Santa Pola is a paradise for bird lovers, with many different spots for birding: the mountains, the cape, the coastline and especially the Las Salinas Natural Park. These wetlands were declared to be of International Importance, and were included in the RAMSAR list and Natura 2000 and also declared to be a Special Protection Area. They are part of the marshland’s triangle of El Hondo and Torrevieja–La Mata. The beauty and diversity of the area makes it one of the best locations in the Iberian Peninsula for bird watching.
The salt extraction facilities operating there since the late 19th century have enabled the Salinas to survive, and permits the presence of large numbers of resident species such as the flamingo, avocet and many others in danger of extinction, such as the white-headed duck and the marbled teal.
The route commences next to the Salt Museum, near the main pool, and besides the birdlife we can observe there, it includes a small salt extraction facility and examples of marsh flora. The Salt Museum has an observatory inside that looks over the pools near Murtula.
Circular route
Distance: 1 km
Estimated time: 12 min.
Main species of birds
-Resident: flamingo, common grebe, common avocet, black-winged stilt, slender-billed gull.
-Summer: little tern, collared pratincole, Montagu's harrier, reed warbler.
-Winter: northern shoveler, Eurasian teal, osprey, Eurasian spoonbill, sanderling.
-Migratory: marbled duck, glossy ibis, black-necked grebe, curlew sandpiper, common redshank.
Services and facilities
- Salt Museum Interpretation Centre
-Adapted lunch area
-Drinking water and toilets.
-Accommodation and restaurants nearby.
Other points of interest for birders
In Santa Pola; the mountain range, the cape, the coastline and the port.
Nearby: El Clot de Galvany, El Hondo Natural Park and Lagunas de La Mata y Torrevieja Natural Park.