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El Hondo Natural Park

4.6
·464 reviews·Elx, Spain

A premier wetland sanctuary for birdwatching, El Hondo Natural Park boasts diverse avian life, accessible hides, and scenic trails.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Peak bird migration

CrowdMedium
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El Hondo Natural Park - Image 1

El Hondo Natural Park

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Peak bird migration

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A premier wetland sanctuary for birdwatching, El Hondo Natural Park boasts diverse avian life, accessible hides, and scenic trails.

4.6
(464 reviews)

"Amazing birdwatching spot, I had a lovely morning observing purple swampens, horned coot, glossy Ibis, whiskered terns, flamingos and so on."

Vertical photo
TIP

Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:

Essential for spotting and identifying the park's abundant birdlife. Don't miss out on the details!

Wear comfortable shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on boardwalks and trails. Stay comfortable for longer explorations.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Birdwatching Hides

Birdwatching Hides

Various locations throughout the park

Observe diverse water birds from strategically placed hides and boardwalks. Perfect for photography!

Visitor Centre

Visitor Centre

Main entrance area

Learn about the park's unique ecosystem and rare wildlife. Excellent for understanding the local biodiversity.

Wooden Boardwalks

Wooden Boardwalks

Overlooking the lakes

Enjoy scenic walks with elevated views of the wetlands and their inhabitants. Great for a leisurely stroll.

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Planning Your Visit

Best Time for Birdwatching

Visit during migration seasons (spring and autumn) for the widest variety of bird species. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and bird activity. Check for guided tours or open days for access to restricted areas.

Beat the Heat and Crowds

Summer can be intensely hot, so plan for early morning visits. Weekends and open days might see more visitors. Consider weekdays for a more tranquil experience, especially outside peak migration periods.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Peak bird migration
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, good light
Crowd
Low
When
Saturday Open Days
Why
Access to restricted areas
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@alicantediscovery
13.3K likes • 910K views

Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:

Essential for spotting and identifying the park's abundant birdlife. Don't miss out on the details!

Wear comfortable shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on boardwalks and trails. Stay comfortable for longer explorations.

Este precioso lugar para ir a pasar la tarde/noche es magico🫶🏽 #crevillente #teteria #lugaresmagicos
@cristiantraveel
9.4K likes • 485.7K views
🌿✨ 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙃𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙤́𝙣 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙡𝙚𝙨! ✨🌿 Step into the Jaime el Barbudo Trail (PR-CV 255) 🏞️ Walk among thyme, rosemary, lavender & esparto, discover the cave and viewpoint, and enjoy stunning views of the valley, mountains, El Hondo Natural Park, and even the Mediterranean. 🌊 👉 Watch the video here and read the full story on our blog: https://alicantemaravillas.com/news/147/discover-h...
alicante_maravillas
4 likes • 118 views

Bring water & snacks :water_pistol:

Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated. Limited facilities inside the park.

Check open day schedules :calendar:

Some of the best birdwatching spots are only accessible on specific open days. Plan accordingly!

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Tips

from all over the internet

Binoculars are a must! :binoculars:

Essential for spotting and identifying the park's abundant birdlife. Don't miss out on the details!

Wear comfortable shoes :athletic_shoe:

You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on boardwalks and trails. Stay comfortable for longer explorations.

Bring water & snacks :water_pistol:

Especially in warmer months, stay hydrated. Limited facilities inside the park.

Check open day schedules :calendar:

Some of the best birdwatching spots are only accessible on specific open days. Plan accordingly!

Photography paradise :camera_with_flash:

The park is ideal for wildlife photography, especially with the reintroduction of crested coots.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(464 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about El Hondo Natural Park as an exceptional birdwatching destination, praising its diverse avian population, well-maintained facilities like hides and boardwalks, and free entry. Some note that the best areas are restricted, but the accessible parts and visitor center are still highly rewarding. The heat can be a factor during summer visits.

"Nice place to look for birds. It was very hot when we were there, but still enjoyed it."

Rob Arts

"Amazing birdwatching spot, I had a lovely morning observing purple swampens, horned coot, glossy Ibis, whiskered terns, flamingos and so on"

Moreno Camoletto

"Amazing views, great place for a relaxing walk"

Vivian Moreno Pak

What People Like

Amazing birdwatching
Free entry & facilities
Well-maintained hides/boardwalks

What People Dislike

Restricted area access
Summer heat

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

El Hondo Natural Park is accessible by car, with a good-sized car park available. It's located near Dolores and Crevillente. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access. Instagram+1

Yes, there is a good-sized car park available at the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While possible, it's challenging. Public transport to the immediate vicinity is scarce. Consider ride-sharing or checking local bus routes if a car isn't an option. TikTok mentions nearby amenities in Elche, suggesting car access is common.

The park is situated near towns like Dolores and Crevillente. These towns offer amenities and are good starting points for your visit. Instagram+1

While the park itself has walking trails and boardwalks, cycling is generally not permitted on the main visitor paths. However, the surrounding areas and nearby towns might offer cycling routes. Instagram mentions a sports area nearby, suggesting active pursuits in the vicinity.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the entrance to El Hondo Natural Park and its main visitor areas, including the boardwalks and hides, is free. Reddit

The park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. However, specific access to certain areas or facilities might vary. It's best to check for any seasonal changes or special event timings. Reddit

Some of the best parts of El Hondo are off-limits to general visitors and can only be accessed on specific 'open days', usually Saturdays. Plan your visit around these to see the rarest wildlife. Reddit

No, as entry is free, no advance booking is required for general access. For guided tours or special events, it's advisable to check their specific booking procedures. Reddit

Guided tours may be available, especially on open days or during peak migration seasons. Inquire at the visitor centre or check the park's official website for schedules and booking information. Reddit

🎫 🐦 Birdwatching & Wildlife

El Hondo is a haven for water birds. Expect to see flamingos, purple swamphens, horned coots, glossy ibis, whiskered terns, marbled ducks (one of the world's rarest), and re-introduced crested coots. Reddit+1

Migration seasons (spring and autumn) offer the greatest diversity. Early mornings and late afternoons are also prime times for bird activity and photography. Reddit

While birds are the main attraction, the wetlands also support other wildlife, including amphibians and reptiles. The diverse flora also attracts various insects. Reddit

Absolutely! The park's hides, boardwalks, and the presence of habituated birds like the crested coot make it an excellent spot for wildlife photography. Reddit

Yes, flamingos are a common sight at El Hondo Natural Park, especially in the wetter areas of the reserve. Reddit

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

The park offers a visitor centre, a car park, level walking paths, a wooden raised walkway over a lake, and various observatory hides for birdwatching. There's also a cafe. Reddit

The walking paths are generally level and well-maintained, including the wooden boardwalks, making them accessible for most visitors. Reddit

Yes, there is a cafe available at El Hondo Natural Park, offering refreshments for visitors. Reddit

Bring binoculars for birdwatching, comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat, especially during warmer months. A camera is highly recommended for photography. Reddit

Mobile signal can be spotty within the park. There is no public Wi-Fi available. It's best to download any necessary information beforehand. TikTok mentions a magical place, implying a natural escape.

📸 📸 Photography

The birdwatching hides and the wooden boardwalks offer excellent vantage points for capturing wildlife, especially birds. The reintroduction of crested coots makes it ideal for close-up shots. Reddit

El Hondo is primarily a destination for wildlife photography, particularly bird photography. The diverse avian population and natural wetland scenery provide ample opportunities. Reddit

A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing birds at a distance. However, even with a standard camera or smartphone, you can capture beautiful landscape shots and closer wildlife. Reddit

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permits. Always respect the wildlife and avoid disturbing them. Reddit

The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – provide the best natural light for photography, enhancing colors and reducing harsh shadows. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Hondo Natural Park offers a fantastic educational and engaging experience for families. The level walking paths and boardwalks are easy for children to navigate, and the visitor centre provides interactive displays that can capture their attention. Seeing a variety of birds, especially the colorful flamingos, can be a highlight for younger visitors. Reddit

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as keeping kids happy and hydrated is key. Consider visiting during cooler parts of the day, like early mornings, to avoid the heat. The observatory hides can be exciting for kids to peek through and try to spot different birds, turning it into a fun game of 'I Spy'. Reddit

📸 Photographers

El Hondo Natural Park is a dream destination for wildlife photographers, particularly those focused on bird photography. The park's design, with its hides and boardwalks, allows for excellent viewing and shooting opportunities without disturbing the subjects. The recent success in reintroducing crested coots means there are often opportunities for close-up shots of birds that are relatively habituated to human presence. Reddit

Telephoto lenses are highly recommended to capture the detail of distant birds. The golden hours of early morning and late afternoon provide the best light for stunning shots. Remember to check the schedule for Saturday open days, as these can offer access to areas with unique photographic potential. Reddit

🚶 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who love immersing themselves in nature, El Hondo Natural Park is a must-visit. The well-maintained walking paths and boardwalks offer a comfortable way to explore the wetland environment. The Jaime el Barbudo Trail (PR-CV 255) provides a more extended walk through aromatic Mediterranean flora, offering beautiful vistas. Instagram

Beyond birdwatching, the park's tranquility and natural beauty are a significant draw. It's a place to disconnect and appreciate the local ecosystem. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially if you plan on longer walks. The park's accessibility and the variety of its natural landscapes cater to a wide range of nature lovers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Avian Paradise of El Hondo

El Hondo Natural Park is a renowned wetland ecosystem and a crucial stopover point for migratory birds. Its diverse habitats, including salt pans and freshwater lagoons, attract an astonishing array of avian species. Visitors can expect to see everything from the iconic flamingos and glossy ibis to rarer species like the marbled duck, one of the world's most endangered ducks. The park has also been successful in reintroducing crested coots, which are now breeding on the reserve and are relatively accustomed to human presence, making them excellent subjects for photography. Reddit+1

Birdwatching is the primary draw, and the park is well-equipped for it. Strategically placed observatory hides and a wooden raised walkway allow visitors to get close to the birds without disturbing them. The visitor centre provides valuable information about the park's ecology and the species you might encounter. For the most dedicated birdwatchers, attending one of the Saturday open days is essential, as these grant access to areas typically off-limits to the public, revealing even more of the park's hidden treasures. Reddit

Beyond the birds, the park's landscape itself is beautiful, especially during the cooler months. The Jaime el Barbudo Trail (PR-CV 255), mentioned in an Instagram reel, offers a chance to walk among aromatic Mediterranean flora like thyme, rosemary, and lavender, with stunning views of the valley and even the Mediterranean Sea in the distance. Instagram This trail provides a different perspective on the natural beauty surrounding the park.

Planning Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips

When planning your trip to El Hondo Natural Park, timing is key. The spring and autumn migration seasons are ideal for birdwatchers seeking the widest variety of species. However, be prepared for potentially warm weather, especially if visiting during the summer months. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times for bird activity and offer softer, more photogenic light. Reddit+1

Comfort is paramount for enjoying your visit. Wear comfortable walking shoes as you'll be traversing boardwalks and trails. Bringing plenty of water and snacks is highly recommended, particularly during warmer periods, as facilities within the park are limited. While there is a cafe, it's wise to be self-sufficient. Don't forget your binoculars – they are essential for truly appreciating the park's avian inhabitants. Reddit

For those keen on accessing the most secluded birdwatching spots, checking the schedule for Saturday open days is crucial. These days offer unique opportunities to explore areas not usually accessible to the public. Reddit While the park itself is free to enter, understanding these access nuances can significantly enhance your experience. The park's natural beauty and the chance to see rare wildlife make it a rewarding destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.

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