The Salinas de Santa Pola nature reserve is a 10 minute drive from El Altet airport, the beach, and the city of Alicante and is, together with the El Fondo (or El Hondo) park, close by, a must for birdwatchers. in this region in Spain. It is therefore advisable to visit both areas for birds in Alicante together in one day.
On the coast between SANTA POLA and TORREVIEJA there are large wetlands and salt lakes, where commercial salt is extracted (certainly nice to see these salt factories and the salt museum).
Among the areas for birds in Alicante this is a wonderful example where nature and a very specific culture landscape go well together
Areas for birds in Alicante
The Parque Natural Salinas de Santa Pola is 2470 hectares and is a wonderful example of the combination of nature conservation and the human exploitation of an area.
Salt has been extracted in this area since the end of the 19th century. The seawater circulates through a network of different water basins with the result that ever higher concentrations of salt remain because of the evaporation of the water. Because these basins are supplied with water throughout the year (there is no stopping in the winter months), the resulting ecosystems remain intact and this is of great biological importance. Birds eat the fish and the invertebrates that end up in the basins and the salt production benefits from the minerals left by the birds through their droppings. Because of this symbiosis between nature and man, maintaining the salt industry is one of the main issues the nature reserve is committed to.
The Costa Blanca, an area in Spain where lovers of birds may not immediately think of their 'birdingbreak'
Areas for birds in Alicante
Because of the salt industry and private ownership, large parts of the reserve are limited to the public. The best places to visit are the information center (inside is an observation point that includes a telescope), Torre Tamarit (which is located along the N-332) and the yellow route at Playa El Pinet (there are several good observation huts)
Above mentioned areas for birds in alicante are highly recommended!