Let me share the details of my recent inspiration – Birdwatching in Spain with a list of essentials, inspiring books, and a few unmatched locations to observe birds on the Iberian Peninsula.

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Where to Enjoy Birdwatching in Spain

Birdwatching and Slow travel in Spain

Inspired by birdwatching

Last year, on the way home from the Pre-Pyrenees of Spain, I made a stop in Lagunas de Gallocanta, known as a popular spot to observe birds in Spain. It is located in the region of Aragon and is considered one of the most singular ecosystems in Europe. Unfortunately, since I did not have birdwatching gear with me, the birds were too far away to make the most out of this stop on the road.

However, this spontaneous stop at Lagunas de Gallocanta has made me realize that I really should prepare the basic birdwatching gear and research more on the subject of birdwatching in Spain. Years ago, I saw at the distance migrating flamingoes at Albufera de Valencia and was hiking surrounded by unique birds at Marjal del Moro and Cogost de Montrebei, but I was constantly missing out on the full scope of the birdwatching in Spain (due to the lack of knowledge & gear).

So, I started researching and including birdwatching spots in my non-stop travels across Spain. In this post, you’ll find a list of the best places to see birds in Spain (for some, I also suggest itineraries that are easy to combine with a visit to a particular birdwatching spot), as well as a few epic bird-focused parks in the country.

The Benefits of Birdwatching

For me, birdwatching goes side by side with the concept of slow travel, where you reject conventional tourism and go for more immersive experiences on the road.

It’s no secret that spending time in nature is good for your mind. However studies show that birdwatching is especially good for our mental health and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

Birdwatching Travel Essentials

So, what travel gear do you need to make the most of birdwatching in Spain?

• binoculars – every birdwatcher must-have (other great alternatives are binoculars with phone adapter and mini pocket binoculars)
• spotting scope
• a bird identification app, like Merlin Bird ID
• a digital camera with a zoom lens (I use Cannon)
• for adventurous birdwatching, you might find handy a birdwatching vest
• waterproof notebook

Birdwatching in Spain: Top Destinations for Observing Birds

Let´s discuss the most unique natural settings to observe birds in Spain.

Delta del Ebro / Catalonia

Delta del Ebro is one of the most unique natural settings in Catalonia, located near the city of Tortosa. It is one of the most popular places for birdwatching in Spain thanks to the unmatched wetland landscapes, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.

For a guided experience, you can book a Flamingo-Birdwatching in the Ebro Delta at Sunset or simply enjoy a Scenic Drive and Kayaking Tour.

Lagunas de Gallocanta / Aragon

Lagunas de Gallocanta is one of the most unique birdwatching destinations of the Aragon region, located close to Zaragoza, Albarracin, and Teruel. Drop by the visitors center (see Google Maps) for the map or download it online (they can also suggest where to find the birds at any moment). During our visit to Lagunas de Gallocanta, we saw a group of flamingoes and cranes.

Tablas de Daimiel / Castile-La Mancha

Tablas de Daimiel is one of the most unique Spanish National Parks, located in the region of Castile La-Mancha.

Located just 30 minutes from the village of Almagro in the Spanish province of Ciudad Real, Tablas de Daimiel National Park is a landscape of endless wetlands crossed by wooden walkways. It is one of Spain’s most popular birdwatching destinations and one of the most carefully protected ecosystems in Europe.

On a more personal note, it stands out as my best birdwatching experience in Spain: visiting in November during a trip to Tomelloso meant there were very few people around, allowing me to observe countless birds up close as I walked quietly along the boardwalks.

Also, you can combine birdwatching in Tablas de Daimiel with this Don Quixote Road Trip itinerary.

The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees mountain range is one of my favorite destinations in Spain (you can check all of my travel stories under the Pyrenees hashtag).

Most of the hiking trails in the Pyrenees might end up as birdwatching experiences. The area is popular for a large number of birds of prey – Lammergeier, Egyptian Vulture, Golden Eagle, and Booted Eagle.

Monfragüe National Park / Extremadura

Monfragüe National Park is one of the lesser-known national parks in Spain, set in the province of Extremadura. This 18000-hectare natural setting is perfect for watching the birds of prey – the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Cinereous Vulture, and Black Stork.

You can combine birdwatching in Monfragüe National Park with this Extremadura road trip itinerary.

Albufera de Mallorca / The Balearic Islands

While Mallorca is a popular family holiday destination in Spain, it´s a great place to experience birdwatching in Spain with the kids. Albufera de Mallorca is the most important wetland area in the Balearic Islands. With a surface area of 2 036 hectares, it is popular to see Heron, Common Nightingale, Osprey, and Eleonora´s Falcon. The easiest birds to see around are Moustached Warbler and Red-knobbed Coot.

You can combine birdwatching in Albufera de Mallorca with this Mallorca itinerary.

Tarifa & Gibraltar / Southern Spain

Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar are some of the most popular bird-watching destinations in Europe. Located close to Africa, the area is popular for the millions of migratory birds. More than 400 different species fly in flocks across Africa to spend the winter and return to spain in spring.

Cool parks to interact with birds in Spain:

• Jardin del Papagayo (read more in this post) – you can combine a visit with Valencia Road Trip or Castellon Road Trip

• Tierra Rapaz (see Google Maps) – you can combine a visit with Rioja and Navarra Road Trip

• El Rincon de Las Aves (see Google Maps) – you can combine a visit with my Asturias Road Trip

Inspiring Books About Birdwatching

Unique books about birds

Here are a few inspiring books on the topic of birdwatching & birds of the world: The Backyard Birdwatcher’s Bible by Paul Sterry, Call of the Kingfisher by Nick Penny,  Birder’s Life List with Journal & Checklist by Blair Watkins, Bird Watching Notebook by Signature Planner Journals,What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Allen Sibley, The Backyard Bird Chronicles by Amy Tan, The Lost Art of Reading Nature’s Signs by Tristan Gooley, Birds & People by Mark Cocker, Birds of Europe by Lars Svensson, Adult Coloring Beautiful Birds Coloring Book by Dot Barlowe, Beautiful Birds Coloring Book by Peter Gray, Backyard Birding Flashcards by David Allen Sibley, and Birds A Smithsonian Coloring Book by the Smithsonian Institution.

Birdwatching with the kids

These are popular books to learn about the world of birds with the kids: The Burgess Bird Book for Children by Thornton W. Burgess, Treasury of Audubon Birds by John James Audubon, Little Kids First Big Book of Birds by National Geographic, Bird Watch Book for Kids by Dylanna Press, The Little Book of Woodland Bird Songs by Andrea Pinnington, and Backpack Explorer Bird Watch by Editors of Storey Publishing. 

Birds of Spain

For birdwatching in Spain do not miss – Birds of Spain by Eduardo de Juana Aranzana, Birds of Spain by James Lowen, Spain Birds – A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species by James Kavanagh, Where to Watch Birds in Southern and Western Spain by Ernest Garcia, Birds of Spain Pocket Photo Guides by James Lowen, and Where to Watch Birds in Northern and Eastern Spain by Ernest Rebane.

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For more Spain travel tips check out my Pinterest board Spain Travel Collection and Flipboard Travel to Spain.

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