El Palmar: Nature, fishing and regional cuisine
Accommodation in El Palmar
El Palmar is located in Parc Natural de l'Albufera. Nature, fishing history and regional cuisine give the place several clearly distinct aspects. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in El Palmar, these themes can help you choose a destination that suits your travel interests.
Natural surroundings and experiences on the water
Albufera is a freshwater lake formed from a former sea inlet. The wetland is one of Spain’s internationally important wetlands, is included on the Ramsar List and is designated as a ZEPA bird protection area. This places the landscape and its protection as a bird area at the heart of the nature theme surrounding El Palmar.
You can watch birds on traditional boat trips between the rice fields. One clearly defined offering is the two-hour Albufera–El Palmar experience, advertised year-round. During the first hour, the marshland is explored and fishing is introduced together with local fishermen; the second hour includes a boat trip on the lake. The experience thus combines insights into fishing with a trip on the water.
Another visitor offering includes a boat trip, a visit to the Museo EtnolĂłgico and the topic of rice cultivation. If you plan to take part in one of these offerings, check the current booking arrangements in advance.
Fishing history and architecture
The traditional barracas in El Palmar are built from clay and reeds. The Iglesia Parroquial Jesuset de l’Hort dates from 1895. The Comunidad de Pescadores de El Palmar also shapes the history of the place: it was officially founded in 1857. The drawing of fishing grounds in Albufera is associated with the community; these grounds are called Redolins.
The landing stage is an important place for fishing and tourism. At the same time, it is a reminder of rice processing: until the middle of the 20th century, bundles of rice were threshed there by machine. The machines separated the rice grains from the straw, which was then used to power a steam engine. Visitors are also recommended to go to the landing stage after their meal to watch the sunset.
Dishes and culinary events
All i pebre from El Palmar is prepared with eel and potatoes. An EspardenyĂ adds a duck sofrito to the All i pebre. It is similar to the dish, less well known and has a hundred-year history. The two dishes therefore share a connection to All i pebre, while the duck sofrito is what particularly distinguishes EspardenyĂ .
The “Taller de paella” is advertised as a year-round experience. Participants learn how to prepare a typical Valencian paella; the offering also includes a competition between two teams to make the best paella. The traditional “Villa del Palmar” Allipebre competition has been held annually since 2010 on the first or second Monday in July in the streets of El Palmar. As the exact date falls within this period, check the date for the relevant year before your trip.
Routes around El Palmar
A circular route between El Palmar and Muntanyeta dels Sants passes through large parts of the southern marshland. It is 25 kilometres long and is recommended for driving or cycling. The “El Palmar-L'Estell” route also starts in El Palmar. The “De Valencia a Sueca” route also passes through El Palmar and includes Valencia, Pinedo, El Saler, El Perellonet, El Perelló, Mareny de Sant Llorenç, Mareny de les Palmeretes, Mareny de les Barraquetes, Cullera and Sueca. Check the details of your chosen route before making specific plans.
Discover more destinations: Les Gavines, El Saler.
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