The natural environment in and around Valencia is beautiful and very diverse. Moreover, Valencia is a city that is very actively engaged in preserving nature both within the city and in the surrounding area. It’s no coincidence that the city has been named one of the healthiest cities in Spain to live in for years. In 2022, Valencia was even named the healthiest city in the world. Valencia is the European Green Capital for 2024. By 2030, the city aims to be “smart” and climate-neutral. Valencia is the capital of the Valencia region and is also the third-largest city in Spain.
Valencia has many sustainable initiatives, such as the creation and protection of green spaces like the Albufera Nature Park, the Valencian Orchard, and the Turia Park, which runs through the city. In addition, Valencia is also involved in initiatives for sustainable mobility, waste management, and the restoration of public spaces, such as City Hall Square and Plaza de la Reina.
The European Commission has selected Valencia as the European Green Capital for 2024. This award is given to cities with more than 100,000 residents that implement projects to reduce environmental impacts and improve quality of life. In 2023, the French city of Grenoble was the European Green Capital. In winning the title of “European Green Capital,” the Spanish city underwent a comprehensive assessment of its sustainability based on twelve indicators: air quality, noise, waste, water, nature and biodiversity, land use, eco-innovation, climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, mobility, energy efficiency, and governance. This is the first time Valencia has competed for the title of European Green Capital, an award that has so far been granted to only one other Spanish city (Vitoria, 2012), marking a milestone for Valencia and for its policies on urban sustainability and ecological transition.
Valencia has achieved significant milestones in sustainability, such as being named the European Capital of “Smart Tourism” in 2022 and the Capital of Sustainable Food in 2017. In addition, the city of Valencia is a pioneer in measuring and offsetting its carbon footprint in the tourism sector. Furthermore, it is one of the 100 cities selected by the European Union for the Cities Mission project, which aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2030.
Valencia has many unique green spaces, and Turia Park is one of them. Since its inauguration in 1986, the old riverbed of the Turia River has been adapted not only to the city but also to its residents and their way of life. Covering an area of more than 120 hectares and stretching 12 kilometers, it is the longest urban park in Europe. Other green, sustainable spaces—such as the Albufera Nature Park, the Turia Nature Park, the surrounding orchards, and the Mediterranean Sea—together form the most important group of green and natural areas in the city of Valencia.
Just outside and around Valencia lies the Huerta de Valencia. The “huerta” is an area spanning about 120 km around Valencia, set in a lush landscape of fertile orchards, orange groves, vineyards, rice paddies, and olive groves. The Huerta supplies produce to markets and restaurants in Valencia—as part of its sustainability policy—but also exports its bountiful produce throughout Spain and to other countries. The smart irrigation system
Just south of Valencia lies the Albufera Nature Park, featuring a freshwater lake, many migratory birds, and charming villages. It’s a wonderful place for birdwatching. Here you’ll find trips for wildlife photography and birdwatching in and around Valencia.
Northwest of Valencia lies the rugged Chera-Sot de Chera Nature Park. This mountainous area offers beautiful routes for hikers, but above all, trails for mountaineers. It is home to many birds of prey and is a highly diverse area featuring gorges, mountains, and valleys, covering an area of approximately 6 hectares.
Valencia’s city center has undergone several changes in recent years. The downtown pedestrian zone and the city’s main neighborhoods have been revitalized as part of projects under the Urban Strategy 2030. These projects aim to make Valencia one of the first carbon-neutral cities in Europe. Valencia is well worth a visit for a green city trip. Check out the highlights of Valencia by bike here.
Will you be in Valencia at the end of January? If so, keep an eye out for the “orange shakers.” The city has more than 12,000 orange trees throughout the city and in all its parks. Every year at the end of January, about 400,000 kilos of oranges are “shaken” from the trees. These oranges are used in agriculture because, unfortunately, they’re too bitter to eat.
Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.
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Laat je inspireren
Ben je op zoek naar de mooiste wandel- en fietsroutes? Of wil je informatie over reizen met de trein of advies voor de mooiste roadtrips door de natuur. Laat je inspireren voor je volgende reis in het groen; ideeën om je eigen reis te plannen of te kiezen voor een georganiseerde reis.
