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Valencia to Albufera: Bike Ride to the Home of Paella
Paella is internationally considered to be a national dish of Spain, but actually, it’s just a national dish of the Valencian region. In its current form, paella originates from the rural area just outside of Valencia, around Albufera Lake.
The best way to get there from Valencia is by bike. I absolutely loved my bike trip, I went past rice fields, soaked in the peaceful scenery, and ended the day with a breathtaking sunset on the ride back to Valencia.
In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know about exploring Albufera by bike and enjoying the best vegan paella in its birthplace.
Albufera Natural Park
The Parc Natural de l’Albufera de València is named after Lake Albufera, a freshwater lagoon at its center. The name comes from the Arabic al-buhayra, meaning “small sea.”
Once a saltwater lagoon, it became a freshwater lake in the 17th century and is now home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
A day trip to Albufera from Valencia is one of the best day trips from Valencia if you love nature.
Why You Should Go by Bike
Valencia is one of the most bike-friendly cities I’ve visited. The area is pretty flat and there are plenty of bike rental options. That’s why we decided to cycle to El Palmar in Albufera National Park and I’d recommend it to everyone!
The ride is about 24 km one way and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes, though it took us a bit longer (almost 2 hours). Most other cyclists we saw looked more prepared for a long trip, but we managed fine with city bikes and regular clothes.
A quick tip: choose a comfortable bike, my legs and butt hurt the next day! If a long ride isn’t for you, you can also take a tour to El Palmar but I’d really recommend cycling.
🤩 Don’t want to bike? Check the Prices and Availability of an Albufera Tour!
Cycle Route from Valencia to Albufera
The bike path to Albufera starts near the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. From there, you’ll follow a well-marked route, leaving the city behind as you head into the countryside.
The first section is a fully separated cycle path, making for an easy ride. Further along, the bike lane is marked by a painted line, and eventually, you’ll share the road with cars.
I was initially nervous about this, but drivers kept a safe distance and weren’t speeding, so it felt manageable. For a map of the way scroll further down.
1. Cycle Along Valencia’s Quiet Beaches
Shortly after leaving Valencia, you’ll arrive at Pinedo Beach. Take a moment to enjoy the ocean view, refill your water bottle, and look back at the city’s harbor. From there, you’ll ride alongside the ocean, with sand dunes, beach plants, and the gentle sound of waves accompanying you.
2. Ride Past Rice Fields
Cycling through some rice fields on my bike, I felt like back in Southeast Asia. I just love the intense green colour of the plants and the reflecting water. Add some nice mountains in the background and you have an amazing view while you keep riding your bike.
And it’s so cool, that they use local rice for Paella and that you get to see where the rice comes from!
3. Pause at Mirador del Pujol for Great Views
The Mirador del Pujol is your first glimpse of Albufera’s lagoon. Walk out onto the pier to soak in the views of the lagoon with the mountains in the back.
While it can get crowded during sunset, especially with bus tourists, biking gives you the freedom to find quieter, equally beautiful spots along the road.
🤩 Want to be one of these bus tourists? Check Prices and Availability of an Albufera Tour!
Eating Paella in El Palmar
The must-do activity in El Palmar is eating paella and we were so happy to find some vegan options!
We ate at MariBel Arrocería, which had the most vegan options clearly labeled on the menu. Their vegan vegetable paella was amazing! It was served in a massive pan with a perfectly crispy bottom. The generous portion left us with enough leftovers for dinner the next day.
Tip: Paella in El Palmar is always made fresh to order, so expect to wait up to an hour if you haven’t preordered. Also, most restaurants only serve paella for two or more people, it’s not possible to get a single portion.
🤩 Don’t want to bike? Check the Prices and Availability of an Albufera Tour!
Cycle Route Valencia to Albufera on the Map
Scroll through the map below to see the best cycling route to Albufera, key highlights along the way, and where to stop for a delicious vegan paella in El Palmar.
Final Thoughts: Is Albufera Valencia Worth Visiting?
Many visitors arrive at Albufera National Park, especially El Palmar, on big tour buses to enjoy the famous local paella without worrying about transportation. While that’s convenient, I believe the journey is just as important as the destination.
Cycling to Albufera makes the experience special. From the changing scenery of city life to quiet beaches and lush rice fields, the ride itself is unforgettable. And trust me, the paella in El Palmar tastes even better after cycling through the fields.
And while you’re in Valencia, don’t miss the vibrant street art scene. Check out my post about Valencia’s incredible street art to read more about the artists and where to find the best pieces!
Read more:
- 9 Unusual Things To Do In Valencia
- 9 Free Things To Do In Valencia
- Ultimate Guide to Street Art in Valencia
- Valencia to Albufera: Bike Ride to the Home of Paella
- Destinations in Spain
- 7 Best Cities to Visit in Spain
- Unforgettable 10-Day Itinerary in Spain by Train
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Tina Riegelnegg
Tina Riegelnegg is the founder of Veganderlust. She's a vegan with wanderlust, who shares tips and stories from her travels to 31 countries as a vegan minimalist. After 2.5 years of full-time travel with just a personal item-sized bag, she’s now based in Vienna, helping fellow travelers explore the world with ease and compassion.
