Charca Suarez

Charca Suárez is a nature reserve on the edge of Motril, just behind Playa de Poniente, in the valley of the Guadalfeo river. This small but remarkably rich stretch of the Costa Tropical covers a little over thirteen hectares and is considered the most important wetland on the Granada coastline.

What is this place?

Charca Suárez occupies former gravel and sand quarry pits that, over time, filled with groundwater rising to the surface at several points across the site. This water is topped up by flow from the surrounding acequias, the traditional local irrigation channels, giving rise to eight interconnected pools and a lagoon that together form a mosaic of wetland habitats. On 17 February 2009 the area was officially declared a Reserva Natural Concertada, a reserve managed jointly by the Andalusian environmental authority and Motril's town council. A process is also underway to have Charca Suárez designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).

Why is it worth a visit?

It's one of the best spots in all of Europe for watching waterbirds — in a single afternoon visitors can spot more than a dozen different species. Over 160 bird species have been recorded here in total. Among the resident birds, the marbled duck and ferruginous duck, both rare in Europe, share the reserve with the marsh harrier. In winter the site fills with migratory visitors, including the common sandpiper, mallard and cattle egret. For birdwatchers, photographers and families alike, it offers a quiet counterpoint to the busy beaches of the Costa Tropical.

How do you get to Charca Suárez?

The reserve sits within Motril itself, close to the coast, so it's easy to reach on foot or by bike from the town centre and nearby beaches. Visitors arriving by car will find parking near the entrance. The ground is flat and the paths that wind through the reserve are paved, making the walk comfortable even for less experienced walkers.

What will you see there?

The reserve has a Centro de Interpretación, a visitor centre where you can learn about the site's history, its flora and fauna, and the scientific research carried out there. Observation points and viewing platforms are set along the paths, letting visitors watch the birds discreetly without disturbing them. Beyond the birdlife, the reserve is home to rich aquatic and marshland vegetation typical of Mediterranean wetland habitats.

When should you visit?

The reserve can be visited year-round, but the best birdwatching comes in autumn and winter, when migratory species arrive, and in spring, during the breeding season. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to go, when the birds are most active and the midday heat has eased.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the reserve free? Visits generally take place within set opening hours, and it's worth checking current access details and any fees directly before your trip, since arrangements can change seasonally.

How long does a visit take? Walking the main paths and stopping at the observation points usually takes between one and two hours, depending on how much time you spend birdwatching.

Is Charca Suárez suitable for children? Yes, the flat terrain and paved paths make it a family-friendly site, and the interpretation centre helps explain the importance of wetlands in an accessible way for younger visitors.

What's the best season for birdwatching here? Autumn and winter bring the greatest variety of species, including wintering migrants, while spring is a good time to observe breeding birds and courtship activity.