Discover parks, gardens and a vast leisure and entertainment complex in a Valencian district that lies close to the city centre.

After exploring the main attractions of Valencia's historic centre venture a few minutes southeast to Camins al Grau. This largely residential district has several neighbourhoods and is well worth a visit for its green spaces and proximity to numerous attractions.

Heading east from the centre of Valencia, the first neighbourhood you'll reach is Albors, which hosts the Mercado de Algirós, a daily produce market. Peruse the stalls for fresh and frozen foods, fish, nuts, cured meats, baked goods and much more.

Next to Albors is the Aiora neighbourhood. Come here for the Jardín de Ayora, a gorgeous 10-acre (4-hectare) green oasis that was created for the Palacete de Ayora, a pretty building constructed in 1900 by a Valencia architect as his getaway home. Wander through the garden’s various zones, stopping to admire the diverse pastoral beauty that includes palm and orange trees.

Children can enjoy a variety of games near the palace building while adults can learn to play petanque. This is a gentle sport similar to boules or bocce. Participants throw small balls as close as possible to a larger ball known as a jack.

Travel to Penya-Roja, which lies close to the City of Arts and Sciences, a vast entertainment complex that comprises several buildings. Plan more than a day to get around to see everything.

In the City of Arts and Sciences, visit Oceanogràfic, one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with hundreds of marine species including dolphins, sea lions, sharks and penguins. Explore the many wonders of the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum, an interactive science centre housed in a building that resembles the skeleton of a whale. Watch a movie at the Hemisfèric, a digital 3-D cinema with a 9,700-square-foot (900-square-metre) IMAX screen. Go for a walk in the Umbracle, a large garden filled with Mediterranean plants and sculptures. At night, treat yourself to a musical extravaganza at the Palau de les Arts, an opera house with varied performances.

Use the bus or metro to get to Camins al Grau from the city centre. There are numerous stops in the district’s neighbourhoods.