Spring In Spain's Largest Gardens. The Turia Gardens, Valencia

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These are the largest urban gardens in Spain. Stretching for over 8 km, from the City of Arts and Sciences, the world famous architectural wonder of Santiago de Calatrava, till the other end of the city, the new state-of-the-art Bioparc zoo, Turia Gardens cut Valencia in two halves.

About 50 years ago, these gardens used to be a river. But as the waters got mad on people and flooded the city, the people got mad on the river and outcast it. Now the Turia River surrounds the city to the south and the old riverbed is a prolific garden we thoroughly enjoy.

Back when this urban remodeling started, the first idea was to build a motorway in the old riverbed. But the people of Valencia protested and nowadays we have this gorgeous relaxing gardens instead of even more noise and pollution. The Valencian paid dearly for this, and for many years, every letter that was sent had an additional fee that went in the garden's account. 

Aside from the beautiful promenades of flowers, parks, ponds and fountains, along the Turia Gardens are tons of sport facilities, including bike lanes, running tracks, football fields, rollerskating areas, a giant chess board, a skateboarding zone and a rugby field. 

The park is also a dog's heaven. Though this never stopped stray cats from calling these gardens their own.

Valencia is an incredibly health conscious city and people of all ages practice yoga, Tai Chi, jog, and ride bikes through the park. Though, the two of us prefer lazier activities, like strolling through this green heaven for hours and go for romantic Sunday picnics.  

As we went towards Bioparc, we met ducks. Lots of ducks...

And we recently discovered this beautiful artificial lake where they rent swan paddle boats...

And because it's spring, love is in the air...

And the love locks could not miss either.

The classical art museum is just next to the park and they recently opened a new room dedicated to Joaquin Sorolla. We checked it last week and we liked it. Although, it's kind of small.

Some trees take a stand and deny spring is already here...

But, without a doubt, they are wrong ...

And everything is green. Surprisingly green!

And kids enjoy the once again warm days tremendously.

Though not only the kids...

I never knew ducks could be so athletic...

But the most funny and weird site we could spot during spring in Valencia is the Rudolf train. He is so popular here that he's on duty year round. 

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