Doñana

A mosaic of different landscapes that is home to a wide variety of species of plants and animals. It’s vastness and strategic location converts this natural space into an important place where migratory birds come to rest in winter. Doñana stands out as one of the most important wetland areas in Europe.

The pine forests, riparian forests, cork oak meadows, patches of scrub, coastline and, above all, the wetlands (marshes, lagoons, streams and rivers) constitute very favorable environments for the development of very diverse bird communities. Doñana is home to extensive stone pine forests and dense Mediterranean scrub that provide a suitable habitat for the emblematic Iberian lynx and various species of raptors such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle.

Another point of interest in the space is found in the Asperillo fossil dune system that runs parallel to the coast. Already on the beach, you can see the impressive Asperillo Cliff, declared a Natural Monument for its uniqueness and beauty.

To the north and south of the natural space is another of the pieces that make up the unique puzzle that represents Doñana. These consist of the shallow waters of the Galician Marsh, the Lucio del Cangrejo (Crab Pike) and the Bonanza Marshes. Countless birds feed and breed there. Visitors can enjoy observing the horizontal vastness offered by this landscape, the birdlife that inhabits it and the spectacular flight of the flamingos.

These lands have been populated and modified by man throughout its history. Traditional uses such as beekeeping, pine harvesting or agriculture are still practiced. Although some professions such as charcoal making are being lost, it is possible to find some active ‘boliches’ (traditional mounds for coal making) in the park. The livestock tradition is conserved in a celebration every year in June called ‘The Saca de las Yeguas’, it takes part in the municipality of Almonte. The celebration consists of the native Marismeño breed of horse being transferred from the marsh along with their young to the town of Almonte. This tradition dates back more than 500 years.

The village of Rocío which is the destination of the popular Pilgrimage of Rocío, is an incomparable and completely unique balcony to this natural space.