Birdwatching at the Racó de l'Olla Interpretation Centre

The place to watch birds without knowing about birds

The Racó de l'Olla is the interpretation centre of the Albufera Natural Park, on the El Palmar road, between the lake and the Devesa. It has an information point, a viewing tower overlooking the lake and the rice fields, a lagoon of about 5 hectares with the park's vegetation and wildlife, and a bird hide. A short trail explains the ecosystems of the Devesa and the Albufera: fixed and moving dunes, and lagoons. Behind it lies a strict reserve that you cannot enter.

What you see from the hide depends on the season. Visit València lists herons, flamingos, cormorants, gulls, terns and several species of duck as regulars, and notes that more than 300 species have been recorded in the park. Autumn is the time with the most birds.

Opening hours and how to get there

It opens every day from 9:00 to 14:00. It closes on 1 and 6 January and on 24, 25 and 31 December. It has parking for cars and coaches. By bus, EMT lines 24 and 25 stop at 2169, Pinars – Carretera del Palmar, at the entrance. For groups, the centre organises visits by reservation on 96 386 80 50 or at [email protected].

How it fits into the day

Come in the morning: it closes at 14:00. With children, the tower and the hide are good for a long hour; then cross to the Devesa trails or continue to El Palmar for the boat and lunch. If you want to go out with a birdwatching guide, Visit València refers you to the guides' association Birding Comunitat Valenciana.