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Things to do in
Albufera

Albufera: Our most recommended tours and activities

From Valencia: Albufera Day Trip with Boat Tour and Transfer

1. From Valencia: Albufera Day Trip with Boat Tour and Transfer

Surround yourself with nature in a peculiar environment, unlike those seen in other parts of Spain. Travel out of Valencia to discover its magical Albufera, a tranquil historic lagoon with unique wildlife. Marvel at panoramic views, learn about local animal species, and take a scenic boat ride. Enjoy a transfer from a selection of hotels in Valencia and drive toward the natural park as you hear fascinating stories about it from your guide. Visit the gorgeous untouched dunes at El Saler, admire the native flora, and take in views of the beach and the Mediterranean Sea. Allow your guide to teach you about this special ecosystem and its geographical and social importance throughout history. Stand at the Gola de Puchol pier, before heading over to Palmar, a small fishing village located on an island in the middle of the lagoon. Pass through its two main streets and hop on a boat to observe this majestic area from a new perspective. Come across traditional Valencian homes and enjoy a colorful sunset from this peaceful location. Take a short drive back to Valencia to finish off your journey.

Valencia: Albufera Jeep and Boat Tour

2. Valencia: Albufera Jeep and Boat Tour

Delve into the heart of one of Spain’s most beautiful national parks: Albufera. Marvel at wind-swept sand dunes and a variety of native fauna before relaxing on the shores of El Saler beach. After pickup from your hotel, hop into an open-topped Jeep and head for Albufera. Choose to drive the Jeep yourself, or to sit back and relax while being driven . Witness the incredible views of the low-lying plateaus and cliffs overlooking the placid lagoon. Keep your eyes peeled for the myriad of majestic bird species that call the area home, like massive herons, and peculiar varieties of duck. After covering significant ground driving, hop on a traditional fishing boat for a 45-minute scenic cruise. After, head to the pristine El Saler beach for a swim, accompanied by local tapas and soft drinks.

Valencia: Bike Rental for 1 to 4 Days

3. Valencia: Bike Rental for 1 to 4 Days

Don’t miss any corner of the city with this bike rental in Valencia. Enjoy a comfortable and easy ride thanks to the city being flatter along its length, making it ideal for biking. Explore at your own pace, without traffic jams, and in a sustainable way. Grab your bike with a basket, helmet, lock, and optional child seat (all included), then set out to explore Valencia your way. Ride alone or in a group and discover picture-perfect spots and hidden corners in areas cut off from motor vehicle traffic.

Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Bike and Boat Tour

4. Valencia: Albufera Natural Park Bike and Boat Tour

Pick up your bike in our store in avenida de Francia 10 (near the City of Science) between 10.00-11.00. You can choose from a city bike with 7 gears or an electric bike. Ride the 12 km towards El Saler while passsing the Pinedo beach. Continue until reaching the small town of El Saler. Here there are many bars and restaurants where you can stop to get something to eat before getting on the small typical 100% electric Albufera boat, the "Albuferenc". Or you can eat the famous paella once the boat ride finishes. The boat leaves at 13.15 everyday (except Tuesdays and Sundays) and it is about a 50 minute tour. There is no explanation on the boat since the driver only speaks Spanish. Pamphlets with an explanation of the surroundings are available on the boat. The Albufera lake is home to over 350 different bird species as well as many different fish and eels. It is a sweet water lake because its water is used to irrigate the 14,000 acres of rice fields. This is where the Valencian paella had its origins in the XVI century. The bikes are loaded onto the boat so when you are dropped off in the Gola del Puchol you can continue your adventure through the Natural Park while enjoying the wonderful scent of the many pine trees. You will reach the Mediterranean Sea with all its natural sand dunes. Swimming in the Albufera lake is not allowed, but you can take a swim in the Mediterranean so don't forget to bring your bathing suit! On your way to the beach there is a small lake which is usually full of flamingos and protected bird species. As you make your way back to Valencia you will see how the City of Arts & Science begins to appear on the horizon. You can drop off the bikes in the store where you picked them up by 20.00. Helmets, locks, lights and a detailed map showing you all the different bike routes are all included. Please be aware that if there are strong winds the boat will have to make a shorter trip.

Valencia: Local Market, Boat Trip & Paella Workshop.

5. Valencia: Local Market, Boat Trip & Paella Workshop.

Start your day at Torres de Serrano, where our guides will meet you by minibus, welcome you with a warm smile and a brief introduction to the adventure that awaits you. Our first stop will be the Catarroja Local Market, where the locals do their daily shopping. There you will learn about the key ingredients of Valencian cuisine, interact with the vendors and explore the stalls filled with fresh, local produce. Our guides will share with you their knowledge of the cultural and culinary importance of this market while you absorb the lively local atmosphere. After exploring the bustling market, you'll head to the entrance of the Albufera, just ten minutes away. There you'll discover an oasis of wetlands and rice paddies awaiting history and culture. Your hosts will guide you through the process of growing Paella rice while you contemplate an infinite horizon of rice fields and wait to be picked up by an "albuferenca" (traditional boat of the Albufera). You will then embark on a ninety-minute boat ride through the beautiful nature reserve of La Albufera. You'll learn about its rich biodiversity, explore its stunning scenery, delve into its canals and understand why ancient poems referred to it as "The Mirror of the Sun". You'll also visit an iconic Valencian "barraca" (a former farmer's dwelling) and have the chance to spot some of the nature reserve's most iconic birds - but don't worry about taking pictures, our photographer will capture the moments for you! Disembark at the port and board the minibus, your next stop will be a typical Valencian farmhouse in an orange grove. Once there, you'll be greeted with a pre-dinner feast of traditional food and drinks. Taste these delicacies while a local chef teaches you step-by-step the process of making authentic Valencian paella. You will be part of the process from the purchase of the ingredients at the Catarroja Market to the last second of cooking, and you will learn all the secrets of this historic dish. When it is ready, we will take advantage of the cosy and familiar atmosphere of the farmhouse to eat paella and enjoy Valencian desserts. At the end of the meal you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself even more in the local Valencian culture through talks with our guides. They will now tell you about the history of the Valencian farmhouses and orange groves, their great importance to Valencian families and the problems they face nowadays. We could not end the experience in any other way than by offering a small gift that we will have prepared for you at the end of the talk. We hope you will remember this experience as much as we will remember you. After this symbolic thank you for your visit, the mini-bus will take you back you to the starting point.

Valencia: 48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus & Albufera Bus Tour

6. Valencia: 48-Hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus & Albufera Bus Tour

With this combined ticket you will be able to enjoy these two services: - Hop on hop off bus with the possibility of get on and off at the stops for 48 hours. Panoramic tour lasting approximately 2 hours with 17 stops. See the best attractions and monuments in Valencia. Discover Valencia in the most comfortable, fun and complete way with our hop on hop off service in a double-decker bus. Real-time audio guide available in 10 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese, Valencian and Russian. - With the Albufera Bus Turistic service, you can visit the Albufera Natural Park and enjoy a 30-minute boat cruise on the lake included in the price. The duration of the entire visit is approximately 2 hours. Real-time audio guide available in 8 languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Japanese and Valencian.

Valencia: The Albufera Lake Self-Guided E-Bike Tour

7. Valencia: The Albufera Lake Self-Guided E-Bike Tour

Start your day in the vibrant Ruzafa district, known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops. Next, head to the Turia Gardens, a beautiful park that was once the course of the Turia River. From the gardens, you'll cycle to the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of museums, theaters, and concert halls. After exploring the City of Arts and Sciences, you'll head to the Albufera Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your path will lie along the beach, along a flat and comfortable bike path The Albufera is a large freshwater lake surrounded by rice fields and marshland. It is home to a variety of birdlife, including flamingos, herons, and ducks. You'll have the opportunity to cycle along the lakeshore and admire the stunning scenery. This tour is a great way to see the best of Valencia in a single day. It's perfect for travelers who want to experience the city's charm and beauty, as well as the natural beauty of the Albufera Lake. What you'll see and do:  • Start your day in the Ruzafa district, known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and shops.  • Cycle through the Turia Gardens, a beautiful park that was once the course of the Turia River.  • Visit the City of Arts and Sciences, a futuristic complex of museums, theaters, and concert halls.  • Cycle along the Albufera Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What you'll need:  • Comfortable shoes or sandals  • Sunscreen  • A hat or sunglasses  • Water bottle  • Camera Tour details:  • Duration: 6 hours  • Starting point: Ruzafa district  • Difficulty level: Easy Book your tour today and experience the best of Valencia and the Albufera Lake! Ride Discover Enjoy

Valencia: Port Saplaya - self-guided e-bike tour

8. Valencia: Port Saplaya - self-guided e-bike tour

Valencia is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. It's also a great place to bike, with flat terrain and plenty of bike paths.   This self-guided e-bike tour is the perfect way to explore Valencia's highlights and the most the most beautiful port nearby is Port Salaya. Start your day in the historic center - Russafa Your tour begins from the old district, and a convenient bike path will take you to the central park.  You'll also see some of Valencia's most famous landmarks, including the City of Arts and Sciences,  Queen Sofia Palace of Arts,  the Port of Valencia, and beautiful Cabanyal Beach. Take a break at the City of Arts and Sciences. The City of Arts and Sciences is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Valencia's most popular attractions. It's a complex of futuristic buildings designed by Santiago Calatrava. Continue to Cabanyal Beach - longest (3,5 km) and wide beach with a nice views. After you'll cycle to Port Saplaya, a charming fishing village located just a few kilometers outside of Valencia. Port Saplaya is known for its canals, which are reminiscent of Venice. You can take a boat ride through the canals or simply relax on the beach. We recommend you to find a restaurant or cafe to have lunch, and to feel this place!  This tour is perfect for:  • People who want to see the best of Valencia in one day  • People who enjoy biking  • People who want to experience the charm of a Spanish fishing village Book your tour today and experience Valencia like never before! Here are some additional details about the tour:  • The tour is approximately 22 kilometers long and takes about 6 hours.  • The tour is self-guided, so you can go at your own pace.  • The e-bikes are easy to ride and provide assistance when you need it. We hope to see you on our tour!

From Alicante: Valencia Full-Day Guided Tour

9. From Alicante: Valencia Full-Day Guided Tour

We will begin in the heart of the city, surrounded by the Basilica of the Virgen de los Desamparados and the Cathedral, which hides the holy chalice inside. We will continue moved by the influence of the Turia river to the Tribunal de las Aguas, the oldest institution of justice in Europe, whose rules and traditions have been transmitted from century to century until reaching today, where it remains in full force and has been inscribed by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity. But Valencia is much more! Its captivating streets smell of orange blossom and tell us about a rich past, legends, curiosities, tradition, heritage and a living folklore... That's why we will delight in the bustle of the Central Market with all its stands full of top quality fresh food. Rest and enjoy some tapas in the sun on one of its terraces and continue with the Lonja de la Seda, a jewel of civil Gothic. Before returning to Alicante we will make a stop to captivate ourselves with its splendor and charm that attracts unprecedented fauna and flora. We will know more about its history and natural value for the region's ecosystem.

Authentic Valencian Paella Cooking Class

10. Authentic Valencian Paella Cooking Class

Enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience in a Valencian farmhouse, where the real star of the activity is you. Experienced teachers will guide you through each step of the preparation of an authentic Valencian paella.  In the process they will reveal many myths, traditions, and secret tips and special techniques necessary for the preparation of this popular and internationally famous Spanish dish. The country house, known as “Casa del Riuet”, is located just twenty five minutes from the city of Valencia. The old farmhouse is ideally situated between rice paddies, and the beautiful scenery introduces you to the real Valencian environment. It is the ideal space for cooking your paella and enjoying the delights of the area. 

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What people are saying about Albufera

Overall rating

4.0
(571 reviews)

I wasn't sure if this "long" (in quotation marks because time flies once you start) experience would fit into our trip planning, but it surely did and I couldn't be happier to have booked it. The boat ride, the guide's explanations, the shopping in the local market, the orange field typical of the area and the Paella were very enriching and fun activities.

A perfect afternoon, our guide was very pleasant and highly professional, the perfect activity if you like the natural environment and learning about local traditions. All the staff who attended this excursion treated us very well. Truth is I loved it. Consistent with the quality-price ratio. Thank you

Ferran was an excellent and enthusiastic guide! The tour was a good length of time and allowed us time to enjoy a unique sunset view on the lagoon. A more sustainable, green boat ride instead of using fuel that pollutes the lagoon would have made this trip perfect!

Very interesting and enjoyable. Not what we were expecting. Rafa our guide is very passionate about the information on the tour. Highly recommend it.

Local, informative, authentic, great food, fun and a fair price = highly recommended.