Hidden Lagoon – Exploring and hiking in a natural setting 📷 Málaga – Spain

I always love seeking out new challenges to explore, new things, new places, learning a little more each time. Not only does it keep my brain active, but it also allows me to discover new places in nature and see landscapes that are different from those I usually visit.

Quite some time ago, whilst looking for natural areas in or near the city, I spotted a large area on the map that I’d never visited before, and, what’s more, it hadn’t even crossed my mind that there might be anything special there. I was wrong.

There is a large river that runs through much of the province of Málaga and flows into the city of Málaga itself; this is the River Guadalhorce. Right at its mouth lies a natural area that remains in its wild state, largely untouched by human intervention. Of course, there is some human presence, as there are beaches and neighbourhoods nearby, but a certain part of the area is very well protected.

It is a nature reserve covering 64 hectares, situated on a large island at the river’s mouth, which itself spans 122 hectares. Naturally, it is impossible to explore the entire area in a single day, but I decided to make several visits to get to know the place.

The large island, which is home to the nature reserve, has numerous protected lagoons and, depending on their depth and location, is home to a wide variety of birds. I was really excited to explore this place and, a few days ago, I paid my first visit, knowing absolutely nothing about this part of the city.

To get there, I took two buses, as it’s quite a few kilometres away from the city centre; it’s situated to the west, very close to the airport, almost on the outskirts of the city.

After getting off the second bus, I walked quite a distance until I reached the first signpost, but I still had a long way to go before reaching the entrance to the nature reserve. This signpost describes the routes along the mouth of the River Guadalhorse, which begins at Sacaba Beach.

The paths aren’t tarmacked, except for the bridge crossing one of the river’s branches, and I could see vegetation different from what I’m used to, everywhere I looked, both before reaching the nature reserve and within it, from poplars, eucalyptus trees, taraje trees, reeds, sea lilies, cane, rushes and more.

The sign announced the presence of the lagoons I mentioned earlier and their respective birdwatching hides, as this place is one of the main migratory routes between Europe and Africa. It serves as a resting and feeding spot for the birds.

As for the wildlife, there are foxes, rabbits, otters, chameleons and a wide variety of birds, such as the common flamingo, mallard, little grebe and cattle egret, amongst others. I don’t know much about birds, but I tried to read every sign along the way, and there were plenty of them.

Once I’d crossed the river and walked a long way, I came to a junction where the path split into two: one section was for cyclists and the other for walkers, where neither bicycles, scooters nor dogs off the lead were permitted.

I had no idea where the path would lead me, but as I entered the nature reserve, I imagined that at some point I’d reach one of the lagoons I could see on the map, apparently there are three, though there might be smaller ones that aren’t properly marked.

As it was my first time there, I was full of excitement and anticipation, but I wanted to take it slowly, as I wasn’t familiar with the terrain; I would examine every spot thoroughly.

The path wound its way through dense vegetation on both sides, and often I couldn’t see where it ended; instead, it would fork at certain points.

More vegetation, a variety of trees, just as the sign had indicated, and I could hear lots of birds, but I couldn’t spot the animals I’d read about. In some places, the ground looked arid, with a yellowish base, but then there was lush vegetation and a variety of shades of green.

In the distance I could see mountains, bridges, the city or part of it, though not the centre but the surrounding areas. I turned onto a path where there seemed to be nothing, and I had no idea how far away the first lagoon might be or which one I would come across first.

Until, on that very path, another path crossed it and I could see the first observation point. I was very happy. I approached it and found several signs containing a wealth of information. It was Laguna Escondida, and there were several viewing holes from which to look out over the lagoon. The lagoon was fenced off and, apart from that observation point, there was no way to access it or get a closer look at the birds.

The signs recommended watching the birds from there, as they are wild and easily frightened by humans. There was also information on what to do if you come across a tagged bird.

One of the signs listed the birds that could be found at this lagoon, namely: the European flycatcher, little bittern, common reed warbler, northern shoveler, crag martin, common moorhen, barn swallow, blackcap and European bee-eater. There was quite a wide variety.

As the sun was in my eyes whilst taking photos, it was difficult to make out the species clearly, and not being able to get closer made it even harder. Even so, the place was a paradise and, from what I could see on the map, this wasn’t even the largest lagoon.

At the observatory, I also found information boards with plenty of details about the area, such as the fact that the ‘hidden lagoon’ is the deepest and has the freshest water of all the lagoons in the nature reserve, which allows for the growth of macrophytes, submerged plants, making it a vital habitat for diving waterbirds.

There is a very dense strip of vegetation dominated by tamarisk, reeds and rushes. Small birds such as the common chiffchaff can be found there, identifiable by their song. Kingfishers can also be spotted in late summer and autumn, so I’ll be returning at that time of year. And although the sign said there were otters, I didn’t see any, or at least I don’t think I did.

There are also camouflaged little bitterns hunting along the banks of the lagoon, and occasional visitors arrive, such as bee eaters and summer birds that nest there.

I sat there for quite a while, looking out over the lagoon, taking photos and enjoying this new sight, this new part of nature for me, which I loved seeing.

The sun was already beginning to set a little, so I set off on the long walk back; I had a long way to go to catch the bus, but I promised myself I’d return to explore this paradise in its entirety.

Thank you very much for joining me today; I send you my warmest regards. See you soon.
Amonet.