The Albufera lake is a shallow coastal lagoon (average depth of 1 m) located on the Mediterranean coast. It is separated from the sea by a sand barrier with dunes stabilised by a pine forest.

The Albufera is a transit area for many migratory bird species that use the Natural Park as a resting and nesting place, such as Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus), Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) and Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria). The region is also home to many rare bird species: Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris), Marbled Teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala) or Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), some of which are listed in the Red Book Birds of Spain.

Two endemic and three threatened plant species are found in the area, also 11 endemic and 33 threatened animal species.

Around the lake and the wetlands there is agricultural land, mostly dedicated to rice fields (a typical Valencian crop) and a small part to citrus fruits and vegetables. The use of fertilisers and pesticides that pollute the water, illegal hunting and fishing, as well as settlements on the borders of the Natural Park, cause major problems.