Menu
The El Hondo Nature Reserve is one of the most important and largest wetlands in the province of Alicante. The area, with two large reservoirs, lies between Elche, Catral, Santa Pola and Crevillente. Although the natural park at the mouth of the Vinalopó River has an artificial history, visitors will hardly notice it today. In the distant past, between the Middle Ages and the 18th century, the area was almost completely drained to make it suitable for agriculture. At the beginning of the last century, the course changed and the two enormous reservoirs were created. Initially intended to collect water and later to distribute it, a central canal now provides irrigation for the remaining farmland. The two large reservoirs are surrounded by a series of ponds and salt marshes, with crops and palm trees in the hinterland, creating a varied and impressive landscape.
Today it is a thriving wetland with an incredibly diverse flora and fauna. Recent findings mention as many as 172 different bird species that inhabit the reserve permanently or temporarily. Fifty bird species nest there, including the endangered marbled teal and the white-headed duck.
In El Hondo, several walking and cycling routes have been laid out, ranging in length from 1 to 8 kilometres. Walking trails include wooden boardwalks over the marshes. Along the way, there are viewing points and hides where animals can be observed without disturbing them.
Cyclists can take an even longer round trip of about 25 kilometres. Vegetation is dominated by reed beds. In the drier areas, walkers mainly find sea lavender and glasswort. Animals that are often seen include flamingos, ibises, coots, herons, kingfishers and ospreys.
For detailed information about hiking and cycling routes and maps of the park, visitors can go to the visitor centre. For those wishing to spend more time in El Hondo, a specially designated picnic area is a welcome addition.
