The Aiquamolls Nature Reserve, Empuriabrava
On both sides of Empuriabrava lie the Parc Natural Del's Aiquamolls. The Aiquamolls (wetlands) is area set aside for nature and cannot be developed on, only farmed and due to its proximity to Empuriabrava make a wonderful area for walking and cycling.
Below I have illustrated a walk in the Aiquamolls with photographs and directions to give you and idea of what this natural park is like.
Click on any of the photos to view the larger image. Hover your mouse to the right or left of the larger image to view the next/previous photo.
Step 1
This is the starting point of our tour at the picnic spot by the Water Board offices on C. De la Muga. This board shows the route and distances for walking around the Parc Natural Del's Aiquamolls de L'Empordá. Today we are going to Aguait de l'Estany d'en Turies. Number 9 on the itinery list.
Step 2
When leaving the picnic area you first of all will want to cross the wooden bridge over the River Muga...
Step 3
...making sure that you enjoy the views to the sea.
Step 4
Once over the bridge go straight across the road following the blue signs and walk through the water treatment works. Be careful crossing the road as it can get busy in the summer with cars going to the camping site.
Step 5
Follow the blue sign around to the left so that you have the water works on your left and a pond on your right.
Step 6
This is the Estany Europa, a man-made bird sanctuary. This picture was taken from the observation deck above part of the water works.
Step 7
Carry on up the track and turn right at the end. There is a small blue sign but you might miss it. This part can get very muddy in the winter so wear your wellies!
Step 8
Around Estany Europa are two observation hides: Aguait dels Capons and Aguait de les Miloques.
Step 9
These hides are clean, dry, include wheelchair access and...
Step 10
...offer a great view of the water. All year round you can see various species of birds. At the time of writing there were a lot of what looked to be (to this untrained eye) ducks!
Step 11
When you have explored both hides. Follow the path until you pass these two pillars. Turn left here. Again be careful in the summer because the road you turn onto leads to a beach and can get busy, as well as dusty.
Step 12
Bear right after walking through this gate where you will walk through...
Step 13
...open countryside.
Step 14
At the cattle grid turn right for El Cortalet, the nature reserve's headquarters or left for the beach and our destination. If you are walking with your dog you should now put it on a lead.
Step 15
Once over the cattle grid, turn left and keep straight on until you reach our destination Aguait de l'Estany d'en Turies which is the third bird hide of our walk showing...
Step 16
...some great views of Empuriabrava. Simply retrace your footsteps to return to where you started from.