Clot de Galvany - Nature Reserve in Elche
Free nature reserve with lagoons, hiking trails and over 200 bird species
Why visit Clot de Galvany?
• Completely free — no tickets, no booking, no fees at all
• Just 5 minutes from Gran Alacant — the closest nature attraction
• Over 200 bird species — including endangered white-headed ducks and flamingos
• Two marked trails — short 2 km (45 min) and long 5 km (2 hours)
• Picnic areas — benches, tables, and shaded spots for rest
Clot de Galvany is a nature reserve located just 2 km from Gran Alacant, protecting unique ecosystems of wetlands, dunes, and Mediterranean forests. The 366.5-hectare area was given protected status in 2005 and is home to over 200 bird species, including the endangered white-headed duck. The reserve offers two marked hiking trails (2 km and 5 km), free picnic areas, and an education centre. Entry is completely free all year round, making it an ideal spot for a morning walk, birdwatching, or a family picnic surrounded by nature without the need for a long journey from Costa Blanca.
The longer trail leads towards the coastal dunes, from where it is a short distance to wild Carabassi Beach — one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
What is the history of the Clot de Galvany reserve?
Ancient origins
Archaeological remains from the Iberian period and the Spanish Civil War fortifications (bunkers visible along the trail) testify to the area's rich history spanning thousands of years.
Protection since 2005
Clot de Galvany was officially designated a Natural Area by the Valencian Community government, protecting 366.5 hectares of unique Mediterranean wetland ecosystems and coastal dunes.
Important Bird Area (IBA)
Recognised by SEO/BirdLife as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, and included in the Natura 2000 European network of protected sites.
What hiking trails does Clot de Galvany offer?
Two marked trails of different lengths and difficulty levels allow you to explore the reserve's diverse ecosystems.
Short trail — Lagoon circuit
Distance: 2 km
Time: 45 minutes
Level: Easy — flat, pushchair-accessible
Surface: Paved path
Highlights
- ✓ Main lagoon with waterbirds
- ✓ Wooden observation hide
- ✓ Picnic area with benches
- ✓ Education centre (Oct-Jun)
Long trail — Dunes and forest
Distance: 5 km
Time: 2 hours
Level: Moderate — partly sandy terrain
Surface: Mixed (paved + sandy)
Highlights
- ✓ Coastal dunes with sea views
- ✓ Mediterranean pine forest
- ✓ Hidden bird observation hides
- ✓ Spanish Civil War bunkers
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water — there are no shops or vending machines in the reserve!
What animals and birds live in Clot de Galvany?
Over 200 bird species have been recorded in the reserve, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Birds (200+ species)
Rare waterbirds
- • White-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala) — endangered
- • Greater flamingo — seasonal visitor
- • Great crested grebe — resident species
- • Great egret — visible year-round
Other notable birds
- • Various duck and coot species
- • Bee-eaters — colourful summer visitors
- • Kestrels and other raptors
- • Migrant warblers and flycatchers
Best season for birdwatching: Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) during migration periods
Amphibians
• Marsh frog — heard croaking at dusk near the lagoons
• Green toad — active after dark in the wetland zone
Reptiles
• European pond turtle — protected species visible in the lagoons
• Green lizard — basking on rocks along the trails
Mammals
• European rabbits — commonly seen on the drier trails
• Hedgehogs and foxes — present but rarely spotted due to their shy nature
Where to have a picnic in the Clot de Galvany reserve?
The reserve has a designated picnic area near the main entrance — perfect for a family outing.
Picnic area facilities
- ✓ Wooden benches and tables
- ✓ Shaded areas under pine trees
- ✓ Rubbish bins provided
- ✓ Information boards with reserve maps
What is allowed
- ✓ Bringing your own food and drinks
- ✓ Photography and birdwatching
- ✓ Walking dogs on a lead
What is prohibited
- ✗ Open fires and barbecues
- ✗ Loud music and noise
- ✗ Picking plants or disturbing wildlife
- ✗ Camping overnight
What to bring on a trip to Clot de Galvany?
Essential items
- ✓Water — at least 1 litre per person (no shops in the reserve)
- ✓Sun protection — hat, sunscreen SPF50, sunglasses
- ✓Comfortable shoes — trainers for the long trail
- ✓Insect repellent — mosquitoes near the lagoons
For nature enthusiasts
- ✓ Binoculars — essential for birdwatching
- ✓ Camera with zoom lens — for wildlife photography
- ✓ Bird identification guide — or a birding app
- ✓ Notebook — for recording species sighted
How to plan your visit to Clot de Galvany?
How to get there
From Brisa Alacant: just 2 km, 5 min by car or 20 min on foot
- • By car: follow signs to Arenales del Sol, turn right at the reserve sign
- • On foot: 20-25 min along the pavement
- • By bicycle: cycle path nearby
Main entrance: Gran Alacant side, near the industrial zone
Free parking: 30-40 spaces
Opening hours
Reserve: Open all year, dawn to dusk
Education centre: October to June
- • Weekdays: 9:00-14:00
- • Weekends: 10:00-14:00
Best times to visit:
- • Spring (Mar-May): migration season, wildflowers
- • Autumn (Sep-Nov): return migration, warm colours
- • Summer: before 9:00 or after 18:00 only
Costs
Completely FREE
- ✓ Free entry — all year
- ✓ Free parking — at the main entrance
- ✓ Free trails — both short and long
- ✓ Free picnic areas — with benches and tables
One of the very few completely free nature attractions in Alicante province.
Best seasons
Spring (Mar-May) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best season: migrant birds, wildflowers, pleasant temperatures
Autumn (Sep-Nov) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Return migration, warm colours, fewer crowds
Winter (Dec-Feb) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Peaceful, green, empty — ideal for quiet walks
Summer (Jun-Aug) ⭐⭐⭐
Very hot — visit early morning or late afternoon only
Nature and animal lovers should also visit Rio Safari Elche — a zoo with a car safari, located 30 km from Gran Alacant, where you can see lions, giraffes, and elephants in their natural surroundings.
Reserve rules and safety
• Stay on marked trails — to protect fragile habitats
• Do not disturb wildlife — keep a respectful distance
• Take all rubbish with you — leave no trace
• No fires or barbecues — high fire risk in dry Mediterranean climate
• Dogs must be on a lead — to avoid disturbing nesting birds
• Beware of sun exposure — bring sun protection, especially in summer
Clot de Galvany photo gallery
Main lagoon at Clot de Galvany
Wetland ecosystems
Marked hiking trail through the reserve
Bird observation point
Wildlife in the reserve
Mediterranean pine forest
Coastal dunes
Panoramic view of the reserve
Sunset over the lagoon
Native Mediterranean flora
Trail through the pine forest
Picnic area with shaded benches
Rafał Prońko
Właściciel Brisa Alacant
Właściciel apartamentu wakacyjnego Brisa Alacant od 2023 roku, regularnie odwiedzam Costa Blanca i znam region z własnych doświadczeń. Wszystkie miejsca opisane na blogu odwiedziłem osobiście — zdjęcia i porady pochodzą z moich własnych wizyt. Pomagam gościom odkrywać najlepsze atrakcje regionu Alicante.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to Clot de Galvany free?
Yes, entry to the Clot de Galvany nature reserve is completely free all year round, with no exceptions. There is no need to book visits online, buy tickets, or register at the entrance. All hiking trails, marked educational paths, picnic areas with benches and tables, and the education centre that operates from October to June are also free of charge. The car park at the main entrance from the Gran Alacant side is likewise free and holds several dozen vehicles. This is one of the few nature attractions in Alicante province that requires absolutely no fees whatsoever. By comparison, many nature parks in Spain charge for entry or parking. Clot de Galvany therefore represents an exceptional opportunity for contact with nature without burdening your holiday budget, which is especially appreciated by families with children and retirees living in the Costa Blanca region.
What hiking trails are available at Clot de Galvany?
The Clot de Galvany reserve has two main marked hiking trails with different difficulty levels. The short trail (approximately 2 km, 45 minutes walking) goes around the main lagoon on a paved surface and is fully accessible for pushchairs and people with limited mobility. It is the ideal option for families with small children who want to see waterbirds without much effort. The long trail (approximately 5 km, 2 hours) leads through varied terrain including coastal dunes, dense Mediterranean forest with pines and rosemary, and hidden bird observation points with wooden hides. On this trail the surface is partly sandy, so comfortable sports shoes are recommended. Both trails have information boards in Spanish describing the local flora and fauna. The trails are flat, with no steep climbs, making them accessible to people of all ages and different fitness levels.
What animals can you see at Clot de Galvany?
The Clot de Galvany reserve is home to over 200 bird species, making it one of the most important ornithological areas in Alicante province. The most notable species include the endangered white-headed duck (Oxyura leucocephala), great crested grebe, great egret, greater flamingo, and various species of ducks and coots. In the wetland zone you will encounter amphibians such as the marsh frog and green toad, which are particularly active after dusk. Among reptiles you can observe the protected European pond turtle and the green lizard basking on rocks. In the drier areas of the reserve live European rabbits, hedgehogs, and foxes, although the latter are extremely shy. The best time for birdwatching is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when migratory species from Africa pass through the reserve. It is worth bringing binoculars and visiting the wooden observation hides positioned by the lagoons.
How do you get to Clot de Galvany from Gran Alacant?
Clot de Galvany is located just 2 km from the centre of the Gran Alacant urbanisation, which means approximately 5 minutes by car. To get there, drive along the main road towards Arenales del Sol beach and turn right at the clear information sign pointing to the nature reserve. The main entrance with the education centre and car park is on the Gran Alacant side, along the road leading to the industrial area. There is a free, unguarded car park holding approximately 30-40 cars. Alternatively, from Gran Alacant you can reach it on foot in about 20-25 minutes, walking along the pavement beside the road. For cyclists, there is a cycle path connecting Gran Alacant with Arenales del Sol that passes near the reserve entrance. From our Brisa Alacant apartment you can conveniently reach the reserve by any means of transport, and the walking route is pleasant and leads through a quiet neighbourhood.
When is the best time to visit Clot de Galvany?
The best times to visit the Clot de Galvany reserve are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when temperatures hover between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius and migratory birds from North Africa stop at the reserve's lagoons. In spring the wetlands are full of water, attracting flamingos, herons, and ducks, and the vegetation bursts into colour. In autumn the reserve takes on warm tones and you can observe the return migration of birds heading south. In summer (June-August) temperatures exceed 35 degrees, so definitely avoid visits between 11:00 and 17:00. The best summer option is early morning before 9:00 or late afternoon after 18:00. In winter (December-February) the reserve is green, peaceful, and virtually empty, with temperatures of 12-18 degrees that are ideal for longer walks. This is an excellent time for those who value quiet and solitary contact with nature.
Źródła i odnośniki
- Paraje Natural Clot de Galvany - Ajuntament d'Elx(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Generalitat Valenciana - Wetland Catalogue: Clot de Galvany(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- SEO/BirdLife - Important Bird Areas (IBA)(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Natura 2000 - Comunitat Valenciana: El Clot de Galvany(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
- Fundacion Biodiversidad - Wetlands of the Valencian Community(dostęp: 2026-02-27)
Nature on your doorstep
Stay at Brisa Alacant and explore Clot de Galvany — just a 5-minute walk from your apartment!
🚶 Clot de Galvany
2 km — 5 min by car, 20 min on foot
🏖️ Carabassi Beach
3 km — 7 min by car
✈️ Alicante Airport
8 km — 10 min by car