I was curious if you know the phone number or website for the place where they rent the soccer fields? My son is a heavy duty soccer player here and looks to train hard in Valencia. I would like to contact that local just to see how it works day to day. Thanks!
Hi, Peter, and sorry, I don’t have any experience with this kind of thing. However, the one item I was able to find was this link to the Camp de Fútbol in the Túria Riverbed: http://www.deportevalencia.com/instalaciones/instal%C2%B7lacions-riu-turia-camp-de-futbol-pont-de-lexposicio-tram-viii/
Hopefully, that is a place to start asking questions. It looks like most of the municipal fields are managed through the Valencian government arm called Fundació Esportiva Municipal València.
Fundació Esportiva Municipal València
Passeig de la Petxina 42.
46008 (València).
Tel (+34) 96 354 83 00.
Fax (+34) 96 394 45 83
Email: informacion@fdmvalencia.es
I hope that helps!
-christopher