Surroundings

The Albufera Nature Park

The park is home to the largest lake in Spain and one of the most important wetland areas in the Iberian Peninsula. It is a place of great ecological interest with rare species of wading birds and a rich variety of wildlife. Its waters have been traditionally worked by fishermen and rice growers, supplying ingredients and inspiration for many of the regions most succulent dishes. To sample the best of the local gastronomy, go to the village of El Palmar, a setting for many of the works of Blasco Ibáñez. It is an excellent place to try classic dishes such as Paella, Arroz a Banda, or All i Pebre made with eels freshly caught from the lake. After the meal, there is nothing more relaxing than a boat trip on the Albufera lake contemplating the red and amber tones of the setting sun dancing across the water.
On the doorstep of the city there are areas of great natural beauty and a visit to Valencia is incomplete without experiencing the splendour of the countryside and costal zones.

El Saler.

Pine woodlands and rolling san dunes cover this strip of land that separates Albufera from the Mediterranean Sea. The crystal clear waters and golden sands have deservedly been given a European blue flag award in recognition of their quality. A stone's throw from the city, the visitor can be lounging on the beautiful beach in a question of minutes. Added to all this there is a top class golf course that has been ranked among the best 50 golf courses in the world.
A trip out of the city will always bring its rewards; a few kilometres to the north is the Monasterio del Puig (Puig Monastery), an ancient monastery where the visitor can feel the medieval atmosphere of the conquering of Valencia in the times of King Jaime 1st. Continuing north, we come to the Castillo de Sagunto (Sagunto Castle), which includes the ruins of a Roman theatre and the remains of the Jewish Quarter.