The Desembocadura del Guadalhorce is formed of a complex of man-made lagoons, the result of past use of the area for cropland. It is currently filled with brackish and fresh waters depending on the location. These lagoons are surrounded by the two arms of the river that form the mouth, and are located in what was once a huge marsh, where the sea and the riverbed joined, forming vast marshy lands in a delta that has grown over the centuries due to the deposit of materials by the Guadalhorce.

The area is important in terms of birdlife, being one of the most important stopover and resting points in the region for coastal migratory birds. Some of the most fascinating species found throughout the year, (season dependent) are osprey and booted eagles, kingfisher, pink flamingo, spoonbill, black stork, Audouin´s gull and Caspian tern, in addition to others more common such as terns, coots and herons. It is also possible to see different species of duck, the most notable of which is the white-headed duck, easy to spot throughout the year.

The vegetation is associated with different environments, where the presence of water and salt are significant in their disposition and richness. The sands of the beach are home to plants that are extremely well adapted to such an inhospitable environment, such as European searocket and prickly saltwort. The areas reached by the tides are home to Arthrocnemum macrostachyum and coco grass, both adapted to high salinity. And, in the form of a riparian forest, tamarisk predominates, alongside patches of reeds and reed beds, among which we find the base of some woodland with poplars dotted around.

The natural setting is not only vital as a resting place and shelter for birds, it also constitutes a small green oasis next to the city of Malaga that accommodates the completion of the reproductive cycle of many species that do not have suitable places to breed. This is particularly true of the plover who, (thanks to the habitat protection efforts that have been put in place in this protected natural area) finds an area on the beach in which to bring new chicks into the world .

In short, it is a wetland with both coastal and river ecosystems in a small area of land. Therefore it is a hugely important space for wildlife of which we must all respect with regards to its conservation and protection.

You can visit it by following the two signposted trails Río Viejo and Laguna Grande , which allow you to access the five observatories. One of the observatories, the aptly named seabird observatory, covers the maritime strip and is great for observing birds who frequent the sea and the sand. The rest of the observatories are located next to the lagoons. They are an excellent way to discover the rich birdlife, and, with a bit of patience, the help of some binoculars and a good birdlife guide you can pass the time learning about nature in an enjoyable, unforgettable setting.