Bird watching tour Alicante: El Hondo and Salinas de Santa Pola

During our bird watching tour to the South of Alicante, we will visit two excellent bird reserves, el Fondo and the Salinas.

El Hondo de Elche (Fondo d’Elx in the Valencian language) is considered one of the best birding spots in East Spain. In addition, in the South of Alicante province, there are very interesting nature reserves worth visiting: Clot de Galvany, Monnegre, and Saladar de Urbanova, just no name a few.

We offer a day bird watching tour, to explore el Hondo de Elche in search of fantastic birds. This man-made wetland holds during the breeding season an important population of Squacco, Night and Purple Heron, and Little Bittern. Other interesting species that can be found in the Hondo are Glossy ibis, Roller, Bee-eater, Short-toed, Bearded and Penduline tit, Cetti’s, Fan-tailed and Moustached Warbler, Woodchat Shrike, Marbled and White-headed Duck, and a large number of Flamingos.

Please watch this fantastic documentary in English about el Hondo: 

During the migrations, many waders can be observed in el Hondo de Elche. For instance, Green, Little, and Wood sandpipers, along with Black Tern and Garganey.  In winter el Hondo de Elche is very good for raptors such as Booted Eagle, Merlin, Peregrine Falcon, Hen Harrier, Marsh Harrier, and Spotted Eagle which have become very regular. Their numbers are usually 3-5 birds and in some years there have been Lesser-spotted Eagles too. Besides, Bluethroat, Cranes, and Craig martin spend the winter in el Hondo.

Salt Pans of Santa Pola

In the afternoon we will visit the Salinas de Santa Pola. The area is a truly good place to observe Kentish Plover, Slender-billed, Audouin’s, and Mediterranean Gull along with Whiskered and Gull-billed Tern. In the winter months Osprey, Marsh Harrier, Spoonbills, and Great White Egrets are abundant. In addition, we can not overlook the wader migration which can be impressive.

Depending on the time and season, we might visit the Vinalopo River gorge to look for the elusive Trumpet Finch. There, we will also look out for Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Sparrow, Crag Martin, Bee-eater, Black Wheatear, Western Black-eared Wheatear, and Rock Bunting.

This tour involves no walking difficulties.

We organize a 5-day birding trip around Alicante and Valencia. In addition, we would like to mention the richness of orchids, butterflies, and dragonflies. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us!

Price of bird watching tour Alicante (Hondo and Santa Pola tour):

240 €/ 1 people. 

Extra-person 20 €

What is included:
– Travel from a meeting point in Costa Blanca (hotel, rural house, etc.) in a modern, fully seat belted, air-conditioned vehicle
– Tour guided in English / Spanish by a professional bird guide
– Basic travel insurance
– Fuel

What is not included:
– Air fare (Low cost companies operate daily flights to Valencia from several European airports)
– Drinks, food, and other items of a personal nature