Parque Natural de la Albufera y El Saler

Twenty minutes south of the city is Albufera Natural Park, the largest lake in Spain. Surrounded by rice paddies and the pine woods of the Devesa del Saler, the wetland is the birthplace of paella and home to countless birds. As the sun sets, the water turns gold and red.

What to see

The lake is the main draw, a sheet of freshwater separated from the sea by the sandbar of the Devesa. Around it stretch rice fields that change colour with the seasons, footpaths through the pines, and fishing villages such as El Palmar, where the tradition of the boat and the rice still lives on. The Devesa del Saler adds dunes, unspoilt beaches and a Mediterranean forest that feels wild for how close it is to a major city.

Tips for your visit

• The classic plan is a boat trip at sunset, when the sky reflects off the water.
• Wear comfortable shoes and, in summer, bring mosquito repellent.
• Leave time to enjoy a proper paella at one of the local restaurants.
• If you love birds, bring binoculars; the wetland is an important spot for birdwatching.