El Hondo Natural Park
Natural parkEl 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.
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.
Flamingos & rare ducks
The lagoons host flamingos, marbled teal and the globally threatened white-headed duck — among the best birding on the coast.
Boardwalks & hides
Wooden walkways and bird hides ring the main lagoons, letting you get close without disturbing the wildlife.
Winter numbers
Autumn and winter bring the biggest flocks of ducks, herons and waders; spring adds breeding birds and song.
Visitor centre
A visitor centre near the northern entrance explains the wetland and its species, with permits for the inner routes.
Dawn over the water
Early morning is best for birds and for the still, mirror-like reflections photographers come for.
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
Explore more of the Costa Blanca
El Hondo Natural Park is one of many destinations on the CostaMap interactive map — browse beaches, villages, castles and viewpoints across the whole coast.
