24 December 21
The L'Albufera Nature Park
Natural, cultural and gastronomic riches surround one of the natural preserves of Spain with the highest level of biodiversity, famous for its lagoon with nearly 7000 acres of extension.
Just 10 km from Valencia’s city center, Nature in its purest form, magical sunsets, boat rides, and the chance to disconnect like nowhere else. An urban oasis surrounded by paddy fields and woods: that is what L’Albufera Natural Park means to anyone who is familiar with it. You will definitely want to visit it if you’d like to discover the origins of Valencian cuisine. Because what better reason to come than the fact that paella was invented right here?
Head over to the town of El Palmar and try their traditional dishes. Sample some “all-i-pebre” and marinated striped mullet. You’ll experience a new way of understanding food: enjoying it while also learning its origins. Take a walk through one of the six signposted routes through the nature reserve. Discover all the waterfowl and vegetation, live like an authentic local fisherman on Spain’s largest lagoon...
Exploring the local ecosystems: The main attraction is the large freshwater lagoon spanning more than 2,800 hectares, the largest in Spain, to which the park owes its name: L’Albufera. It provides shelter for up to 300 different species of birds throughout the year, especially the waterfowl that winter there, including flamingos. In fact, L’Albufera has been designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and since 1994, as a Special Protection Area (ZEPA).
You can choose from six trails to investigate the local flora, landscapes, and history. There are also various trails to explore the entire park whichever way you like: on foot or by bicycle. And if you download one of the different audio guides (available in Spanish and English) to your mobile, you will find valuable information to enhance your visit and allow you to appreciate this incredible natural environment even more.
If you want to keep fit, you can also ride to the park from Valencia by bicycle. There is a bike lane parallel to the V-15 road that will take you all the way there. You can also pedal the paddy fields in the marshes and the Mediterranean coastal forest, exploring the ports and fishing villages around the lagoon.
Another way to enjoy L’Albufera Natural Park is by the water. A boat ride is the best way to see the birdlife close up and relax in this fantastic natural environment. At dusk, the reddish-golden hues of the sunset create a truly magical atmosphere. There are docks at Gola de Pujol and in the ports in Catarroja, Silla, Sollana and El Palmar. You will travel in a type of handcrafted boat known as an “albuferenc”, and the ride lasts around 40 minutes.
Fishing in L’Albufera: During the fishing season, October to April, the delightful fish market offers local wild eel, as well as sea bass, striped mullet, and carp. Legally recognized by King Jaume I in 1250, the Fishermen’s Association is made up of 400 members, of which 100 are still active in 56 established fishing areas.
Come and enjoy Albufera's highlights!
Head over to the town of El Palmar and try their traditional dishes. Sample some “all-i-pebre” and marinated striped mullet. You’ll experience a new way of understanding food: enjoying it while also learning its origins. Take a walk through one of the six signposted routes through the nature reserve. Discover all the waterfowl and vegetation, live like an authentic local fisherman on Spain’s largest lagoon...
Exploring the local ecosystems: The main attraction is the large freshwater lagoon spanning more than 2,800 hectares, the largest in Spain, to which the park owes its name: L’Albufera. It provides shelter for up to 300 different species of birds throughout the year, especially the waterfowl that winter there, including flamingos. In fact, L’Albufera has been designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance, and since 1994, as a Special Protection Area (ZEPA).
You can choose from six trails to investigate the local flora, landscapes, and history. There are also various trails to explore the entire park whichever way you like: on foot or by bicycle. And if you download one of the different audio guides (available in Spanish and English) to your mobile, you will find valuable information to enhance your visit and allow you to appreciate this incredible natural environment even more.
If you want to keep fit, you can also ride to the park from Valencia by bicycle. There is a bike lane parallel to the V-15 road that will take you all the way there. You can also pedal the paddy fields in the marshes and the Mediterranean coastal forest, exploring the ports and fishing villages around the lagoon.
Another way to enjoy L’Albufera Natural Park is by the water. A boat ride is the best way to see the birdlife close up and relax in this fantastic natural environment. At dusk, the reddish-golden hues of the sunset create a truly magical atmosphere. There are docks at Gola de Pujol and in the ports in Catarroja, Silla, Sollana and El Palmar. You will travel in a type of handcrafted boat known as an “albuferenc”, and the ride lasts around 40 minutes.
Fishing in L’Albufera: During the fishing season, October to April, the delightful fish market offers local wild eel, as well as sea bass, striped mullet, and carp. Legally recognized by King Jaume I in 1250, the Fishermen’s Association is made up of 400 members, of which 100 are still active in 56 established fishing areas.
Come and enjoy Albufera's highlights!