Laguna de la Dehesilla

Laguna de la Dehesilla is a small seasonal lake in Punta Umbría, in the province of Huelva, Andalusia. It sits on the right bank of the Odiel river mouth, within the protective buffer surrounding the nearby Laguna del Portil.

What kind of place is this?

Dehesilla is one of seven lagoons that make up a wetland complex on this stretch of the Huelva coast. Alongside it are Laguna del Medio, Laguna del Portil, Laguna de las Pajas, Laguna de Gamonales, Laguna del Chaparral and Laguna del Cuervo. All of them sit close together, forming a network of small water bodies protected as the surrounding area of the larger Laguna del Portil.

Dehesilla itself is modest in size, covering only a small stretch of ground — one of the smaller units within this lagoon system.

Why does the lake sometimes dry up?

The defining trait of Dehesilla is its seasonal nature. It has no permanent river feeding it; instead, it fills mostly from rainfall. In practice, this means its water level and appearance shift through the year: after the wetter months the basin fills, while during the dry summer stretch it can shrink considerably or disappear altogether for a time. This rhythm is common among many Mediterranean-type lagoons in Andalusia, so the best window for seeing actual water is generally the cooler part of the year rather than midsummer.

How is the site protected?

Laguna de la Dehesilla lies within the Peripheral Protection Zone of Laguna del Portil, which places it under regional nature-conservation rules. In 2025, the regional government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía) carried out improvement works here, including rerouting a path that previously crossed the lagoon's catchment area, along with new signage and perimeter fencing. The goal was to reduce human pressure on the site and preserve its ecological value. These works were part of a broader wetland-restoration program covering the whole of Huelva province.

What should visitors know before going?

Dehesilla isn't built up with tourist infrastructure — it's primarily a natural area, of interest to anyone curious about the local flora and fauna along the Huelva coast and the network of nature trails around the Odiel estuary. Because the lagoon is seasonal, it's worth checking the time of year before planning a visit centered on seeing water, since during summer months the basin may be partly or fully dry.

Given its protected status, it's advisable to stick to marked routes and respect the fencing and signage put in place to shield the lagoon's catchment from excessive disturbance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Laguna de la Dehesilla hold water all year round? No. It is a seasonal lagoon fed mainly by rainfall, so its water level drops significantly in dry months and the basin can temporarily dry out.

Where exactly is this lagoon located? In Punta Umbría, in the province of Huelva, on the right bank of the Odiel river mouth, within the Peripheral Protection Zone of Laguna del Portil.

Is the lake part of a larger protected area? Yes, it belongs to a complex of seven lagoons surrounding Laguna del Portil, all covered by regional nature-conservation rules.

Has any conservation work been done here? Yes, in 2025 works were carried out including rerouting a path, and fencing and signing the lagoon's perimeter, as part of a wetland-protection program in Huelva province.