The Alt Emporda: Get back to nature in this wonderful Catalan reserve
The Alt Emporda in Cataluña is an idyllic place for those who love nature and in particular bird watching. These wetlands are one of the most popular and emblematic natural zones in the whole of Cataluña.
The park was created in 1983 after a long battle to prevent the area turning into a residential marina for 60,000 people, situated between the local rivers. The Parliament of Cataluña unanimously approved the Law on Protection of the Alt Emporda and saved it for future generations to enjoy. In older times the marshlands occupied the entire plain of the Bay of Roses and the lower Ter areas, the Greek founded Empuries, meaning a trading place, which later was taken over by the Romans. In the Middle Ages it was abandoned because it was very exposed to attacks from the sea.
The large area of marshland was disappearing because of agricultural exploitation and an attempt by farmers to dry out the land for fear of malaria. If there had been no resistance by campaigners this whole national park would not exist today.
Now there are new routes for hiking, and cycling, and you can go on guided tours from the Cortalet or Vilaut visiting areas, to examine local flora and Ornithological fauna, or observe the many species of birds that settle on the marshlands, from specially constructed observation points. You can also visit the CARFA Service Centre, which has a total of 17 Observatories.
For your own safety there are very specific areas you can and cannot go, and camping is permitted only in established campsites.
The best times to observe the birds are the morning and evening, and times when there are more species migrating, which is generally March to May or August to October. Naturally, binoculars are essential and if you don’t have any they can be rented on site.
Described as being a “unique place where mountains join the sea”, this stunning combination of seascape and countryside makes the Alt Emporda region of Cataluña an incredibly beautiful and memorable place to visit.