A BIKE TRIP FROM ‘TORRES DE SERRANOS’ OF VALENCIA TO ‘L’ALBUFERA’

The Albufera of Valencia, which takes its name from the Arabic al-Buḥayra, is traditionally known for its marshy wastelands surrounded by mountains and beautiful sunsets. More famously, it is known the world over for paella due to its production of short grain rice following its introduction from Africa and the adaption of L’Albufera for growing rice.

Many famous paella recipes originated from here due to the food that was available at the time such as rabbits, chicken or even rats. Rats are somewhat understandably less common nowadays compared to the ones of yesteryear, as it is said that the rats of long ago bore a resemblance closer to hares than the ones we are more familiar with today within the metropolis.

Albufera lies 15km south of the city of Valencia, and is very easy to reach by bicycle. I cycled to Albufera from Torres De Serranos in 3 hours on my 1960s GAC Mobylette bicycle, an old bike purchased for 50 euros that offers not that fastest journey but one in comfort and style, allowing myself to take in the sights and my mind to wander.

Through this journey you will pass many of Valencia’s most iconic sights, starting at the Torres De Serranos, the most iconic of the 12 gates that formed the original city wall built under Christian rule in the 14th Century.

As you cycle through Turia Gardens you will eventually find yourself passing the iconic ‘Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciences’ (City of Arts and Sciences) and after weaving in and out of tourists taking selfies the Turia will eventually take you to the Cabanyal.

My return journey was made with some haste as it does get very dark around L’Albufera, and it took me about 2 hours. Overall, it was a memorable trip.

Report by Sebastian Garraway