Albufera excursion

Looking for an authentic Albufera excursion from Valencia? Explore Spain’s largest freshwater lagoon, cruise through scenic rice fields, and enjoy a traditional paella lunch in a lakeside village – all with a warm, English-speaking local guide. This Albufera tour is something that can’t be missed during your stay in Valencia.

Discover Albufera with Local Guide Petra

Did you know rice is grown in Spain? Just outside Valencia lies Albufera, a protected natural park known for its vast freshwater lake, lush rice fields, and deep ties to Valencian cuisine. This is where the key ingredient for the region’s most iconic dish – paella Valenciana – is cultivated.

On this private Albufera tour, you’ll enjoy a peaceful boat ride across the lagoon, see the rice fields up close, and have lunch in the picturesque village of El Palmar. Your guide Petra, a Valencia local since 1997, will lead the tour and share insights about the area’s nature, food, and traditions.

What to expect during the Albufera excursion

• Meet your guide in Valencia (flexible central meeting point)
• Transfer by private taxi or bus to Albufera Natural Park
• Guided boat ride on the Albufera lagoon
• See traditional “barracas” – classic Valencian country houses
• Full Paella Valenciana lunch in El Palmar village
• Return to Valencia together with your guide
• Petra will share fascinating stories about Albufera’s landscape, the rice cultivation cycle, the origin of paella, and how the scenery changes dramatically with each season.

What’s included

• Round-trip transfer from Valencia (by taxi or bus)
• Scenic boat ride on Albufera lagoon
• Full Paella Valenciana lunch:
• Starters: salad, patatas bravas
• Main: paella Valenciana
• Dessert and coffee
• Drinks during lunch: wine, beer, soda, and water
• English-speaking local guide (Petra)
• Private or small-group setting

About Petra

Petra has lived in Valencia since 1997 and still finds the city magical. “Valencia has the perfect size – everything is close, the food scene is incredible, and the light here is unique, even in winter.”

One of her favorite spots? Albufera Natural Park. “It’s a one-of-a-kind ecosystem that has evolved over centuries – with rice paddies, dunes, a freshwater lagoon, and wild beaches all in one place. Every season tells a different story: from water-covered fields in spring, lush green in summer, to open earthy landscapes in fall, and mirror-like waters in winter. And the sunsets? Absolutely unforgettable.”

Petra’s tip: Visit La Dehesa – a peaceful strip of pine forest and wild beach between the lagoon and the sea. No buildings, no crowds, just nature.

About Albufera

Albufera is located a little south from Valencia. Is a beautiful park, where you will find enormous rice fields, native trees, a diversity of birds, authentic fishermans houses and last but not least; the biggest fresh water lake in Spain! Besides, you will find small villages around the lake, where you can enjoy the best paella Valenciana.

The Albufera park is around 21.000 hectares big. As said before, Albufera is a beautiful place and it is even more beautiful when you are going on a boat trip to see the amazing sunset. And since paella has its origins in Albufera, you will get to try the most delicious paella you have ever had.

In and nearby the Albufera park you will find the little villages El Saler and El Palmar, which are also recommended to visit. The Albufera park, El Saler and El Palmar are can be reached by bike, bus and taxi.

Nice to know

May is the month that the rice is sown and September is the month that the rice is harvested. It is nice to see how this is done.

Extras & options

• The tour is also available for larger private groups
• Flexible start times (usually late morning or early afternoon)
• Want a special twist? Ask about our “paella on the boat” tour – enjoy your lunch during the boat ride for a magical open-air dining experience

Frequently asked questions – Albufera tour from Valencia

What does an Albufera excursion cost?
An Albufera excursion starts at €95 per person for a private experience, including transport, boat ride, lunch, and a local English-speaking guide.

How long does the Albufera tour take?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 4.5 hours, including travel time, the boat ride, and lunch in El Palmar.

Is the Albufera tour private or in a group?
This is a private tour, so you’ll enjoy the experience with your own group only. Group bookings are also available on request.

What’s included in the Albufera tour?
The tour includes return transport from Valencia, a boat ride on the Albufera lagoon, a full Paella Valenciana lunch (including drinks and dessert), and guidance from a local English-speaking host.

When does the Albufera tour start?
Start times are flexible and arranged in consultation with you. Most tours begin in the late morning or early afternoon.