What to do · L'Albufera de València and El Palmar
El Palmar Fishermen's Community Fish Market
Information
- Duration
- 30 min
- Season
- Wild eel from October to April
- Who it's for
- For anyone who wants to see the lake being fished and take home some eel
The lake that is still fished
El Palmar is not all tourism: the lake's fishermen still go out, organised in the Fishermen's Community, which sells what it catches in its own fish market. This is where the eel for all i pebre comes from, the eel stew with garlic and paprika served in the village's rice restaurants. Seeing the fish market is understanding why the village is where it is.
What is sold and when
The star is the wild maresa eel, sold from October to April; the rest of the year there is farmed eel. In their fishing season sea bass, mullet and carp are also sold. The fish is sold on ice, in plastic baskets or polystyrene boxes of 6 to 8 kilos, and the community also has a daily network selling to wholesalers and prepaid shipments.
The fish market opens Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:30 and on Saturday from 8:00 to 13:00. To place an order, Visit València gives the phone number 96 162 03 47. It is a real fish market, not a shop for visitors: go with the idea of buying or of looking without getting in the way.
A tradition decided by lottery
The Community keeps an ancient ritual: every second Sunday in July, at its headquarters, it draws lots among the fishermen for the redolins, the fishing stations on the lake. If you are in the area that day, ask in the village. In August, on the 4th, the village takes to the lake in boats for the pilgrimage of the Cristo de la Salud.
After the fish market, head to a rice restaurant in the village: Bon Aire serves all i pebre as a full or half portion.
Tips
- Go in the morning The fish market closes at 14:30 on weekdays and at 13:00 on Saturday.
- A cool box in the car If you buy eel or sea bass, bring a cool box for the journey back.
- Closed on Sunday If Sunday is the only day you can come, eat the all i pebre at a rice restaurant.
Frequently asked questions
When is there wild eel in El Palmar?
From October to April. The rest of the year, farmed eel.
What are the opening hours of the El Palmar fish market?
Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 14:30 and Saturday from 8:00 to 13:00.
Can I order fish?
Yes, by phone on 96 162 03 47.
What is all i pebre?
The lake's eel stew with garlic and paprika, typical of El Palmar.
As a family
