Last month I took a weekend trip to explore several small towns around Valencia, and found them far more interesting than the popular attractions in the city center. This trip mainly focused on several places near the Albufera Lake area, and I’d like to share my experience with you.
Transportation and Route
Getting there from Valencia city center is very convenient. I took the regional train from North Station to Sueca, which takes about half an hour. If you want to visit El Palmar, I recommend driving or taking a taxi, as public bus services are limited. The entire Albufera Natural Park area isn’t very large, so one day is enough to visit several spots.
El Palmar Fishing Village Experience
This small fishing village is truly distinctive, with traditional thatched-roof houses everywhere. There are many restaurants in the village specializing in paella, at prices much cheaper than Valencia city center. I went to a branch of Casa Carmela and ordered a traditional seafood paella and a black rice dish. It only cost €35 for two people, with very generous portions.
I recommend booking restaurants in advance, as weekends get very crowded. Locals prefer to eat between 1 PM and 3 PM, so if you want to avoid the rush, go earlier or later. You can also see fishermen drying their nets in the village, and there are small boats available for rent by the lake, at about €10 per hour for a lake tour.
Natural Scenery of Albufera Lake Area
The lake scenery is truly wonderful, especially at dusk. The water surface is very calm, and you can see various water birds. I walked along the lakeside path for about an hour - the air quality is exceptional. This is one of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes and the main production area for the rice used in paella.
| Location | Features | Recommendation |
|---|
| El Palmar | Traditional fishing village, paella | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sueca | Rice field scenery, convenient transport | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Albufera Lake | Natural landscapes, bird watching | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Practical Tips
Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat - there aren’t many shaded areas by the lake, and it can get very sunny in summer. Also, wear comfortable shoes as there’s quite a bit of walking involved. If you’re interested in photography when visiting Valencia area towns, the evening light is perfect for capturing lake scenes.
Overall, I was very satisfied with this trip to explore Valencia town property prices and the surrounding areas - it was much more relaxing than touring attractions in Valencia city center. I originally wanted to go further south to Gandia, but didn’t have enough time. Next time I plan to arrange a two-day trip and stay overnight in El Palmar to really experience the local slow-paced lifestyle. Has anyone been there who can share their experiences?
