Day Trip to Albufera, Valencia

Enjoy a private escape from the city to Parc Natural de l'Albufera, a protected wetland area just outside Valencia. Here, rice fields, pine forests, and sand dunes surround a freshwater lagoon home to diverse wildlife, including flamingoes and kingfishers. On this half-day excursion, you'll explore the dunes' native flora, learn about the Mediterranean ecosystem, and take a sunset boat ride on the lagoon.

Immerse yourself in the lush Mediterranean landscape with a trip to Parc Natural de l'Albufera, which lies about 7 miles (11 km) south of Valencia. Your private guide will pick you up from central Valencia for the 20-minute drive to your first stop: the sand dunes of El Saler. Here, you'll learn about native plants and soak up sweeping views of the beach lapped by the Mediterranean Sea.

Next, continue past rice paddies and coastal pine forests to the park's main attraction, the lake. As you drive, look out for birdlife; the park is home to one of Spain's most extensive wetlands, and you should see plenty of ducks and coots, moorhens, egrets, and even kestrels in the area. In all, over 300 species of birds call this park home, making it a site of international importance for its avian diversity. The park also features some of Valencia's best beaches, including Platja El Saler, Platja de L'Arbre del Gos, and Platja de la Garrofera.

Once you arrive at the pier, enjoy the lake views and learn about the area's history and significance; look out for smaller bird species that live in the sheltered rice fields. Next, you'll head to El Palmar, a small town surrounded by waterways with restaurants selling copious amounts of paella. Your guide will point out barracas, small traditional 18th-century fishermen's houses that line the lakeshore. Finally, board a boat for your cruise. As you drift along the calm waters, savor the coastal afternoon breeze and watch the iconic Valencian sunset paint the sky shades of orange and pink.