Marjal i estanys d'Almenara

Marjal i estanys d'Almenara is a cluster of three freshwater lakes surrounded by wetland habitat, sitting on the Gulf of Valencia coastline between the town of Almenara and the beach, right alongside the CV-2310 road. It is one of the best-preserved remnants of the coastal marshes that once lined much of this stretch of Spain's Mediterranean coast, most of which have since disappeared under farmland and development.

How did these lakes form?

The three small lagoons that make up the site range from just 0.6 hectares to 6.2 hectares in surface area, with some spots reaching depths of up to ten metres. They are the remains of an old coastal lagoon that was gradually sealed off from the sea by longshore drift and slowly filled in with sediment, evolving into the marshland system visible today. Crucially, the water in the lakes isn't seawater or rainfall runoff — it rises from underground springs that carry fresh water down from the nearby hills, which keeps the pools clear and relatively stable throughout the year.

Why is this wetland so important?

Spain designated Marjal de Almenara as its 75th Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, a status reserved for sites considered essential to global biodiversity. Researchers have recorded at least 40 taxa of plants and animals here that are either threatened or of special conservation interest, including 26 bird species.

Among them is the marbled duck (Marmaronetta angustirostris), a globally threatened species for which this wetland serves as an important refuge. Visitors may also spot the black-winged stilt and the whiskered tern, while the calm, clear water itself supports populations of the Valencia toothcarp — a small fish found only in eastern Spain — and the European pond turtle.

What can visitors see on-site?

The reserve is laid out around a circular walking route, which is also wheelchair accessible. Along the path, bird hides let visitors watch waterfowl discreetly without disturbing them, and information panels explain the site's ecology and history.

How to get to Marjal i estanys d'Almenara

The wetland sits only about 3 kilometres from the centre of Almenara, making it an easy trip by bike or even on foot in good weather. By car, it's reached directly via the CV-2310 road connecting the town to the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the reserve? The site is a public nature reserve, and the circular walking route is open to visitors without restriction.

Is the route suitable for children or wheelchair users? Yes — the circular path is wheelchair accessible, which also makes it a comfortable option for families with young children.

What's the best time of year to visit for birdwatching? Thanks to the mix of resident and migratory water birds, spring and autumn tend to offer the richest sightings, though the constant spring-fed water keeps the site appealing year-round.

How is this different from a regular beach visit nearby? Unlike the adjacent coastline, Marjal i estanys d'Almenara is a protected freshwater ecosystem with Ramsar status, geared toward nature observation rather than beach leisure.