As you already know, at Vuela Viajes we love to know the best natural corners of Spain. Without going any further, in recent weeks we have had the pleasure of telling you about the Garajonay National Park and the most beautiful river sources in the country. Well, continuing our journey through the Iberian Peninsula, today we stop in Ciudad Real, province of Castilla-La Mancha. And it is that in this beautiful place is the Tablas de Daimiel National Park , a wonder of nature that, without a doubt, deserves a few words.
Do you want to know more about this beautiful natural corner of La Mancha ? Well, do not miss anything that we tell you below! I assure you that you are going to love it!
A unique ecosystem in Europe
The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is the last representative of the ecosystem called fluvial tables, which was once very characteristic of the central plain of the Iberian Peninsula. This practically unique wetland in Europe was formed from the overflow of the Gigüela and Guadiana rivers when they converged in an area of groundwater from a huge aquifer. In addition, the low slope of the land had an influence. Thanks to the declaration of the area as a Natural Park, a great step was taken for the conservation of this valuable ecosystem. In addition, it has been declared a Biosphere Reserve, Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention and a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).
Fauna and Flora
Beyond its beautiful appearance, this place stands out for the fauna it houses in its waters, where you can find animals such as imperial herons, royal storks, otters or shovelers. And it is necessary to bear in mind that the Tablas de Daimiel National Park serves as a wintering , staining and nesting area for many birds. Regarding the flora, we must highlight the eggs, which are submerged meadows of algae that serve as food for the birds that occupy the park. In addition, we must talk about the tarays, which are the only trees present in the area, the masiega, the reed and the cattail.
How to visit the park
Although it is possible to explore the area freely or by following one of the three itineraries proposed by the park management, the truth is that one of the best ways to get to know this place is through a guided excursion. Best of all, there are five different types of visits , including excursions for families, groups or schoolchildren, routes along trails, on foot or in 4 × 4. In addition, if you are a fan of ornithology, you can observe the birds through a monitor. If you dare to visit this place, we recommend that you bring comfortable clothes and shoes, drinking water, binoculars and field guides to identify the different birds. In addition, it is better that you make the visit without haste, in silence and, preferably, first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.
A place inhabited since the Bronze Age
Among many other things, at the Molino de Melemocho Visitor Center, you can learn interesting facts about the park’s past. For example, it is interesting to know that this place was inhabited in the Bronze Age and had up to 14 water mills. Also, as you can imagine, it is a place where it was hunted and fished intensively.
Then we leave you with our gallery , where you can find more images of the Tablas de Daimiel National Park. Do not miss it!
