Reserva del Regajal-Mar de Ontígola, Protected wetland in Aranjuez, Spain
The Reserva del Regajal-Mar de Ontígola is a protected wetland near Aranjuez, south of Madrid, made up of a shallow lagoon, reed beds, and patches of Mediterranean scrubland. The terrain is flat and open, with a clear contrast between the water areas and the dry, stony ground that surrounds them.
The Mar de Ontígola lagoon was created in the 16th century on the orders of King Philip II to supply water to the royal gardens of Aranjuez. Over time it lost its original function and was eventually declared a protected area, which now also covers the surrounding dry scrubland known as El Regajal.
The reserve draws nature lovers who walk the marked trails to watch waterbirds from the wooden hides along the lagoon shore. The reed beds and open water surfaces are the main focus for visitors, who often spend long moments watching herons, ducks, and waders move through the shallows.
The reserve has marked trails and wooden hides that allow you to watch animals without disturbing them, so binoculars are a good idea. The early morning hours tend to bring the most animal activity, especially around the lagoon and reed edges.
El Regajal, the dry scrubland section of the reserve, is one of the richest areas for butterflies in Europe, with several species found almost nowhere else on the continent. On warm spring days, dozens of different species can be seen flying low over the flowering plants along the paths.
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