Located south of Valencia, about 11 kilometres from the capital and separated from the sea by a thin stretch of sand dunes held in place by Mediterranean pines and shrubs, this lagoon was formed in prehistoric times as a result of the accumulation of sediments from two nearby rivers on a barrier that formed an inland freshwater lake.  Today, this lake measures 6km in diameter, with hundreds of navigable canals crisscrossing the surrounding area.  Traditionally, people living near the shore grow rice, hunt fowl and fish having harmoniously interacted with the environment for centuries.

Between the Albufera and the sea lies the Dehesa del Saler, a narrow but 10km-long stretch of land formed by sand dunes and Mediterranean pines, and serving as a habitat for highly valuable native plant varieties. The old town centre of Cullera nestles at the foot of the mountain called Muntanya de l'Or, also known as Les Rabosses, a solitary rock spur near the mouth of the Jucar river, which provides a navigable stretch a few kilometres inland. 

There are various freshwater lagoons and over 15 kilometres of spectacular beaches and cliffs that attract a stream of tourists.

From north to south the beaches are: Mareny, with a nudist area; Dosel: El Faro (under the lighthouse) suitable for diving and fishing; El Raco; San Antonio, in front of the seafront promonade; Escollera; Marenyet, with an ancient watchtower; l'Estany and El Brosquil.  Between the lighthouse and the port, the Bay of the Oranges provides excellent tourist apartments and facilities.  The Estany part of Cullera, south of the river, is a site for fishing at the lagoon and testing traditional cooking, with rice and fish as the basic fare.