Within Valencia itself there are numerous small gardens. The botanic gardens are worthy of a stop for an hour or so. 5 mins walk from the river bed gardens, and budget busting €1 entry. They are easy to miss as the entrance is through a lobby that actually houses the gardens researchers. Most botanic gardens in Spain are weary, parched, neglected, devoid of plants and inspiration. Stray cats stalk you and you quickly realise that you came at the wrong time to see anything alive. Like many the botanic garden in Valencia is divided into section (water plants/ grasses etc) but the difference here is that virtually everything was lush, beds were full, plants recognisable and the whole space a pleasure to be in. The boundary walls of bamboo were superb, the cactus and agave area was excellent and obviously a work of passion. A well spent €1 (tip, at the entrance lobby.. look up!)
www.jardibotanic.org