Albufera lagoon
El Palmar, Spain
A freshwater lagoon among rice fields just south of Valencia, the home of paella. Take a boat trip from El Palmar at sunset and eat rice dishes in the village.
The Albufera Natural Park covers 21,120 hectares and lies about 11 km south of Valencia. The lagoon was designated a Ramsar site on 5 December 1989 and is an important bird area, with nearly 300 recorded species. Rice growing is closely tied to the lagoon's survival and has shaped the landscape for centuries. According to Spain.info, paella valenciana originates here and is made with locally grown rice, as is the eel stew all i pebre. The fishermen of El Palmar have been legally recognised since 1250.
Guided boat trips, some in traditional boats, leave from several points on the shore. One operator recommends a light jacket for the sunset tour. The Racó de l'Olla visitor centre on the CV-500 has a 50-hectare reserve. Look out for the barracas, the traditional houses with steep reed roofs. The Dehesa del Saler, a sand strip about 1 km wide, separates the lake from the sea.
- Nearest town
- El Palmar, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.3350, -0.3450
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Bungalows Park AlbuferaCampsite6 km from Albufera lagoonCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Camping Valencia El SalerCampsite6 km from Albufera lagoonTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping Park El SalerCampsite6 km from Albufera lagoonTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Coll VertCampsite7 km from Albufera lagoonElectricityDrinking water
- San PascualCampsite9 km from Albufera lagoonElectricityDrinking water
- Nomadic Valencia Camping CarMotorhome stopover24 km from Albufera lagoonMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Albufera lagoon?
Albufera lagoon is in El Palmar, Spain, at GPS 39.3350, -0.3450. It is about 6 km from El Saler.
Can you camp near Albufera lagoon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Devesa Gardens, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Albufera lagoon?
Albufera lagoon is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Valencia to Cartagena: Costa Blanca and Murcia.
What is there to see near Albufera lagoon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias (13 km), Sagunto Castle (39 km), Guadalest (74 km) and Cap de la Nau (83 km).
When is the best time to visit Albufera lagoon?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June, August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)