The Natural Park and Lake of Albufera in Valencia, a haven of peace just 15 minutes from the city.

What is the Albufera of Valencia?

The Albufera of Valencia is a coastal lagoon or lake separated from the sea by a sandbank or barrier beach directly connected to the sea through a channel (known as «gola de Pujol»). It also has four other water passages or «golas,» although none of them have a direct connection to the sea.

It is the largest coastal lagoon in Spain, covering an area of approximately 2,800 hectares.

It is located about 10 km south of Valencia.

All of this and much more makes it worthwhile to take a guided tour of the Albufera of Valencia.

Why is it called Albufera?

The name Albufera comes from the Arabic «al-buhayra,» which means small sea.

The term Albufera does not only refer to the one in Valencia but is also used to refer to similar geographic features in different parts of the world.

What is the origin of the Albufera?

The origin of the Albufera lake dates back more than 2.5 million years to the Pleistocene era. A depression in the plain located in this area, between the mouths of the Turia and Júcar rivers, turns it into a bay. From this moment on, gradual tides allow sediments to settle along the coast, forming a sandbank that separates it from the sea.

During the Roman period, the sandbank separating the lagoon from the Mediterranean Sea was completed. In fact, the Romans referred to it as «Nacarum Stagnum» or Lake of Nacar. However, it is directly connected to the sea through various channels.

The extension of the Albufera in Roman times was much larger than it is today. Originally, it covered about 30,000 hectares compared to the current 2,800. This decrease is due to land reclamation for rice cultivation since the Arab period.

Freshwater or saltwater lake?

Although it formed from a coastal bay and thus originally had salty water, it is now freshwater. The water of the Albufera of Valencia is fresh.

After the contribution of fluvial and marine sediments that formed the coastal barrier, they eventually settled on the lake’s bed. This gradually changes the origin of the water. Instead of saltwater from the sea, numerous natural springs or «ullals» now feed into it. Additionally, freshwater from the many surrounding ravines also contributes to this.

Declared Protected Natural Park

In 1986, the Albufera lake was declared a Natural Park, covering an area of over 21,000 hectares. It has other recognitions such as «Internationally Important Wetland» in 1971, «Special Protection Area for Birds» in 1990, and «Micro Reserve of Flora» and «Fauna Reserve.»

The reason for its numerous recognitions is because it is a wetland of high environmental value, especially regarding water birds. In fact, it is one of the three most important wetlands in Spain. This Mediterranean marshland combines several elements that make it a unique and particular ecosystem.

The climatic and geographical conditions, such as its proximity and contact with the sea, result in warmer water temperatures. This allows for a wide variety of native fauna and flora.

The Dehesa del Saler

The Dehesa del Saler is part of the Albufera Natural Park in Valencia. It is a Mediterranean forest on dunes located on the coastal sandbar. In the Dehesa, there are about 800 different plant species. The Aleppo pine is abundant, along with an undergrowth of fan palms, myrtle, rosemary, mastic trees, and bramble, among others. These species have adapted to the harsh conditions of wind and salinity. Regarding native fauna, some species are endangered due to human activity. For example, genets, badgers, or foxes. We can highlight the Mediterranean turtle, recently reintroduced.

In the Dehesa del Saler, there are three beaches: Saler Beach, Garrofera Beach, and Devesa Beach.

The lagoon

It has great value not only ecologically and scenically but also ethnologically and economically. Its marsh vegetation shelters offspring and allows many birds to rest. Throughout the lagoon, endemic species such as «gambeta» or eel are fished. And indeed, eel all i pebre is one of the most traditional dishes of the Albufera of Valencia. Some fishing techniques are artisanal methods with more than 600 years of tradition, which adds ethnological value. Additionally, fishing provides economic benefits to local fishermen.

On the other hand, we cannot overlook the scenic beauty of the Albufera of Valencia. It is the only place in the Valencian Community where the sun sets over the water, offering one of the most beautiful and spectacular sunsets.

The Rice Fields

Occupying the majority of the Natural Park, spanning about 14,000 hectares, the rice fields are dedicated to rice cultivation. It’s worth noting that Valencia is the birthplace of rice cultivation in Spain.

The rice fields provide sustenance to the local fauna through their cultivation cycles, which coincide with the different seasons of the year. These cycles create a picturesque array of colors marking the passage of seasons. In spring, the fields are sown and inundated with water. The cereal grows, and in summer, the lush greenery dominates the landscape of the Albufera Natural Park. Gradually, the green gives way to the yellow and red hues of autumn, corresponding to the rice harvest. During winter, the fields are flooded, providing food and shelter for birds, many of which are migratory and find an ideal stopover here before continuing their journey to warmer areas. At the end of winter, the fields are tended to by tractors, preparing them once again for cultivation in spring. It’s during this time when brown becomes the predominant color of the Albufera landscape.

What Can We Visit in the Albufera of Valencia?

In the Natural Park and Lake of Albufera of Valencia, there are many interesting places to explore to make the most of your visit.

Numerous stopping points include the Gola del Pujol viewpoint, El Palmar, the ports of El Saler or Catarroja, the Muntanyeta dels Sants, the Mília Watchtower, or some of its Ullals or underground springs.

Whether on foot (with hiking routes ranging from 500 meters to 4 kilometers) or by bike, choose how you want to enjoy the Albufera of Valencia.

Guided Walking Tour of the Albufera of Valencia

If you’re traveling by car and then on foot, we recommend the following guided tour of the Albufera led by our official guides, starting at the entrance to the town of El Palmar. First, we visit a traditional barraca to see the way of life of the region’s ancient farmers and fishermen, gaining a better understanding of their lifestyles, customs, and traditions.

Next, we embark from the barraca’s own pier for a boat ride through some of the hundreds of canals in the Albufera. You’ll be able to appreciate the natural richness of this protected Park while learning about traditional fishing techniques (declared a Cultural Heritage together with the Latin sailboats). From October to March, there’s a large amount of birdlife due to the fixed fishing spots known as «redolins.» Thousands of birds come from colder areas to spend the winter in this ecologically valuable wetland.

And if the visit is at sunset, you can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world from the boat. It’s the only place in the entire Valencian Community where the sun sets over the water.

Guided Bike Tour to the Albufera of Valencia

If you enjoy cycling, there are plenty of options for biking routes within the Albufera Natural Park. You can even ride from Valencia parallel to the Mediterranean Sea. However, we recommend bringing sunscreen, a hat, and water, especially during the hottest months, from June to September. Also, during these months, it’s best to avoid cycling during the midday hours.

Racó de l´Olla Interpretation Center

On the other hand, if you want to delve deeper into the natural heritage of the Albufera Natural Park, you can visit the Interpretation Center of the Natural Park, Racó de l´Olla. It’s a Natural Reserve with high botanical and ornithological interest. Additionally, it’s located between the Devesa and the Albufera, making it a very interesting point to explore these two environments. Keep in mind that the visit to this Reserve is entirely on foot, and pets are not allowed. The visit lasts about an hour, and no prior reservation is required if you’re not a group.

El Palmar: The Perfect Place to Enjoy the Best Paella in Valencia

This village of Valencia is located next to the Albufera of Valencia. With fewer than 1,000 inhabitants, its economy is based on agriculture (rice and orchards), fishing, ecotourism, and hospitality.

The Barraca

During your visit to El Palmar, you can see some barracas, the traditional homes of the fishermen in the area. These constructions, made of mud, cane, and straw, began to be built in the 18th century. However, by the late 19th century, after a major fire that affected the population, the barracas were replaced by more modern buildings.

Gastronomy with a Taste of Tradition

In El Palmar, you’ll find a large number of restaurants where you can savor the traditional cuisine of the area. Let’s not forget that it’s considered the birthplace of Valencian paella, which already has a Designation of Origin. It’s about tasting authentic Valencian paella, cooked over wood with local products and in the traditional way.

In addition to Valencian paella, there are other traditional dishes made with rice in paella such as arroz negre (black rice) or arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish broth). Also typical is all i pebre de anguilas (eels with potatoes, garlic, and paprika), esgarraet (made with red peppers and cod), or clóxinas (Valencian mussels), among others.

The More Literary Side of El Palmar

It’s worth highlighting here the figure of one of the most important writers that Valencia has had: Vicente Blasco Ibáñez. He knew how to reflect like no one else the life of the inhabitants of this area in some of his novels. In one of the most well-known, «Cañas y barro» (1902), he tells us how the mailboat between El Palmar and the Port of El Saler was the only means connecting Valencia with the Albufera: «like every afternoon, the mailboat announced its arrival in El Palmar with several horn blasts.»

Experiences You Can’t Miss in the Albufera de Valencia

Live a unique and complete experience in the Albufera de Valencia. Experiences not to be a mere spectator, but the protagonist.

Take part in a paella workshop to learn how to cook the most international dish not only from Valencia but also from Spain. Get to know well what the ingredients are and how to select the best ones. In addition, the best chefs with years of experience in the area teach the keys and tricks to achieving the authentic and best Valencian paella.

The Albufera Natural Park is also an ideal spot for birdwatching. Another unique experience we recommend in this natural oasis.