The Original Albufera Tour: Barraca, Boat Ride & Local Guide
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The Original Albufera Tour: Barraca, Boat Ride & Local Guide

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(276 reviews)
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

Just minutes from Valencia, explore Spain’s largest freshwater lagoon on a guided eco-friendly tour. Discover Albufera’s rice fields, wild birds, and the roots of paella with a certified local guide.

Stroll the Mediterranean dunes of El Saler, visit the Gola de Puchol where lake meets sea, and explore El Palmar, a quiet fishing village on an island in the lagoon. Glide across the calm waters on a traditional boat and spot native birds in their natural habitat.

Choose a sunset tour for breathtaking lake views, or a morning tour for a slower pace with a refreshing drink and fresh fruit included.

A cultural, scenic, and all-inclusive experience—perfect for couples and families or anyone seeking nature, beauty, and authenticity just outside the city.

Available options

Albufera Excursion Italiano

Language: You will have an official guide in Italian.<br/>Pick up point: You will be picked up at Serranos Towers at the stairs that go up the towers. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Torres de Serranos, C. de la Blanqueria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

Cruise pick up | ENG & ESP

Premium pick up: Cruise ship passengers <br/>From cruise terminal: Start and finish at the cruise terminal<br/>Morning Tour: The tour takes place in the morning, from approximately 9am to 1.30pm.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Trasmed-Grimaldi, Moll de Ponent, Poblados Marítimos, 46024 Puerto de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Albufera English or Spanish

Starting points:<br/>Ciudad de la Justicia, Av. del Professor López Piñero, 14, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Valencia, Spain<br/>Hotel NH Valencia Center, C/ de Ricardo Micó, 1, Campanar, 46009 València, Valencia, Spain<br/>Torres de Serranos, C. de la Blanqueria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

Albufera Excursion Polish

Language: You’ll have an official guide in Polish.
<br/>Pick up point: You will be picked up at Serranos Towers at the stairs that go up the towers. <br/>Starting point:<br/>Torres de Serranos, C. de la Blanqueria, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

Cruise pick up | German

Premium pick up: Cruise ship passengers <br/>From cruise terminal: Start and finish at the cruise terminal<br/>Morning Tour: The tour takes place in the morning, from approximately 9am to 1.30pm.<br/>Starting point:<br/>Trasmed-Grimaldi, Moll de Ponent, Poblados Marítimos, 46024 Puerto de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

Cruise pick up | Italian

Premium pick up: Cruise ship passengers <br/>From cruise terminal: Start and finish at the cruise terminal<br/>Morning Tour: The tour takes place in the morning, from approximately 9am to 1.30pm<br/>Starting point:<br/>Trasmed-Grimaldi, Moll de Ponent, Poblados Marítimos, 46024 Puerto de Valencia, Valencia, Spain

What's included

Oficial Tourist guide all the duration of the activity
Visit a traditional Valencian “barraca”: the iconic thatched house of the Albufera region.
All Fees and Taxes
Air-conditioned vehicle
In the morning tour for you will have a refreshing drink and fresh fruit included.
Morning option: visit the Bird Interpretation Center
Boat trip in an electric boat: the sustainable pleasure of silence.

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Discover one of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain and visit the Albufera of Valencia, a range of forests, rice padies, lakes and valencian history, where you can enjoy a unique day out to the Mediterranean coast.

2

We'll pick you up from the meeting point and head to the Albufera lake, just ten kilometres away from Valencia. We'll be making several stops during this activity.

We'll visit El Saler to admire some virgin dunes, as well its beach and the Mediterranean sea.

An unique enviroment.

3

Did you know Albufera Lake is Spain's biggest lake? We'll enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of it from the Gola de Puchol pier while our guide tells you its unique Mediterranean ecosystem and a little bit of history.

4
Stop 4

Before continuing , we will make a stop trying to whatch autochthonous birds in a very particular area.

Birds as: Heron, cormoran, ducks, seagulls, little starks, flamingos,partridge, and more

5

Our next stop will be El Palmar. This island of the Albufera (meaning lagoon in Valencian) encapsulates its fishing roots that have characterised this area of Valencia throughout history. There are still some 18th-century houses!
We''ll be around the main streets, pass by monuments and enjoy a boat ride to admire the area's delights from a different perspective.

6

Step inside a traditional Valencian “barraca” — the iconic thatched house of the Albufera region. Learn how fishing families once lived here, from its simple yet clever architecture to the customs, tools, and daily life that shaped this unique way of living.

7

After the activity, we will return to Valencia meeting points.

What's not included

Lunch
Dinner

Available languages

Guide guide
DE EN IT PL ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5
118 reviews
5★
79
4★
24
3★
11
2★
2
1★
2
Tripadvisor 4.8
158 reviews
5★
133
4★
17
3★
5
2★
0
1★
3

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
We will send a WhatsApp message with all the collection details. Please put a correct phone number (if the phone number is invalid, we are not responsible), in case you don't have Whatsapp we will send an email through Viator.
Since we start the collections in Valencia until we return from the Albufera, it has an estimated duration of 4 hours.
We will not bathe on the beach or lake in this activity.
Throughout the year, we recommend that clients bring a jacket, sweater or sweatshirt for the boat ride, since at sunset it can get cold.
You can take your own food but you can't eat on the bus, you can only eat on the boat ride.
This activity does not have free time. Only 5 minutes to use the bathroom before taking the boat ride.
You have booked this experience: transportation from various pick-up points + excursion led by an official guide in the selected language + reservation management for the boat ride guaranteeing availability. (Bus + guide + management of reservations, so that you only worry about having a good time!)
The return transportation is included. With the same pick-up stops.
If you make the check out of your hotel you can take your luggage, as long as it is a cabin suitcase or a small backpack. You must notify us to guarantee space.
If you go at the afternoon: the schedule is approximated, we go to the best time to see the sunset from the lake (could change your pick up time 5 or 10 minutes)
The tour could be bilingual.

Meeting point

This pickup is only available for cruise ship passengers.
The guide will wait for you at the main entrance of the TRASMED terminal (where is the customers parking)

Important notes

Always being in contact, we use WhatsApp, it would be easier to find us the day we meet.

About Valencia

Valencia is a vibrant city on Spain's eastern coast, known for its City of Arts and Sciences, beautiful beaches, and rich culinary traditions. The city blends modern architecture with historic charm, offering a unique Mediterranean experience.

Top Attractions

City of Arts and Sciences

A futuristic complex featuring an opera house, science museum, and oceanographic park.

Architecture Half day to full day €30-€50 (depending on the attractions visited)

Valencia Cathedral

A stunning Gothic cathedral with a mix of architectural styles, home to the Holy Grail.

Historical 1-2 hours €3-€5 (additional cost for tower access)

La Lonja de la Seda

A late Valencian Gothic-style civil building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical 1 hour €2-€4

Malvarrosa Beach

A popular urban beach with a long promenade, perfect for relaxation and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Central Market

One of the largest fresh produce markets in Europe, offering a variety of local and international products.

Market 1-2 hours Free to enter, prices vary for purchases

Must-Try Local Dishes

Paella Valenciana

A traditional rice dish cooked with rabbit, chicken, and vegetables.

Main Course Contains meat and vegetables

Fideuà

A noodle-based dish similar to paella, made with seafood.

Main Course Contains seafood

Horchata

A sweet, milky drink made from tiger nuts, typically served with fartons (sweet pastries).

Drink Vegan and gluten-free

All i Pebre

A traditional dish made with eel, garlic, and peppers.

Main Course Contains fish and seafood

Popular Activities

Hiking in Albufera Natural Park Water sports at Malvarrosa Beach Beach lounging Spa treatments Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals Boat tours in Albufera Swimming and water sports

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the summer peak.

15-28°C 59-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Spanish
  • Widely spoken: Valencian, English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Valencia is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of pickpockets and scams in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests

Getting there

By air
  • Valencia Airport • 8 km from city center
By train

Valencia Joaquín Sorolla Station

By bus

Valencia Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Efficient and affordable, with multiple lines connecting major attractions.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Cabify, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ciutat Vella (Old Town) El Carmen Ruzafa Malvarrosa

Day trips

Albufera Natural Park
10 km from Valencia • Half day to full day

A beautiful wetland area with a variety of birdlife and traditional fishing villages.

Sagunto
30 km from Valencia • Half day

A historic town with a Roman theater, castle, and medieval center.

Requena
100 km from Valencia • Full day

A picturesque town known for its wine production and historic center.

Festivals

Fallas Festival • March 15-19 Tomatina Festival • Last Wednesday of August Las Fallas de Valencia • March 15-19

Pro tips

  • Visit the City of Arts and Sciences early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday sun and crowds
  • Try local specialties like paella, fideuà, and horchata at traditional restaurants and markets
  • Explore the city's neighborhoods, each with its unique character and attractions
  • Use the Valencia Tourist Card for unlimited public transportation and discounts at major attractions
  • Be cautious of pickpockets and scams in crowded areas, especially during festivals and peak tourist seasons
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 13-99
1
Childs
Age 3-7
0
Infants
Age 0-2
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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