Albufera

Albufera, or La Albufera, is a coastal lagoon situated south of Valencia, Spain. The name derives from the Arabic al-buḥayra, meaning the pond or lake. It is the largest lagoon in the Valencian Community and is protected as the Albufera Natural Park, an area that includes the lagoon and surrounding rice fields.

Geographically, the Albufera sits behind a barrier dune and is connected to the Mediterranean by a narrow tidal inlet. The water is brackish and its level and salinity fluctuate with tides and irrigation; the landscape around the lagoon is dominated by rice paddies that have long been a hallmark of the region. The system is fed by small streams, rainfall, and groundwater, with human activity shaping its hydrology through rice cultivation and drainage canals.

Ecologically, the Albufera hosts a variety of birdlife, including waterfowl and waders, as well as fish and other aquatic species adapted to brackish conditions. The surrounding rice fields create a unique mosaic of wetland and agricultural habitat, supporting both biodiversity and traditional farming practices. The area is recognized for its ecological value and is managed to balance conservation with local use.

Culturally and economically, the Albufera is closely linked to Valencian cuisine. The rice paddies supply the rice used in paella, and traditional fishing with small boats, known as barcas, remains part of local life. Tourists commonly take boat trips on the lagoon to observe birds and sunset scenery, while visitors also explore the nearby beaches and pine forests of the surrounding natural areas.