Charcones de Punta Entinas

Charcones de Punta Entinas is a pair of semi-silted lagoons in the municipality of El Ejido, in the province of Almería, on the Andalusian coast. They sit between the Sabinar lighthouse (Faro del Sabinar) and the resort town of Almerimar, inside the protected natural area of Punta Entinas-Sabinar. This is one of the least human-altered wetlands anywhere in the province of Almería, which is exactly why it draws travelers looking for raw coastal nature rather than crowded beaches.

What is there to see?

The lagoons themselves are separated from the sea by a bar of sand and dunes, and they're surrounded by an extensive marsh and salt-marsh zone. Depending on rainfall and the season, the water level shifts, so the landscape can look like open sheets of shallow water one visit and dry, salt-crusted ground covered in halophytic plants the next. The lagoons form part of a larger natural site that combines four distinct environments: sandy beaches, one of the best-preserved dune systems on the entire Iberian Peninsula, dunes fixed by Mediterranean scrubland, and salt marshes dotted with small ponds. That mix of habitats makes Punta Entinas-Sabinar an important resting point for aquatic birds on migration, and it's why the area carries Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) status and has been listed as a Ramsar wetland since 2006.

How do you get there?

Most visitors start from Almerimar, where a coastal walking and cycling trail runs toward the Sabinar lighthouse, cutting right through this part of the reserve. The route is flat and runs across open, shadeless coastal terrain, so bring water and sun protection whatever the season. Because the area is protected, vehicle access inside the natural site is restricted — walking or cycling along the marked paths is the practical way to explore it.

When is the best time to visit?

The Charcones de Punta Entinas are seasonal in character — water levels in the lagoons depend on rainfall and time of year, which changes what you'll actually see. Spring and autumn migration periods tend to be the most rewarding for birdwatchers, since the site functions as a stopover along migratory routes. In summer, strong sun and high temperatures across this open, treeless terrain can make longer walks tiring, so early morning or late afternoon visits work best.

Why come here?

This is a destination for travelers who value quiet, unspoiled landscape over tourist infrastructure. Unlike the built-up resorts elsewhere on the Almería coast, Punta Entinas-Sabinar remains largely undeveloped, offering a glimpse of what this coastline looked like before mass tourism arrived. The combination of dunes, beaches, salt marshes, and lagoons packed into one compact area makes it a worthwhile stop for anyone spending time in Almerimar or El Ejido.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are the Charcones de Punta Entinas? They're two semi-silted lagoons separated from the sea by a sand and dune bar, located within the protected Punta Entinas-Sabinar natural area in the municipality of El Ejido.

Is the area protected? Yes. It holds Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA) status, and since 2006 it has also been recognized as a Ramsar Convention wetland site.

Where's the best place to start a walk here? Almerimar is the most common starting point, with a coastal trail leading toward the Sabinar lighthouse (Faro del Sabinar).

Is there anything to do besides birdwatching? Yes — the terrain is well suited to walking and cycling among the dunes and beaches, and the dune-and-saltmarsh landscape itself is a draw for anyone interested in coastal ecosystems.