The oldest Botanical Gardens established in Spain, the Jardi Botanic are an oasis of peace and fertility on the fringes of the bustling Old City. The modern entrance hall is dominated by a huge tree, which grows through a circular hole in the roof. Beyond this lie the gardens proper, with shaded pathways winding elegantly between them. They contain more than 4500 species, laid out in elegant parterres and connected by shady, tranquil paths.

The main greenhouse – called the Umbracle (shade house) – is more than 100 years old and contains an array of sub tropical plants from tree ferns to fig trees. A new rockery, known as La Montaneta (little mountain), is dedicated to the flora of the Valencia region, from Holm Oak to the delicate blooms of Beach Morning Glory (Ipomoea imperati). There’s also a gnarled forest, which conveys the scarily enticing, brooding atmosphere of a Brothers Grimm fairytale and is a favourite amongst young visitors.