Albufera de Valencia

Spain's largest coastal lagoon, spanning 2,100 hectares surrounded by rice paddies, dunes and pine forests. A natural park since 1986, the Albufera shelters over 300 bird species including flamingos, herons and harriers. The traditional sunset boat ride is iconic: gliding through reed beds as the sky turns orange over the rice fields. El Palmar village preserves traditional barracas and wood-fired rice cuisine.