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CERRO DEL PALO - Ventana del Visitante
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DATA OF INTEREST
DESCRIPTION
From this viewpoint you can see the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, one of the largest saline wetlands on the peninsula, with 1,365 protected hectares. It collects the water that runs off the large basin which, given the largely flat terrain, can be viewed, in large, from this facility.
The lagoon is defined by a characteristic belt of vegetation and a strong influence of seasonality on the water levels, staying dry and covered with a sheet of salt in summer. Even the Romans were interested in these salts, modifying the morphology of the lagoon to exploit them, with infrastructure such as dikes, channels along the perimetres and islets, still visible today.
This infrastructure, abandoned in the mid-twentieth century, marked the plant diversity, with two differentiated communities: one of fresh water in the perimeter channel (common reeds, cattail and African tamarisk) and another adapted to saline waters, on the banks and lands that emerge from the waters, mainly composed of opposite-leaved saltwort. Around the area there is still Mediterranean vegetation (such as holm oak, kermes oak, wild olives and mastic trees), although, little by little these are replaced by crops.
Reproductive colonies of aquatic birds also settled in the remains of dikes, there are over 170 species, with the flamingo being the most characteristic and abundant.
PROTECTED AREAS
DATA SHEET
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MAP
HOW TO GET
From the Sevilla-Almería A92 motorway, we take exit 132 signposted towards Fuente de Piedra / Humilladero / Laguna de Fuente de Piedra and partially cross the town of Fuente de Piedra following the signs to the Laguna. To get to the viewpoint, we continue along the path of the sandy areas of the Laguna that takes us to Cerro del Palo where the signposted viewpoint is located and also the José Antonio Valverde visitor centre.
GOOD PRACTICES
Do not disturb or feed the animals. You would negatively alter their behavior.
Check the weather forecast before starting your activity.
Bring water, sun protection, suitable clothing and footwear.
Don't forget your binoculars.
Follow the recommendations and comply with the regulations at all times
Respect the facilities put at your disposal. We all pay for its maintenance.
Help prevent fires. Do not throw cigarettes or any other object that produces combustion.
Trash doesn't come back alone. Take it with you to the nearest container. Reduce, reuse, recycle.
Noise is another form of pollution. In silence you will enjoy your experience more.
Live respectfully with the locals and other users. Respect private property.
Facilitate use for people with special needs.
By consuming local products and counting on local companies, you will contribute to rural development.
Practice responsible tourism and committed to the environment. Be a true ecotourist!
Never leave your pet in the wild. It would endanger the flora and fauna of the place.
Get around in a sustainable way: public transport, bicycle, on foot, electric or shared vehicle ... Park in the designated places
Do not leave a trace of your passage through nature. The best memory you can take with you is your own photograph.
Your safety is our concern, but it is your responsibility.
The conservation of natural spaces is also in your hands. Thank you for your collaboration!
Find out in advance about the possible existence of hunting activity and remember that all public use facilities are declared safety zones.
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