Alicante Tourist Information

There are several protected nature reserves in the region of Alicante. They are located within easy driving distances from the city.

• Las Salinas Nature Reserve:

This area comprises of saltpans, of saltwater ponds, and bordered by salt marshes and a strip of dunes and beaches. It was declared a Nature Park 1988 by the Valencian Regional Government and is on the RAMSAR Wetlands Convention lists and is classified as a Special Protection Area for Birds, or ZEPA. The flora and fauna here have adapted themselves to the marshy soil and the high salt content. Thousands of bird including the red- crested pochard, and flamingos are to be seen here.

las salinas : :

• El Fondo

Many streams flow into the two water reservoirs of this park- Oriente and Levante. Thereby creating a variety of eco-systems. Farmlands surround the borders and give a unique appearance to this landscape. El Fondo (the Deep), in combination with the La Mata and Torrevieja lagoons, forms a triangular wetland zone of great importance due to its unique plant and fish life. The Fondo Nature Park extends from the municipal limits of Elx and Crevillent. The Fondo marshlands have both ecological and agricultural value, as the water is used for controlled irrigation purposes.
Information Centre at La Vereda de Sendres (tel. 96 667 8515).

:: Calblanque

• Carrascar de la Fonta Roja:

The Menejador sierra (1,352m) is home to this protected nature reserve. Here you will discover one of the best-preserved Mediterranean forests in the land, with shady evergreen oak forests including Holm oaks, small-leaf oaks, maples; and perennials such as yews, flowering ash and kermes oak. Each of the areas has its own associated fauna, including mammals like wild boar, genets, wild cats, badgers, etc, reptiles, and above all birds Bonelli's eagle, golden eagle, vultures, eagle owl, etc. Numerous routes for visiting the sights (old farmhouses, caves, etc.) start from the Nature Park Information Centre located in the Font Roja sanctuary (tel. 96 533 7620).

Ses Salines : :