THE THIRD-largest city in Spain has always been green and now, officially, Valencia is Europe’s Green Capital 2024. The award, applauding cities for their environmental efforts, is recognition of what Valencia has achieved with its Green Routes and confirmation that here is a city committed to sustainability in its tourism agenda.
The target, to become carbon-neutral by 2030, is reflected in four green routes, the first of which showcases the nine-km space of Turia Gardens and its availability for walking, sports, picnicking and appreciation of nature.
Central Park in Valencia
The second route meanders through the city centre, drawing attention to revitalised spaces – like the now fully pedestrianised Plaza de la Reina – that have been recovered for public use, while the third route employs public transport or bicycle to take in the city’s natural larders: fish from the Mediterranean; fruit and vegetables from orchards; and rice from the paddy fields that surround L’Albufera Natural Park to the south of the city (where paella, in its modern form, was first developed).
Bicycle power in Valencia
Cycling in the European Green Capital 2024
Orchards are also part of the city’s natural larder
2024 will bring a host of events, large and small, that celebrate Valencia’s Green Capital status; there is also the forthcoming new Central Park, which will add 230,000 m² of green spaces to the city centre. There can no longer be any mistaking Valencia’s appeal for visitors to Spain looking for an uncrowded destination (move over, Barcelona).
by Sean Sheehan
For more information, see Visit Valencia