Villages in the South of Valencia

To the south of the River Turia, nestled between rice fields, centuries-old irrigation channels and the serenity of the L’Albufera Natura Park, lies one of the most authentic and unique corners of Valencia: Pobles del Sud. This district is made up of eight traditional villages: Faitanar, La Torre, El Forn d’Alcedo, Castellar-l’Oliveral, Pinedo, El Saler, El Palmar and El Perellonet. Connected by the Valencian orchards and the Albufera, these towns offer a unique experience where nature, sport and gastronomy come together. 

What to see in Pobles del Sud 

Heritage with a rural essence 

In Pobles del Sud, landscape is culture. Walking along its paths you will discover traditional farmhouses, Valencian huts, rice drying sheds, threshing machines once used to separate rice from straw and a network of irrigation channels that, for centuries, have irrigated the fields thanks to the hydraulic know-how inherited from the Arab era. The main irrigation channels come from the Júcar River (Acequia Real del Xúquer) and the Turia River (Acequia de Favara), although there are also natural water contributions from field drainage systems (escorredors) and natural springs (ullals) within the wetlands. 

The motors, small pump houses still in use, continue to deliver water across the channels and rice fields. A good example is the motor at Casa de la Pipa, now converted into an environmental education centre. 

The district is also dotted with old ceberas—small wooden structures inspired by the Valencian barraca, used to store onions to prevent them from spoiling. 
In all the villages, the town centre is built around the church, which acts as the community’s focal point. Of particular note are the Neo-Gothic Horno de Alcedo, designed by architect Goerlich or the Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Lepanto in Castellar-Oliveral, the site of the unique Cant de la Carxofa festival every September. Around these churches, the rest of the urban layout is mostly made up of traditional dwellings, built on one or two floors, featuring a gabled roof with Arab tiles and a rear courtyard. Although many of these homes have been modified over time—with renovations to façades, structures and finishes—they still retain their original essence.  

What to do in Pobles del Sud 

Explore and ride 

This natural paradise is best enjoyed outdoors. You can cycle though it using the bike path that starts at the City of Arts and Sciences. From there, heading south, the landscape opens up to beaches, wetlands and rice fields. 

Trails to immerse yourself in nature 

There are many hiking routes through the L’Albufera Natural Park, ideal for bird watching, photographing sunsets or simply enjoying the calm. 
To complete the experience, there is nothing like a traditional boat ride from the jetties of the El Saler Port, La Gola de Pujol or El Palmar.  

Swim at the beaches of a natural park 

L’Albufera Natural Park has six beaches that are truly natural landscapes. These secluded beaches are feature protected dune systems and vast pine forests for relaxation. 

Taste the local cuisine 

The culinary tradition of Pobles del Sud naturally revolves around rice. This is the birthplace of some of the best paellas in the world. You can’t leave without trying the classic “all i pebre”, a good “arròs del senyoret”, or enjoying an authentic Valencian “esmorzaret” on a terrace overlooking the wetlands or in the authentic local bars where residents still gather.  

Pobles del Sud: a birdwatching paradise 

L’Albufera is one of the most important wetlands in Europe, not only for its diversity of habitats and ecosystems, but also for being located along a major bird migration route. This natural environment, constantly changing with the rice cultivation cycle and the seasons, is an open-air observatory where you can spot striking birds such as the greater flamingo, the squacco heron, the Eurasian spoonbill, the glossy ibis, the kentish plover and the whiskered tern. Depending on the season, you may also see birds of prey such as the booted eagle, marsh harrier, peregrine falcon and osprey. 
There are specific birdwatching routes, including some in protected areas with restricted access, which can be visited through the Birding Guides Association of the Valencian Community.