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Natural park in Valencia, Spain
Photo: Marcela Escandell, CC BY-SA 3.0 es via Wikimedia Commons
Albufera Natural Park (Valencian: Parc Natural de l'Albufera de València, Spanish: Parque natural de la Albufera, or simply Albufera), is a large natural park in the Valencian Community, Spain.
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With a name derived from the many palmettos on the island, this village was originally a Moorish farmstead. After the forced deportation of Muslim residents in the mid-13th century, the island was essentially abandoned until the late 18th century when fisherman and their families began to take up permanent residency here. Most modern visitors come here primarily to eat paella (see listings below in 'Eat'), but it is worth taking some extra time to explore the surrounding canals and to see the barracas, traditional thatch-roofed dwellings.
La Barraca del Tío Aranda
The oldest building in El Palmar dates from the 19th century, and is the only one which still has the original construction of adobe walls, packed clay floor, wooden ceiling, and thatched roof. It is not open to the public, but visitors can appreciate it from the outside.
Montaña de los Santos
Literally 'Mountain of the Saints', this low hill of 27 m altitude is a good spot to view the surrounding landscape of rice paddies and orange groves.
Hermitage of the Saints of the Stone
The 14th-century chapel was modified in the 17th century, and is a good example of Gothic architecture from the Reconquista period. It is dedicated to Saints Abdón and Senén, patron saints of the nearby city of Sueca, and on 29 July it is a pilgrimage destination from Sueca during the festival of Benissants de la Pedra.
A Republican battery and artillery site from the Spanish Civil War.
Embarcadero de la Gola de Pujol / Boat Launch
Centro de Interpretación Racó de l'Olla / Racó de l'Olla Interpretation Centre
The visitor centre can offer information on bird life in the area, and has an observation tower, two bird observatories, and a nature trail through a smaller lagoon. Ample parking is available nearby, and the nearest EMT bus stop is located a short distance to the north.
This is a good viewing spot for waterbirds especially between the months of October and March, when fixed fishing posts with nets are placed in the water. This spot is particularly popular in the afternoons and on weekends, and there is limited parking available.
Playa de Pinedo
The closest beach to Valencia and the most urban, with a number of cafés and snack vendors. Has disabled access and showers, sun loungers are available for rent, and dogs are permitted on the northernmost section of beach.
Playa de L'Arbre del Gos
A stretch of beach with a more natural setting, and a nudist section. Facilities drinking fountains, showers, and picnic benches.
Playa El Saler
The nicest and best-developed beach. Facilities include disabled access and showers, drinking fountains, and picnic tables, and sun loungers are available to rent.
Playa de la Garrofera
Has a nudist section. Facilities include disabled access, a walkway, and showers.
Playa de la Devesa
Undeveloped, with natural surroundings, this beach can be reached on foot walking for about 5-10 minutes from the parking area. Has a nudist section.
Playa de Recatí
An urban beach with fine sand. Has disabled access and showers.
This religious festival celebrates the pilgrimage of Cristo de la Salud (Christ of Health). The procession begins at the Plaça de la Sequiota in front of the parish church, and proceeds to the boat launch. Here, with much music and fanfare, the Christ effigy is placed into a boat and taken out onto the lake, followed by other boats packed with villagers from El Palmar and neighbouring villages of Catarroja and Silla. After being taken around the lake the effigy is returned to the church and there is a mascletà, or gunpowder celebration.
Spectators wishing to book a spot on a boat to follow along should make arrangements at least six weeks in advance, although with a bit of luck it may be possible to find a spot on the same day by asking around; going rates are €10 per passenger.
This annual event is a series of 500m-long bareback horse races on the beach. Formally organized since 1823, the races date back to the 18th century and were once held in most of the agricultural districts immediately south of Valencia; today they are still held only in the village of Pinedo. They came about as a competition between orchard farmers betting on the strength and speed of their farm horses. Literally meaning 'race of jewels' in Valencian, the 'jewel' is a silk scarf tied to the racer's arm and formerly given to the beloved of the winner. Nowadays the final winner receives all scarves tied to a laurel wreath.
Located in an orange grove on the northern edge of the Albufera, the former farmhouse is now a favourite spot with locals, with a focus on locally-sourced, traditional rice dishes and seafood. Reservations are essential, especially on weekends.
On the beach. Reservations are recommended, and can be made online.
Also on the beach. Reservations recommended.
In a former farmhouse set by a canal and surrounded by rice paddies, this restaurant is rather more expensive but very highly-regarded by locals. Reservations recommended, especially on weekends.
A long-established part of the Valencia nightclub scene, with four bars and a dance floor.
The hotel is on the grounds of a golf course, and has an onsite spa, restaurant, and indoor and outdoor pools. Pets permitted.
Can accommodate tents and caravans, and rents out bungalows and runs a hostel. Facilities include an outdoor pool, onsite bar-restaurant; pets permitted.
Has spaces for tents and caravans with/without electricity, and also rents out bungalows. Facilities include an outdoor pool, barbecue equipment, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
Has spots for tents or caravans, and rents out bungalows and cabins. Amenities include a water park, pet boarding kennel, tennis courts, and horse riding facilities. Has an onsite bar and restaurant. Free Wi-Fi, pets permitted.
A weekly street market, good for picking up fresh local produce and other food items.
By bus
Valencia's EMT Buses 24 and 25 leave from Carrer Navarro Reverter near Plaça Porta de la Mar.
By bicycle
A paved, dedicated bike trail follows the coast for 10 km from Valencia, beginning at the large roundabout near the Centro Comercial El Saler and continuing to El Saler, avoiding traffic for most of…
By taxi
A round-trip taxi ride from Valencia should cost between €10-20, depending on how far you go.
By tourist bus
All the population centres are very small and are easily navigable by foot. To go further distances, see the alternatives listed above in 'Get in'.
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