07/08/2026
El Hondo Natural Park is just 40 minutes from Torrevieja 🌿🦩
Located near Elche and Crevillent, the park covers almost 2,400 hectares and is considered one of the most important wetlands in the Valencian Community.
An interesting fact: this area once formed part of a large lagoon. Over the centuries, the land was gradually drained and adapted for agriculture. Reservoirs were later created for irrigation, and over time, they developed into the unique wetland ecosystem we see today.
The area became a protected natural site in 1988 and was officially classified as a Natural Park in 1994.
The real stars of El Hondo are its birds. More than 170 different species have been recorded here, including around 50 nesting species.
The park is an important breeding area for the marbled teal, known in Spanish as cerceta pardilla, one of Europe’s most threatened ducks. It is also home to an important population of the white-headed duck, or malvasía cabeciblanca.
During the winter months, thousands of birds gather here, creating an incredible sight.
The park is also home to the fartet, a small endangered fish native to the Spanish Mediterranean.
El Hondo offers several walking routes, including short and easy trails as well as a longer route suitable for cycling. We chose one of the shorter routes, but even then, we saw a huge number of birds and even flamingos 🦩
Access to some areas is only available on certain days, so it is best to check the official park website before visiting:
parquesnaturales.gva.es/es/web/pn-el-fondo/conocenos
Looking for something different to do on your day off? El Hondo is definitely worth visiting at least once. You could also combine it with a trip to Elche.
Have you ever been to El Hondo Natural Park?
