In 2026, the Albufera de València Natural Park will celebrate 40 years since it was designated a protected area. Four decades of caring for one of the most iconic landscapes of the Valencian Community, where the lake, the rice paddies, the Devesa, traditional fishing and an extraordinary diversity of birds coexist.
The park was officially designated by Decree 89/1986 of 8 July. Since then, the Albufera de València has established itself as a natural area of immense ecological, cultural and scenic value, as well as becoming one of the most visited places in the province of Valencia.
Located just 10 kilometres from the city of Valencia, the Albufera allows you to go from an urban setting to a landscape dominated by water, rice fields and Mediterranean woodland in just a few minutes. One of the best ways to explore it is by taking a boat trip on the lake and watching the sunset from within this unique wetland.
40 years of the Albufera Natural Park
The designation of the Albufera Natural Park in 1986 marked a decisive step towards protecting this area from urban sprawl and the deterioration of its ecosystems. This protection recognised the combined value of the lake, the marshland, the rice fields and the coastal strip separating the Albufera from the Mediterranean Sea.
Over the past four decades, restoration, research and conservation projects have been carried out with the aim of restoring habitats, improving water quality and protecting the species that depend on this natural environment.
Its designation as a natural park was subsequently supplemented by other forms of protection. L’Albufera has been included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance since 1989, was designated a Special Protection Area for Birds in 1990, and forms part of the Natura 2000 network as a Site of Community Importance.
This 40th anniversary not only commemorates the legal protection achieved in 1986, but also highlights the importance of continuing to care for a living landscape that is closely linked to agriculture, fishing, gastronomy and the identity of the Valencian people.
A natural area comprising the lake, the marshland and the Devesa
The area surrounding the lagoon covers approximately 21,200 hectares, spread across Valencia and twelve other neighbouring municipalities, such as Catarroja, Silla, Sollana, Sueca, Cullera and Algemesí. Most of this area consists of one of Spain’s largest freshwater lakes and land used for rice cultivation.
The landscape of the Albufera Natural Park can be understood in terms of three main environments: the lake, the marshland and the Devesa.
The Albufera Lake
Lake Albufera is a coastal lagoon separated from the sea by a strip of sandy land known as a ‘restinga’. The connection between Albufera and the sea is provided by the ‘golas’, channels regulated by sluice gates that control the outflow of water towards the Mediterranean.
Its waters are navigated by traditional boats that have historically been used by fishermen, rice farmers and residents of the nearby villages. Today, these boats also offer visitors the chance to appreciate the lake’s scenic and cultural value from a different perspective.
During the walk, you can see the patches of vegetation, the canals, the irrigation ditches and the birds feeding or resting along the banks. The tranquillity of the water and the vastness of the landscape make this walk one of the most characteristic experiences of l’Albufera.
The marshland and rice cultivation
The marshland is mainly made up of rice paddies. The rice-growing cycle transforms the landscape throughout the year: the fields change from being covered in water to displaying intense shades of green and, later, the golden hues that precede the harvest.
The network of irrigation channels distributes water across the fields and connects much of this ecosystem to the lake. Rice farming not only has economic and cultural value, but also provides feeding grounds and refuge for numerous waterbirds.
Towns such as El Palmar, Catarroja, Sollana and Sueca have close ties to the rice fields. Sheds, irrigation pumps, small jetties and farm buildings form part of a landscape that reflects centuries of coexistence between people and the wetland.
La Devesa and the Mediterranean woodland
La Devesa is the sandy strip separating Lake l’Albufera from the Mediterranean Sea. It features a succession of beaches, dunes, salt marshes and areas of Mediterranean woodland, creating a great diversity of habitats within a very small area.
Amongst its vegetation, one can find Aleppo pines, myrtle, juniper, mastic and plants adapted to sand and salinity, such as sea bell. In the park’s more humid areas, species such as common reed, cattail, rush and bulrush can be found.
The conservation of the Devesa is essential because this natural barrier protects the lake and keeps two ecosystems separate: the Albufera and the sea.
Fauna and flora of the Albufera Natural Park
One of the park’s main attractions is its birdlife. Throughout the year, more than 350 species of birds gather in the Albufera, and around a hundred breed within the protected area. The wetland serves as a resting, feeding and breeding ground for resident and migratory birds.
Among the large number of birds that can be observed are the grey heron, the purple heron, the little egret, the great cormorant, the flamingo, the mallard, the water rail, the black-winged stilt and various species of gulls and terns. The presence of each species varies according to the season and the level of flooding in the rice paddies.
The Racó de l’Olla Interpretation Centre is one of the best places to learn about the park’s flora and fauna. The reserve features footpaths, observation points and a viewing tower from which visitors can admire the lagoons and the birds without disturbing them. It is also an example of the restoration of a coastal habitat that had been severely altered during the 1970s.
As well as birds, the ecosystem is home to fish, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Eels, sea bass and other species have traditionally been linked to fishing activity in the lagoon and to the cuisine of the nearby villages.
Things to do in the Albufera de Valencia
Guided tours of the park allow you to combine nature, scenery, gastronomy and traditional culture. These are some of the most typical activities you can enjoy in the Albufera.
Take a boat trip around the Albufera
A boat trip around the Albufera is one of the best ways to appreciate the scale of the lake. Boats depart from various points, particularly from El Palmar and the jetties located alongside the CV-500.
During the tour, the boatman usually explains the history of the park, fishing, rice cultivation and how the irrigation channels and weirs work. It is also an opportunity to spot herons, cormorants and other birds from the water.
Sunset is one of the most special moments. The light glints off the lake as the boats slowly make their way back to the jetty, creating one of the most iconic views of l’Albufera de València.
Visit El Palmar and sample Valencian cuisine
El Palmar is a hamlet situated in the heart of the park and one of the main departure points for boat trips. Its history is closely linked to fishing, rice cultivation and life around the lagoon.
After the tour, you can enjoy a Valencian paella, arroz del senyoret, a seafood paella or the traditional all i pebre with eel. Rice and eel are two of the ingredients that have had the greatest influence on the cuisine associated with the Albufera.
Exploring the walking trails of La Devesa
La Devesa has several signposted trails that allow visitors to explore its dunes, pine forests, salt marshes and beaches. These walking trails offer an accessible way to discover the park on foot and observe how the vegetation changes between the lake and the sea.
Places of interest include the Gola de Pujol viewpoint, La Devesa beach, the Estany de Pujol and the Racó de l’Olla Interpretation Centre.
Watching the birds in the wetland
Birdwatching is another of the park’s main activities. The best times are usually in the early hours of the day or at sunset, when temperatures are milder and many species become more active.
As well as the Racó de l’Olla, there are trails through the rice fields of Sueca, Sollana and Catarroja, from which you can see migratory birds, rice fields and traditional water-related structures.
How to get to the Albufera Natural Park
The park is situated to the south of the city of Valencia and is mainly accessed via the CV-500 road, traditionally known as the El Saler road or motorway.
From this road, you can reach La Devesa, the Gola de Pujol viewpoint, Racó de l’Olla, El Palmar and El Perellonet. The turn-off for the Interpretation Centre is at approximately kilometre 10.5 of the CV-500, heading towards El Palmar.
There are also public transport options from the city of Valencia, with stops near the jetty and El Palmar. It is advisable to check the latest timetables before planning your visit.
An anniversary to look to the future
The 40th anniversary of the Albufera de Valencia Natural Park provides an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved since its designation as a protected area in 1986, but also on the challenges that still lie ahead.
Water quality, habitat conservation, the maintenance of water inflows and protection against extreme weather events remain key issues for the future of the wetland. Current initiatives include restoration projects, scientific monitoring, vegetation recovery and improvements to the water flowing into the lake.
Getting to know the Albufera also means learning to respect it. Walking along its paths, observing its wildlife, discovering the culture of rice farming or taking a boat trip all help you to understand why this natural area deserves to remain protected for many decades to come.
Celebrate its 40th anniversary with a boat trip
Discover the landscape of the Natural Park with panoramic views from the lake, learn about its traditions and witness one of Valencia’s most special sunsets.
