Aiguamolls de l'Emporda

The Emporda marshes were once far larger, drained progressively for agriculture and then targeted for tourist development in the 1970s; a campaign led by naturalists including Jordi Sargatal stopped it and the area was made a natural park in 1983, one of the more significant conservation victories in Spain. What remains, the second largest wetland in Catalonia, covers about forty-eight square kilometres of lagoons, reedbeds, flooded meadow and coastal dune between the Fluvia and Muga rivers. White storks were reintroduced and now breed in numbers, greater flamingos are regular, and the site is important for migration, with hundreds of species recorded. Trails and hides run from the visitor centre at El Cortalet, and semi-wild horses and cattle graze to maintain the habitat.

What's there

• The stork colony - reintroduced white storks breeding in the reserve.
• The lagoons and hides - screened viewpoints over open water and reed.
• The grazing herds - semi-wild horses and cattle managing the meadows.
• The migration passage - waders and wildfowl through spring and autumn.

When to go

March to May and September to November for migration, when numbers and variety peak; storks are present from late winter. Summer is quieter for birds and hot, and the nearby beaches draw crowds.

Practical notes

Water levels vary and dry summers reduce the lagoons considerably. Birds are at distance and binoculars are essential. Mosquitoes are severe in warm months. The park sits beside heavily developed coast, visible from parts of it.

Nearby

Empuries and Sant Marti lie south; Figueres and Cadaques are inland and north.

Key facts