Albufera & the Origin of Paella
Only 10 km south of Valencia lies the Parc Natural de l'Albufera — a 21,000-hectare lagoon surrounded by rice fields and pine forests. This is the birthplace of paella: Here, in the rice fields on the lagoon's shore, farmers and fishermen invented the dish that defines Spain in the 18th century.
The Albufera is also an important bird sanctuary with over 300 species — flamingos, herons, stilts, sea eagles. A sunset boat ride over the tranquil lagoon is one of the most magical moments one can experience in the Valencia region.
Visit Albufera€
★★★ Sunset Boat Ride
In El Palmar, the small village on the lagoon's shore, traditional Barqueta boats depart for half-hour rides across the Albufera. At sunset, when the entire lagoon is bathed in gold and orange and hundreds of birds fly in to roost, it is simply magical.
Boat rides: 5€/person (about 30 minutes). Departure from El Palmar, several providers at the Embarcadero. No reservation needed.
★★★ Paella in El Palmar
El Palmar is the place to eat paella — it was invented here, and it is best prepared here. The restaurants on the village outskirts cook paella over an open wood fire in huge pans. The real Paella Valenciana contains: rice (Bomba rice from the surrounding fields), chicken, rabbit, green beans (Bajoqueta and Garrofón), tomato, saffron, rosemary, and olive oil. No seafood — that's Paella de Marisco, a different dish.
Restaurant recommendations:
- Restaurante Bon Aire — An institution since 1960, right on the canal. Paella for 2 from 25€. Reservation needed on weekends.
- Casa Salvador — More upscale, with its own boat for rides. Paella for 2 from 28€.
- Restaurante Mateu — Family-run, authentic, slightly cheaper. Paella for 2 from 22€.
Important: Paella is traditionally only eaten at lunchtime (1–3 PM), never in the evening. Minimum order always for 2 people. Cooking time about 20 minutes.
💡 Tipp
Perfect Half-Day: Around 12 PM, take bus 25 from Valencia center to El Palmar (30 min, 1.50€). Paella lunch at 1:30 PM. Then walk through the rice fields. At 6 PM, take a sunset boat ride. Return bus at 7:30 PM.