Marjal del Senillar

Marjal del Senillar is a small coastal nature reserve in Moraira, sitting right next to l'Ampolla beach on the Costa Blanca. It's the kind of spot that's easy to walk past on the way to the sand — which is a shame, because a few minutes on foot reveal a completely different side of this resort town: brackish lagoons, reed beds and birdlife where most visitors only expect sun loungers.

What exactly is this place?

The marjal marks the natural outlet of the Barranc de les Sorts, a seasonal watercourse that stays dry through summer but carries rainwater toward the sea after storms. Where that runoff meets the coast, a chain of shallow lagoons has formed, separated from the beach by a narrow sand barrier. The whole area covers barely a hectare, yet in October 2004 the regional government of Valencia granted it status as a Wildlife Fauna Reserve — largely because of the fartet, an endangered fish found only along Spain's eastern coast.

The site wasn't always in this shape. In 2002, restoration works costing roughly €162,000 cleared the lagoons of built-up sediment and replanted native wetland vegetation. What looks today like an untouched pocket of nature is, in large part, the result of deliberate ecological repair.

What will you actually see?

Walking along the lagoons, the first thing most visitors notice is the birdlife — common moorhens and mallards paddling among the reeds, with warblers calling from the denser vegetation. The shallow water holds eels and grey mullet, while the muddy margins are home to common frogs, common toads, and viperine snakes, which despite the name pose no danger to people. Look closer and you'll also spot gambeta, a small crustacean endemic to the eastern Mediterranean.

There's no visitor centre, no café, no ticket booth — the appeal here is the quiet and the contrast with the built-up shoreline just steps away.

How do you get there, and when's the best time?

Marjal del Senillar sits directly beside l'Ampolla beach, within easy walking distance of central Moraira and its seafront promenade — no car needed, since it's a natural extension of the coastal walking route. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to visit, when birds are most active and the heat has eased off. Spring and autumn bring migrating species through the reserve, but the wetland is worth a stop at any time of year — the full loop takes only a quarter of an hour.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee? No. It's an open public space, free to visit with no set opening hours.

How long does a visit take? Walking around the lagoons takes about 15–20 minutes, though birdwatchers often linger longer.

Can you swim there? No — it's a protected area with brackish water, not meant for swimming. Use the adjacent l'Ampolla beach for that.

What should you bring? Binoculars if birdwatching interests you, and sturdy footwear — the ground can get muddy, especially after rain.