Paraje Natural de las marismas del Río Palmones, Natural marshland area at Bay of Algeciras, Spain
Paraje Natural de las marismas del Río Palmones is a protected marshland in the Bay of Algeciras featuring three distinct habitats: a dune chain along the coast, channels that carry tidal water, and low-lying zones that flood seasonally. These different environments create a mosaic of landscapes that supports varied plant and animal life.
The site received formal protection status in 1989 and gained additional designations as a Special Protection Area and Special Conservation Zone in subsequent decades. This progressive expansion of protections reflects growing recognition of the marshland's importance for wildlife and ecosystems across Europe.
The marshland demonstrates how local communities have traditionally used wetland resources for their livelihoods. Today, visitors can observe how people interact with this landscape through fishing, agriculture, and daily activities shaped by the seasonal rhythms of water and tides.
Access to the site is easiest from Algeciras via the N-340 road, which connects directly to the protected area. The visitor center in Los Barrios provides orientation and guidance for exploring the marshland on foot.
The marshland serves as a stopover for around 350 bird species during their migrations, including northern pintails, spoonbills, and various waders that use the channels for feeding and resting. This exceptional diversity makes it a remarkable place for bird watching throughout the year.
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