Laguna de Ruiz Sánchez

Laguna de Ruiz Sánchez is an inland lagoon in the southern part of the Écija municipality, in the province of Seville, right in the middle of Andalusia's Campiña region. It's one of the area's most valuable wetlands and an important stop for migratory birds.

Where is the lagoon located?

The lagoon sits on the border of three municipalities: Écija, Osuna, and La Lantejuela. It was historically part of a larger network of lagoons and wetlands known as the Endorheic System of Lantejuela — a cluster of closed-basin water bodies typical of this part of the Seville countryside. Laguna de Ruiz Sánchez has appeared on maps since the Middle Ages, a sign of how long it has shaped the local landscape.

Following its recovery, the lagoon now covers close to 359 hectares, making it the second-largest inland wetland in all of Andalusia, surpassed only by the well-known Laguna de Fuente de Piedra in Málaga.

How do you get there?

The lagoon lies in open countryside south of Écija, between that town and Osuna and La Lantejuela. The easiest way to reach it is by car along the local roads connecting these three towns — the surroundings are largely agricultural, so it's worth planning your route ahead of time and bringing water and sturdy footwear for walking across open ground. Écija itself sits on the main route linking Seville and Córdoba, so reaching the town is straightforward.

What's the story behind this place?

The lagoon's history is a familiar Andalusian tale of loss and recovery. In 1967 it was drained and the land given over to dryland cereal farming, a decision made at many similar sites across the region in the name of agricultural expansion. The land stayed under cultivation for nearly four decades until 2006, when it was purchased by the regional government of Andalusia (Junta de Andalucía) through its Ministry of the Environment. Restoration work began in 2009, re-establishing the lagoon's original hydrology and bringing water back to where it had flowed for centuries.

What will you see there?

Since its restoration, the lagoon has once again become a magnet for waterbirds. Over 30 species have already been recorded here, including flamingos, dabbling ducks, and a variety of wading birds. The site falls within the ZEPA Campiña de Écija, a special protection area for birds, underlining its regional ecological importance. Particularly notable is the lagoon's role as a stopover for common cranes during their seasonal migration — one of the few spots in the area where they can be observed passing through.

Bring binoculars: birdwatching is the main draw here, and the open landscape around the lagoon makes for quiet, unhurried walks away from the crowds.

When is the best time to visit?

Autumn and winter are the best seasons to visit, when cranes pass through the area and water levels in the lagoon are typically at their highest after seasonal rains. Spring is also good for spotting waterbirds. In summer, under Andalusia's typically dry climate, water levels can drop, so it's worth checking current conditions before planning your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the lagoon natural or artificial? It's a natural, closed-basin (endorheic) lagoon known since the Middle Ages. It was only temporarily drained by humans in 1967 and later restored to its natural state through a recovery program that began in 2009.

What bird species can you see here? More than 30 species have been recorded, including flamingos, dabbling ducks, and wading birds. The lagoon also serves as an important stopover for cranes during migration.

Is the lagoon a protected natural area? Yes, it lies within the ZEPA Campiña de Écija, a special protection area for birds.

How large is the lagoon? It covers around 359 hectares, making it the second-largest inland wetland in Andalusia after Laguna de Fuente de Piedra in Málaga.