Albufera de Anna

Albufera de Anna is a natural spring-fed lake sitting right next to the village of Anna, in the Canal de Navarrés region, roughly 70 km inland from Valencia. The lake stretches close to 300 metres in length and 180 metres across, fed by underground springs rising through the rocky ground.

How do you get there?

Anna sits inland in Valencia province, well away from the coast. Driving is by far the easiest option — from Valencia city the trip takes around an hour. The village itself is small, and the lake lies about a kilometre from the centre, reachable on foot or by bike along a clearly marked path.

What will you see at the lake?

An easy path circles the entire lake, flat enough for almost anyone to manage without difficulty. Along the way there are shaded viewpoints, benches and green picnic areas. The water is home to ducks, geese and other waterfowl, along with barbel and trout. Swimming directly in the lake itself is not permitted, but right beside it sits a natural pool fed by a small cascade tumbling over the rocks, and a municipal pool with lifeguards operates through the summer season, from late June until September.

Since August 2024, boat rides have been running on the lake from Wednesday to Sunday, between 12:30 and 19:15. Half an hour costs five euros, with each boat carrying up to four people.

Nearby stands El Laberinto del Lago, one of the largest hedge mazes in Europe, a popular stop for families travelling with children.

Anna itself has more to offer beyond the water. The village name has Arabic roots and translates to "water", fitting given how many springs and fountains dot the surroundings, among them the Fuente de Santa María and the Balsa de Abajo. At the centre of town stands the Palace of the Counts of Cervellón, whose architecture has earned Anna the nickname "the Valencian Alhambra" — visiting the interior requires booking ahead through the local tourist office. The hermitage of Santísimo Cristo de la Providencia is also worth a stop.

When is the best time to visit?

Summer is the obvious choice for swimming and boat rides, though it also draws the largest crowds, especially on weekends. Spring and early autumn suit hikers better, with trails winding through nearby gorges and past waterfalls — temperatures are milder and the scenery just as striking.

The site is well equipped for visitors: restrooms, restaurants and terrace bars, a children's playground and picnic tables scattered around the grounds. A campsite sits about 50 metres from the shore, making the lake a solid base for a longer stay in the area.

Frequently asked questions

Can you swim in Albufera de Anna? No, swimming in the lake itself is banned year-round. A natural pool fed by a cascade sits right next to it, along with a municipal pool open from late June through September.

How much does a boat ride cost? Half an hour on the water costs five euros, with each boat holding up to four passengers. Rides run Wednesday through Sunday, from 12:30 to 19:15.

How long does it take to walk around the lake? The loop trail is short and flat, usually taking no more than 30 to 40 minutes at a relaxed pace.

What else is worth seeing in Anna besides the lake? The Palace of the Counts of Cervellón, known locally as the "Valencian Alhambra", the hermitage of Santísimo Cristo de la Providencia, and El Laberinto del Lago, a large hedge maze near the shore.