Albufera Natural Park (Valencia)
La Albufera Natural Park is 10km South of Valencia. It contains the Albufera lake, the largest in Spain, an estuary on the Gulf of Valencia coast. La AlbuferaNatural Park spreads around a surface area of 21,120 hectares (52,200 acres). The natural biodiversity of the nature reserve allows a great variety of fauna and flora to thrive and be observed year-round.
While once a saltwater lagoon, dilution due to irrigation and canals draining into the estuary and the sand bars increasing in size had converted it to freshwater by the seventeenth century.
La Albufera is an important stopover point for migratory birds and a nesting area for resident birds. The park’s lagoon makes a nice spot to watch birds and to take a ride in a typical Albufera boat. Traditional rural houses called “barracas” can be seen around the area
Rice farming is particularly important, and is closely linked to the survival of the Albufera.
Agri-food Cooperative
Cooperativa Valenciana del Camp «Unió Cristiana”, is an Agri-food cooperative founded in 1903 and nowadays counts with around 4000 associates. This is one of the pioneer agri-food cooperatives in the Region of Valencia taking care of its farmers and the cultivation of rice following the traditional methods.
Tour
“Rice Tour. Albufera Natural Park”
This is one of the most traditional tours where to enjoy good paella surrounded at a peaceful atmosphere in the fresh open air and.
We will learn all the secrets about the growing of the rice in Valencia and what are the procedures to follow depending on the season. We will enjoy a beautiful walk around the Albufera Natural Park and at the end of the tour we will enjoy together a traditional paella.