La Tomatina takes place every year on the last Wednesday in August, drawing thousands of visitors to Valencia, Spain, for the famous tomato throwing festival. If the heat and the crowds begin to feel overwhelming, Valencia has a few wildlife areas for travelers to enjoy instead.
Albufera Natural Park and freshwater lagoon is only 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) south of town. Buses leave Valencia from the Plaza de Canovas and the Oceanografic. Visit Natura’s ecotourism packages also offer boating on the lagoon, guided trips through Devesa Forest and birdwatching. The wetlands are designated a location of international importance and a Special Protection Area for the conservation of wild birds.
The park contains the former Moorish fishing village, El Palmar. Used as a setting in the work of Spanish novelist Vincente Blasco Ibanez, the village and surrounding areas cultivate rice for the region’s world-famous paellas. Today, El Palmar’s restaurants are rumored to serve some of Spain’s best paella.
El Saler is one of the most popular beaches in Valencia, and can also be found in Albufera Natural Park. With its white sand dunes and clear blue water, El Saler might be the perfect place for washing off the tomato.
Read This Next
#TrazeeTravel
Insta FeedHotel
Apr 29, 2025Fairmont Royal York’s Spring Programming
Take in the Splendor of Spring, a curated selection of activities and events, at Fairmont Royal York.
Sponsored Content
AmaWaterways’ Specialty River Cruises
When you embark on a river cruise with award-winning AmaWaterways, unpack once and step aboard a world of unparalleled experiences. With enriching excursions, exquisite locally sourced food and wine, nightly entertainment and more included in the fare, you will learn why AmaWaterways has the most returning guests out of any river cruise line.
Slideshow
Apr 29, 20257 Must-See Sites in Sapporo, Japan
It’s time to start dreaming of your next trip. Here are seven must-see sites in Sapporo, Japan.
Hotel
Apr 29, 20254 Hotels Taking Advantage of Summer Fridays
With summer around the corner, many companies in corporate America gear up for the start of summer Fridays. Summer Fridays can come in handy when making summer travel plans, and can give you some extra time to travel in the afternoon to enjoy a full weekend away. We’ve rounded up some hotels in destinations that are easy to get to and perfect for taking advantage of a summer Friday.
Sponsored Content
Madrid: The Charm of an Authentic City
They say Madrid is in vogue for many reasons: its lifestyle, its heritage, its cuisine and all of its new attractions. And it’s true, because Madrid is on the radar of travelers looking for a cutting-edge destination that still holds onto its essence. Join us as we explore its charms.
Surveys
Apr 28, 2025Study Reports Americans Increased Spending on 2025 Spring Break
Spring break may already be in your rearview mirror, and you might be looking forward to your summer vacay — but did you save enough cash after your springtime travel? A new study from Allianz Partners found Americans spent quite a bit more on their spring break trips this year than they did in 2024. The average spring break trip was $5,325 in 2025, more than a 10 percent increase from 2024.
ShareThis