Overview
L'Albufera is a freshwater lagoon 10 km south of Valencia, surrounded by rice paddies and connected to the sea by a narrow channel. It's where authentic paella was born, and sunset boat rides across the lagoon are unforgettable.
Highlights
- Sunset boat ride: Flat-bottomed barques glide across the lagoon at golden hour.
- Paella origin: The rice paddies surrounding the lake produce the rice for the original Valencian paella.
- Birdwatching: The wetlands are an Important Bird Area with herons, egrets, and flamingos.
History
Albufera (from Arabic 'al-buhayra', the small sea) was a saltwater inlet that silted up into a freshwater lake. It has sustained rice farming since the 15th century.
Visitor Tips
- Sunset excursion: Boat trips depart from El Palmar village.
- Paella lunch: Eat at El Palmar's lakeside restaurants—the birthplace of paella.
- Duration: 3–4 hours (half-day excursion).