Florida Park: Vitoria’s Must See Gardens

Florida Park is a 200 year old site of relaxation and beauty. It possesses beautiful French botanical gardens, whimsical pathways and art pieces. This park is a welcome oasis from the summer’s sun and has nearly 200 different species of plants and trees. It’s where the birds come to join in choir and where you can go to recharge and find escape.

A wide walking path leads to the bandstand in Florida Parkea, Gasteiz.

About The Florida Park

The Bandstand Area

Florida Park’s Bandstand is located on the southern side of the park. This is where most of the live performances occur. This gazebo is painted white with a red base. The stage stands a couple meters above the surrounding area. The arches and crown moulding are the most elegant elements.

A white and red bandstand sits in Florida Park, Vitoria.

Surrounding the bandstand is a large plaza for viewing. It is separated from the rest of the park by a black fence. There are eight pillars that signify the four access points to this plaza. Large statues stand on four of the wall’s pillars, in different quadrants. These ancient figures look into the plaza and provide a feeling of safety and security.

Florida Park’s East Side

Leaving the gazebo area, follow the large open path to reach a small glass-domed restaurant. The restaurant provides a peaceful ambiance to settle in and enjoy the park’s atmosphere. If you prefer dining outdoors, there is also a covered patio available.

A wide walking path under the tree canopy in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

The pathway from the gazebo to the restaurant is spacious so you don’t feel huddled together with the others enjoying the area. There are plenty of benches under the tree’s canopy that are great places to sit and listen to the birds sing.

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On both sides of this generous walking path are gardens. The gardens boast a variety of colours and species of flowers. Each garden has a small fountain in the middle, as the cherry on top.

The botanical gardens in Vitoria are about to bloom.

Florida Park’s North Side

Florida Park’s north side of the park is more whimsical. It has large sequoias in grassed areas and thinner walking paths. The paths wind around in a casual and relaxed way. There is a bench, in what seems like every 20 steps. Strategic placement of the benches ensures that you won’t face another bench directly.

A couple relaxes on a park bench in Vitoria-Gasteiz.

A small man made river dances throughout this area of the park. Paths wind around and over the river on small pedestrian bridges. Old wooden fences protect some areas of the park while other areas transition from pathway to greenspace with little mediation. Some pathways go under arches that hold up other hillside pathways.

A walking path goes through a tunnel in Florida Park, Vitoria.

There are a couple sections that have pathways up little hills. At the top of one of these little hills are several seating areas. The benches consist of concrete and stone, decorated with unique oblong tiles. It brings a funky Alice in wonderland feel to the area.

The Monuments & Statues of Florida Park

Throughout the park you will come across pieces of art. Some will be artistic monuments that help fill out the park and inspire thought. Some are located in the middle of the gardens while others are in the center of seating areas. These pieces are often conversation starters for curious minds.

A small river meanders through Florida Park, Alava.

There are many statues throughout Florida Park. They are historical figures of significance to the area. One of them is of a man leaning against a park bench while another is of José Ignacio Aldecoa e Isasi. Ignacio was a well known poet and author. He was born in Vitoria and passed away in 1969, at the age of 44.

A statue of José Ignacio Aldecoa e Isasi. A famous poet and author who was born in Vitoria.

Florida Parkea is located in central Vitoria. Just a short walk from the Plaza of the Virgen Blanca, this central park was built in the 1820’s using a French romance style. This relaxing park contains botanical gardens, a bandstand and a sauntering river.

There are nearly 100 different species of trees that provide ample amounts of shade, a nice retreat on hot summer days .The many walking paths allow you to meander at your own pace, taking it in your way. Florida Park is a must see.