Bird watching

One of Spain’s most important wetland areas for breeding and overwintering birds is called Salinas de Cabo de Gata, the saltwater lagoon that runs parallel to the beach and is separated from it by a 400 metre wide sand bar.

Located between San Miguel and the Cabo de Gata headland, this lagoon is of outstanding ecological interest, particularly for its birdlife. The Salinas (saltpans) are the only ones still in operation in eastern Andalucia.

It is an obligatory stopping place for the migratory birds on route to Africa of which 142 species have been recorded. In the southern zone the fishing eagle and the Monticola nest and peregrines, kestrels and other species of eagles can be seen. Over 3000 Flamingo specimens have been counted in the summer months. Other species include avocets, stilt birds, dumlins, herons, egrets, waders, wagtails and other members of the plover family.

Adjacent to the salt pans there is the ruins of an old village from which the road climbs to the local lighthouse where from the local mirador (viewpoint) which is a good point to spot off shore seabirds such as razorbills, shags, cormorants, gannets and gulls.