Aiguamolls Emporda
The second largest wetland in Catalonia is Aiguamolls de l'Empordà. Situated in the heart of the Costa Brava it is populated by over 300 species including Nightinggale, Stork, Great spotted cuckoo, Spoonbill, Collared pratincole, and Stone-curlew. Originally the area was drained to make way for agriculture and it wasn’t always a national park. In the 1980s it was given national park status after a campaign to stop development won out.
Storks dominate the park and you hear their clacking beaks all around the park. They’re spotted in the flooded fields, at most of the hides, at the top of their high poles in their nests, and even in the car parks. They’re everywhere.
However, the area is large enough that it offers much more. There are chances to spot Spoonbills and Herons rooting for food in the mud. In the spring, Bee-eaters dance across the paths and rest on the park gates. Look up and you’re sure to spot Marsh Harriers and Buzzards scouting for food. It’s easy to spend an entire day wandering the many paths that meander through the park.
How to arrive
If you’re staying nearby then arriving by bike is easy, the area is flat with bike parking space near the visitors centre. However, you can’t ride in certain areas of the park.
The number 4 bus from Girona to Cadaques passes by the park. It’s roughly a one hour trip operated by Sarfa, the timetable is available here. However, the bus only leaves once a day and returning may be inconvenient unless you stay overnight.
Arriving by car is another option. There’s a good sized car park attached to the visitors centre. There are also other, unsupervised, places to park.
Where to stay
The park is nicely situated in the heart of the Costa Brava. As a result there are plenty of places to spend a night or two. On the north side of the park, close to Empuriabrava, there’s Camping Laguna. Camping Laguna has pitches and bungalows to choose from. On the south side there’s another camping, Camping Nautic Almata which also has space to pitch tents or use a bungalow. The camping sites are ideal because they’re attached to the park making it easy to get up and walk in.
There are a number of rural houses to choose from for longer stays. Some are within walking distance of the park, others are accessible by bike.