Delta del Llobregat
Airports aren’t the first places you think of to spot birds. However, airports are surrounded by protected land – perfect habitat for wild birds. The Delta del Llobregat surrounds Barcelona’s airport. The El Prat airport in Barcelona is a coastal airport and is mostly surrounded by wetland and beach. Two thousand years ago, way back when the Romans where knocking about, this area would have been pine forest. Until they ripped up all the pine trees to build boats. The result was the area flooded and created what is now the wetlands that make up the airport.
As soon as you arrive it’s clear there’s an airport nearby. It’s not the most tranquil place to go birdwatching. Hearing a jet engine fly overhead every ten minutes adds does that to a place. However, if you’re looking for some coastal wetland species it’s worth checking in if you’re near the area. Sometimes, if I’m picking someone up from the airport, I’ll take a detour to checkout the hides before arriving at the airport.
Some of the area is accessible year round at what ever time. For example, Walks along the river Llobregat and the surrounding farm land. But, some areas are fenced off and have strict opening and closing times. If you’re looking to photograph it may be difficult to find times where the hides are open and the light is good.
How to arrive
In the two parks there are parking lots. These areas are operated by park staff and there are strict opening and closing times, so be sure you’re back in time to get your car out. Both areas are easily accessible by paved roads and are free to park.
Public transport also connects the Delta del Llobregat to the city centre. By bus take the red line to Bellvitge and then the L20 to []{#anchor}Ctra. de la Marina – Mataró. From Placa de Catalunya it takes around one hour which includes a 20 minute walk to the park. Another option is to take the L9 Airport metro and get off at Les Moreres. From there it’s a 30 minute walk along the Llobregat river towards the beach and you’ll eventually bump into the park gates. The path along the river also has a nice chiringuito which is perfect for a clara and patatas bravas after a long day walking around bird hides.
For the Remolars-Filipines area The bus is easiest. Take the L95/X95 and switch to the 46 in []{#anchor-1}Hospital de Bellvitge. Get off at []{#anchor-2}Aparcament Llarga Estada and it’s a 25 minute walk to the entrance.
Where to stay
Llobregat is right next to Barcelona city which has more than it’s fair share of hotel options, air BnBs, and camp sites. The city has great public transport so connections to the park are easy. From Placa de Catalunya it’s around 1 hour by public transport to both parks which includes walking from the nearest station.