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Parque Natural El Hondo - Ruta Zona Oeste

Alicante  >  Spain

Complex of ponds and reed beds hosting a high diversity of birds, some of which are rare.

Added* by Damien IBAÑEZ
Most recent update 17 mai 2026

Description

Parque Natural el Hondo (Parc Natural de El Fondo in Valencian) is a marsh area that includes both permanently salty and sweet lakes. It is one of the best places for birdwatching in the region. The reserve is of great importance for wintering birds, migratory birds and also the area is of course an important breeding ground for endangered species as Rață porumbacă and Rață cu cap alb. Possibility to observe a large number of species, easily with observatories. Also good for species as Stârc galben, Găinușă albastră, Lișiță cucuiată and in winter there is a chance on Acvilă țipătoare mare.

Details

Access

Parque Natural El Hondo is located between the cities of Alicante and Murcia. You can park at the entrance of the site for free. Press P on the map for directions. There are several signposted routes, of different distances, with observatories. On the map you see the green trail (4 km) that starts from the Visitor Centre. Another nice route you can walk is the blue trail (7 km). It runs through habitat of Erete vânăt, Acvilă mică, Ghionoaie verde (Iberian), Capîntortură, Dumbrăveancă and Sfrâncioc mare iberic.

Terrain and Habitat

Wetland , Lake , Reedbeds

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Yes

Good birding season

All year round , Winter

Best time to visit

Winter

Route

Paved road , Wide path , Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle , Wheelchair

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

See separate entry Parque Natural El Hondo - Ruta Zona Sur for the southern part of the nature reserve (which also has several bird hides and offers more reed habitats and shallow lakes).

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Other birds you can see here

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