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EXCURSIONS TO THE ALBUFERA
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Set between rice paddies and the sea, and closed off by the geological embrace of the mouths of the Turia and Júcar rivers, the Albufera Natural Park is a haven for migratory birds and a recreational area for the city and its surrounding municipalities.
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Located south of Valencia, about 11 kilometres from the capital, and separated from the sea by a thin stretch of sand dunes held in place by Mediterranean pines and shrubs, this lagoon was formed in prehistoric times as a result of the accumulation of sediments from two nearby rivers on a barrier that formed an inland freshwater lake. Today, this lake measures 6km in diameter, with hundreds and navigable canals crisscrossing the surrounding area. Traditionally, people living near the shore grow rice, hunt fowl and fish, having harmoniously interacting with the environment for centuries.
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Between the Albufera and the sea lies the Dehesa del Saler, a narrow but 10km-long stretch of land formed by sand dunes and Mediterranean pines, and serving as a habitat for highly valuable native plant varieties.
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Set within this natural beauty area is El Palmar, which has always been closely connected with the fishing trade, being founded in 1250 by King Jaume I the Conqueror, who granted the local settlers a charter allowing them to fish in the lagoon. This is a nice village in which to taste a paella cooked over a wood fire, preceded perhaps by some all i pebre, or eels in garlic and sweet pepper sauce, a local speciality.
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From a lookout point located at the first lock along the main tourist road running next to the lake, and also from the town of El Palmar, local fishing boats can be hired to tour the lake.
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Along the coast next to the Albufera are broad sandy beaches: El Saler, El Perellonet, El Perelló, Les Palmeretes, Motilla, Mareny de Barraquetes, Vega del Mar and Mareny de Vilxes. There are pleasant recreational areas where people come to enjoy the sun and the sea in a tourist area which is specially popular in the summer months.
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© 2003 - 2007 Francisco José Garcia
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