Laguna del Longar

Laguna del Longar is a saline inland lake right next to the village of Lillo, in the province of Toledo, Castilla-La Mancha. It forms part of the Lagunas de El Longar, Altillo Grande y Altillo Chica Nature Reserve, a complex of three salt lagoons that, covering roughly 400 hectares, ranks as the largest and most important system of inland saline lagoons on the entire Iberian Peninsula.

What makes this lagoon special?

Laguna del Longar is an endorheic lake, meaning it has no outlet to the sea or any river — water only leaves through evaporation, which gradually concentrates the salt left behind. The basin itself formed through a combination of tectonic activity and the dissolution of underground gypsum deposits, and it is fed by rainfall, surface runoff from the surrounding La Mancha farmland, and contact with the local aquifer. Water levels drop noticeably over summer, exposing pale, salt-crusted shores lined with halophyte plants — vegetation specially adapted to salty soils — giving the whole area an almost lunar appearance at certain times of year.

How do you get there?

From Toledo, the easiest route is the CM-410 heading toward Lillo. The lagoons of the reserve, including Laguna del Longar, are reached from the CM-3001, the road connecting Lillo with Villacañas. Leaving Lillo toward Villacañas, just past the petrol station and the last houses of the village, a track branches off to the right toward the lagoon — the water is already visible from the main road at that point. Entry to the reserve is free and unrestricted, and walking along the shoreline is the best way to take in the landscape.

What will you see?

Laguna del Longar is best known among birdwatchers. It hosts one of the region's few breeding colonies of gull-billed terns, and common shelducks — easily recognised by their black, white and chestnut plumage — can be spotted here year-round. Depending on the season, flamingos also move between the lagoons of the complex, often producing one of the most striking sights in the area. An on-site bird observatory with information panels helps visitors watch the wildlife without disturbing it, so bringing a pair of binoculars is worthwhile. Beyond the birdlife, the shoreline itself — fringed with salt-tolerant plants against the flat, open plains typical of La Mancha — is a quiet, off-the-beaten-path landscape worth exploring on foot.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for watching waterbirds, when water levels tend to be higher and migratory species pass through the lagoons. In summer, as the water evaporates, the landscape takes on a more desert-like character and the salt crust on the exposed lakebed becomes especially visible, though bird numbers are usually lower. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended, when birds are most active and the heat is easier to handle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entrance fee for the reserve? No, access to Laguna del Longar and the rest of the reserve's lagoons is completely free and open.

What birds can you see here? The reserve is known for its gull-billed tern colony and its resident common shelducks, and flamingos also appear seasonally as they move between the lagoons of the complex.

Do you need your own transport to get there? Yes, a car is the most practical option — the lagoon sits along the CM-3001 road between Lillo and Villacañas, with a signed side track just outside Lillo.

Does the lagoon look the same all year round? No — in summer the water evaporates and exposes the salt-crusted lakebed, while autumn and spring usually bring higher water levels and more waterbird activity.