Parque Nacional Coto Doñana
Sanlúcar is the departure point for boat trips to the marshlands (marismas) at the mouth of the Guadalquivír River. Much more than merely scenic, they sustain the Bay of Cádiz fisheries, provide sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of migrating birds, and were finally recognized in the late 20th century as one of the most important wetland systems in Europe.
The Coto Doñana was once the hunting ground for the Dukes of Medina Sidonia. It was named after the 7th duke’s wife, Doña Ana, in the 16th century. The vast area became a national park in 1969 after a long campaign by Spanish and international conservationists who eventually persuaded the dictator Franco not to destroy it for economic development.
The wetlands host an extraordinary array of birds and wildlife, including migrating flamingos, the Spanish imperial eagle, red and fallow deer, the exceptionally rare Iberian lynx, and even dromedary camels (who may or may not have been introduced during the Moorish conquest). The park is heavily protected and constantly under threat from neighboring development. Large parts are inaccessible to the public and private cars can only skirt its borders, but there are good options to visit.
For a quick trip to walk along the deserted dunes and admire the skyline of stone pines, simply hop onto one of the small open ferries which ply back and forth across the river from Bajo de Guia all day (6€ round-trip). For a more detailed excursion, and additional information about Doñana, go to the visitor center at the beautifully tiled old ice factory Fábrica de Hielo, where you can book a riverboat trip, or a combined boat and four-wheel-drive trip, to explore the ecosystems of the park. Both visits last about 2 ½ hours and have limited capacity, so you’ll need to book in advance. The knowledgeable driver will help you spot an impressive array of birds and wildlife, and you might just see the elusive Iberian lynx.
Sanlúcar is the departure point for boat trips to the marshlands (marismas) at the mouth of the Guadalquivír River. Much more than merely scenic, they sustain the Bay of Cádiz fisheries, provide sanctuary for hundreds of thousands of migrating birds, and were finally recognized in the late 20th century as one of the most important wetland systems in Europe.
The Coto Doñana was once the hunting ground for the Dukes of Medina Sidonia. It was named after the 7th duke’s wife, Doña Ana, in the 16th century. The vast area became a national park in 1969 after a long campaign by Spanish and international conservationists who eventually persuaded the dictator Franco not to destroy it for economic development.
The wetlands host an extraordinary array of birds and wildlife, including migrating flamingos, the Spanish imperial eagle, red and fallow deer, the exceptionally rare Iberian lynx, and even dromedary camels (who may or may not have been introduced during the Moorish conquest). The park is heavily protected and constantly under threat from neighboring development. Large parts are inaccessible to the public and private cars can only skirt its borders, but there are good options to visit.
For a quick trip to walk along the deserted dunes and admire the skyline of stone pines, simply hop onto one of the small open ferries which ply back and forth across the river from Bajo de Guia all day (6€ round-trip). For a more detailed excursion, and additional information about Doñana, go to the visitor center at the beautifully tiled old ice factory Fábrica de Hielo, where you can book a riverboat trip, or a combined boat and four-wheel-drive trip, to explore the ecosystems of the park. Both visits last about 2 ½ hours and have limited capacity, so you’ll need to book in advance. The knowledgeable driver will help you spot an impressive array of birds and wildlife, and you might just see the elusive Iberian lynx.
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