Andalucia has everything

Andalucia is the southern most region of Spain, and one of the regions I have been visiting most. But it is a big region, divided into 8 provinces, so you really need time to do Andalucia properly. Andalucia has really as mentioned above, everything; the coast (Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz), the mountains (Sierra Nevada, Grazalema, Ronda, Cazorla), the cities like Sevilla, Cordoba and Granada. It gives a unique possibility to combine nature, culture and relaxation. It is therefore not possible to give a just presentation on a blog. Let me then just pick a few areas that I enjoy very much and with a birdwatchingperspective.

Coto Donana

Center of El Rocio. Foto: Per S

El Rocio is the centre of Donana, and where most people stay when here. This is a spectacular village with sandy roads, white houses and really giving a "mexican" feeling. If a birdwatcher, see if you can get a hotel with a with over the lagun Charco de la Boca. And, check the calendar before you go to avoid any fiesta in the village.

If you would like to enjoy Coto Donana, you should primarily hire a guide. You need local knowledge and a four-wheel drive. If you are an ordinary tourist, you could just buy into any of the four-hour tours going from El Acebuche. But if a birdwatcher or a person who would like to see the area properly,stay away from that.

Typical Donana landscape. Foto: Per S

When should you go to Donana? Well, I have been here three times; march, april and may. In early march you will still have many winter residents in combination with early summer migrants. In april and may, the wintering birds are gone, but you have most of the breeding species there, in combintion with birds on migration. I think you can go almost at every time and enjoy it, but the drought and summer heat going on long into october should probably be avoided. And, finally, there is a huge difference whether there is water or not. I have seen both drought and floodings here, When really flooded, birds are spread and access to the park proper is difficult. If drought, waterbirds are gone. So check this in advance.

Red-knobbed Coot, Coto Donana. Foto: Per S.

So what species to focus on? Again, it depends on the season. What most people would like to see is of course the Spanish Imperial Eagle. I have not had it here, so I would say that it might be easier in Extremadura. If you have a guide however, they always know about some nests, so they would bring you in the hunting area of the birds. Another star of the area is the Red-knobbed Coot. At least for some years ago, this was the only place on the European continent you could have it, but nowadays this species is re-introduced in many wetlands in Spain.

Dehesa de Abajo in the outskirts of Donana is a place you should go; there are white stork- and black kite colonies here. Foto: Per S.

El Rocio with the Chrarco in front. One of my favourite places in Spain!. Foto: Per S.