Free walking tours in El Saler and what to see

Must-sees

El Saler is a district of Valencia set on the coastal strip of the Albufera Natural Park. What you come here for is nature: the Devesa del Saler, a pine forest on dunes between the lake and the sea, crossed by waymarked trails and wooden boardwalks. The Devesa beaches are barely developed and have protected dunes behind them, something rare so close to a big city.

On the other side of the road is the Albufera, the great freshwater lake surrounded by rice fields. Traditional boats leave from the El Saler jetty and from El Palmar for trips on the lake, especially at sunset. El Palmar, a few kilometres away, is a fishing village with barraca cottages, canals and rice restaurants. The Gola de Pujol, the channel joining lake and sea, is another good place for a stroll.

Free tours and guided visits

Pay-what-you-like free walking tours are concentrated in central Valencia. At El Saler the usual options are Albufera excursions from the city, which include a boat trip on the lake, a visit to El Palmar and often a lunch of paella or all i pebre. There are also guided bike rides through the Devesa and birdwatching outings with a naturalist guide, highly recommended in winter.

How long to spend

El Saler is easily seen in a day. In the morning, a walk in the Devesa and some time on the beach. At lunchtime, a meal in El Palmar. In the afternoon, the boat trip on the Albufera timed for sunset. If you are interested in birds, add a few hours at one of the park’s hides. From Valencia it also works as a half-day trip.

Where to stay

The choice in El Saler is small: the parador by the golf course, the odd hotel and apartments. It is a good option if you want peace and a beach. Nearby developments such as El Perellonet or Pinedo have seasonal apartments. If you want to combine the park with the city, the most practical choice is to stay in Valencia, in Ciutat Vella or Ruzafa, and reach El Saler by bus or car in under half an hour.