Odiel Marshes, Natural Space in Huelva
On the southern face of the Province of Huelva where the mouths of the Tinto and Odiel rivers converge, and just a few minutes from the city of Huelva itself, you will find Marismas del Odiel Natural Space.
This natural setting has become one of the most symbolic wetlands in Spain given the unusual characteristics of its ecosystem. In its soils freshwater and saltwater mix, resulting in a rich network of marshes. The tides, their changes and high levels of salinity are also responsible for the proliferation of habitats in which a multitude of fauna and flora species live.
However, there is more to the zone than its natural richness. The Odiel Marshes are an exceptional setting where the conservation of natural spaces and sustainable development go hand-in-hand. Thanks to the spontaneous evaporation of sea water, the extraction of salt is possible using non-invasive techniques that are in full environmental balance with the zone. This has made the Odiel Salt Lakes an example of sustainable activity, which has managed to combine respect for the environment with industry. Today, more than 40% of the salt consumed in Spain comes from this region.
In good company
You will have the chance to gain an in-depth knowledge of the area thanks to authorised guides with whom you can enjoy a selection of routes. Anastasio Senra Visitor Centre organises walking, minibus or pneumatic train routes across the area. By booking a day in advance you can choose specialised tours for bird watching, exploring traditional salt lakes or wandering through the eucalyptus forest.
One of the most interesting options available is a boat trip around the estuary of the Odiel River. This involves an exceptional crossing between communities of flamingos, gulls and birds from further afield, as the Odiel Marshes are a common stop on the migratory routes for thousands of birds that take advantage of the good conditions, the richness of the land and the quiet surroundings to reproduce and spend the winter.
A stop along the way
After the trip, there's nothing better than sampling the local gastronomic treasures. In Punta Umbría, just 18 minutes from the marshes' access point, you will find Carmen Restaurant, which forms a part of Hotel Ayamontino. This establishment is committed to local products and its menu combines the best of Huelva's mountains and coast. Traditional stew recipes sit alongside fish and shellfish from the coast.
After lunch, you can enjoy a visit to the city of Huelva, specifically the eastern bank of the Odiel River, affording you the chance to see the marshes again in all their glory from 'Muelle del Tinto': the old dock and pier constructed at the beginning of the 20th century and designed to receive the minerals coming from the mines. A stroll along this historic structure, coinciding with sunset, surprises tourists and is a source of great pride for locals. This is hardly surprising as it was declared a Place of Cultural Interest in 2003.
If you're seeking accommodation in the area, just 27 kilometres from the Odiel Marshes you will find Hotel Fuerte El Rompido, an ecological hotel that backs sustainable energy, purchases its products form local suppliers, and collaborates on environmental projects.
