Estany del Pujol

The Estany del Pujol lies inside the Devesa del Saler, a rewilded lake where a planned marina never got built. Dug in the early 1970s for a marina, the basin was left alone and slowly turned back into wetland, with waterbirds settling where boats were meant to moor. Today it is one of the quietest corners of the Albufera country, free to enter and suited to a stroll.

The marina that became a wetland

The story is short and worth knowing before you arrive. The lake was dug in the early 1970s for a marina that was never built, and the abandoned site has since become a rewilded wetland. Dunes and pines border the lake, which is now part of the protected Devesa landscape.

Birdwatching between dunes and pinewood

Bring binoculars if you own a pair. The lake supports waterbirds and wetland vegetation, with paths that let you walk around part of the shore among dunes and Mediterranean pinewood. Pause quietly to watch the waterbirds, and let your observations determine how long you stay.

Folding it into a Devesa day

The lake sits close to the Pujol channel, so the two fit naturally into one outing, with the Devesa beaches a short step beyond. Walk the lake first, cross to the channel viewpoint, and finish with your feet in the sand. Choose a pace that leaves time to look at the wetland plants, then decide how much of the surrounding Devesa to explore.

• Lake paths through dunes and pinewood.
• The nearby channel and its viewpoint.
• A swim at the Devesa beaches to close the day.

To explore the wider setting, consult the Albufera and El Saler guide or plan a visit using the Racó de l’Olla page.

Practical notes

There is no ticket and no timetable; spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons for walking, when the heat is milder. Carry water and keep your voice low near the shore to avoid disturbing wildlife. Keep to the paths and leave the vegetation undisturbed; a walk with frequent pauses is a useful way to notice the contrast between open water, dunes and pinewood.