Paella by the Lake

This experience offers travelers a rare chance to see the Valencian landscape that forms the backdrop of so many traditions and flavors. Guided by Valeria’s local insight and cultural expertise, your day begins with hotel pick-up in Valencia city, followed by a brief stop at the iconic City of Arts & Sciences, a major landmark reflecting the city’s contemporary identity. From there, you travel to Albufera Natural Park, a protected landscape of rice fields, wetlands, and tranquil waters. Weather permitting, you enjoy a guided visit around the park before meeting a local boat owner for a relaxing ride across the lagoon. In this unique lakeside setting, you are served an authentic Valencian paella, freshly prepared, allowing you to experience the dish in the place where it originated. After the experience, you return comfortably to Valencia. ** Please note that elements of the day may be adjusted depending on weather conditions.

Albufera Natural Park lies ten kilometers south of Valencia, a protected wetland where rice fields meet open water behind the Dehesa del Saler sandbar. Paella’s origin stories point to this setting: farmers cooking rice in the fields with what the land provided. Eating paella beside the lagoon is a world of difference from eating it in town. The lagoon’s edges remain working landscapes — fields, canals, and seasonal labor shaping what ends up in the paella pan. Meeting a local boat owner and gliding across the lagoon — where you may encounter diverse birdlife — adds an intimate dimension, offering access and perspectives travelers would rarely find on their own. With her passion for gastronomy, Valeria explains the ecological, historical, and cultural importance of the wetlands, the rice varieties grown here, and the environment essential for authentic Valencian paella. Seamless logistics, thoughtful pacing, and expert guidance make this an authentic and immersive experience.

Valeria is a licensed local guide born and raised in Valencia. With Chilean roots and years of experience working with international visitors, she combines local knowledge with a broad cultural perspective. She guides in English, German and Mandarin Chinese, and enjoys guiding travelers from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, she has led visitors through Valencia and its surrounding landscapes, sharing its landmarks, everyday culture, regional identity, and lesser-known corners. She is the author of a guide to cycling routes in and around Valencia, reflecting her interest in exploring the region actively. Wine and gastronomy are central to her work. Valeria is an international sommelier, WSET Diploma holder and certified Weinakademiker. In 2023, she placed first in the Spanish National Blind Tasting Competition (Team Category) and ranked 4th worldwide. Her approach to wine emphasizes regional expression, technical rigor, and a deep understanding of how land, product, and tradition.

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses