L'Albufera de Valencia
L'Albufera de Valencia · Valencia
Por Spain ·
This lake is included on the List of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention). It has also been designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).
The area covered by this designation comprises Lake Albufera, its surrounding wetlands, and the coastal sandbar (Dehesa del Saler) adjacent to both. The formation of La Albufera is the result of the rivers, which deposited sediment over millennia and eventually created a coastal strip some 30 kilometres long between Valencia and Cullera, thereby closing off the gulf that had previously existed here.
The outline of La Albufera is irregular, with an approximate diameter of around six kilometres at its widest point. The lake is connected to the sea via channels or inlets, which are opened or closed by sluice gates, thereby regulating the volume of water in the lake.
Within the Albufera there are six islets: Mata del Fang, Mateta de Baix, Mata de la Barre, Mata de l’Antina, Mata de San Roc and Mata del Rey. Remains of what can be considered the earliest settlers have also been found.
As for the activities carried out by the inhabitants of this area, rice cultivation stands out in particular; it is closely linked to the survival of the Albufera, especially given the struggle to reclaim every metre of arable land, which provided a significant source of extra income with each harvest.
A typical feature of the area is the ‘barraca’, a traditional dwelling in this part of Valencia, characterised by its steep gabled roof made of reeds, mud and ‘borró’, a native plant. A few examples still survive.
You can also take a boat trip on the water in an ‘albuferenc’, a traditional local vessel. And sample typical dishes such as the world-famous Valencian paella – which originated here and uses rice grown in this area – or ‘all i pebre’ made with eel.
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