El Hondo (El Fondo) Natural Park: Birdwatching Guide

By CostaMap · Published 14 June 2026 · last reviewed 14 August 2026
Researched and written by an AI editorial system, checked against primary sources and reviewed by a human editor before publication.

El Hondo is one of the Costa Blanca’s great wetlands — a mosaic of lagoons and reedbeds between Crevillent and Elche that draws flamingos, herons and thousands of wintering birds.

Region: Baix Vinalopó Province: Alicante Type: Wetland reserve Best for: Birdwatching Entry: Free, visitor centre

Why visit El Hondo

Once a coastal marsh, El Hondo (El Fondo in Valencian) is now a protected reserve of open water, reed-fringed lagoons and irrigation channels. It is one of the most important wetlands in the Valencia region for waterbirds: marbled teal and white-headed ducks breed here, flamingos feed in the shallows, and the winter brings big numbers of ducks, herons and waders. Wooden walkways and hides let you watch without disturbing the birds, and the light over the water at dawn is the reason photographers keep coming back.

Birds

Flamingos & rare ducks

The lagoons host flamingos, marbled teal and the globally threatened white-headed duck — among the best birding on the coast.

Walk

Boardwalks & hides

Wooden walkways and bird hides ring the main lagoons, letting you get close without disturbing the wildlife.

Timing

Winter numbers

Autumn and winter bring the biggest flocks of ducks, herons and waders; spring adds breeding birds and song.

Centre

Visitor centre

A visitor centre near the northern entrance explains the wetland and its species, with permits for the inner routes.

Light

Dawn over the water

Early morning is best for birds and for the still, mirror-like reflections photographers come for.

Nearby

Salt and city

El Hondo pairs naturally with the Santa Pola salt pans and UNESCO Elche for a day of nature and heritage.

Practical information

Getting there: about 25 min by car from Elche; the northern visitor centre has parking — no easy public transport
Best time: dawn, and autumn through winter for the largest numbers of birds
Bring: binoculars, water and sun protection; some inner routes need a free permit from the centre
Don’t miss: the main hide at first light, when the flamingos and ducks are most active

What the park is called

You will see this place written several ways, and they all mean the same wetland. El Hondo is the Castilian spelling; El Fondo is the Valencian one, and the official name of the protected area is Parc Natural del Fondo (Parque Natural de El Hondo in Castilian). Signage on the ground uses both. German and French sources render it Hondo-Naturpark and parc naturel El Hondo. If a map or a birding report uses El Fondo, it is not a different site.