The cranes make an important migration every year and the Gallocanta Lagoon is an important stopover point for them.
The Gallocanta Lagoon Nature Reserve.
Gallocanta is a small village in the Comarca of Daroca, in the province of Zaragoza. This town gives its name to the wetland known as La Laguna de Gallocanta (ZEPA) Special Protection Area for Birds.
The group of lagoons is formed by the Gallocanta lagoon, the Grande lagoon and in the southern part a group of small lagoons. They are saltwater lagoons and are considered to be the best example of a salt lake in Western Europe.
The birds of the Gallocanta lagoon
Between the months of October and November, the cranes arrive in large migratory flocks from the north of Europe to stop over, recuperate and leave again for warmer lands where they spend the winter. On their return journey, around February and March, they return to visit the Gallocanta Lagoon.
The best times to observe the large groups of birds are at dawn, when the cranes leave the lagoon, and at dusk, when they return to rest in the roosts and the tranquillity of its waters.
The Gallocanta lagoon is a delight for the eyes and ears. More than 40,000 cranes arrive at this wetland in large flocks, amidst the sounds of chirping and flapping wings. A spectacle at dawn and dusk, when their silhouettes are silhouetted against the sky as they return to their roosts.
In the surroundings of the lagoon, other species such as the great bustard, the kestrel, the black-bellied sandgrouse, the stone-curlew and the skylark can be observed.
There is a signposted circular path that allows us to contemplate the wetland environment. There are also several bird observatories set up at defined points in this Protected Natural Area.
The beauty of the Gallocanta Lagoon
Sunrise and sunset are the best times to observe the behaviour of cranes and other birds.
Recommendations
Before starting your visit to the lagoon, we recommend that you visit the Interpretation Centre, where you will be given all the information about this Protected Nature Reserve.
In order to observe the birds, we recommend the use of the observatories around the lagoon. The use of binoculars is recommended.
We must remember that there are regulations that must be respected, as well as the indications given by the Nature Protection Agents and the Reserve's Wardens.
Gallocanta and its surroundings
Gallocanta is a village dedicated to agriculture and livestock farming, like all the surrounding villages.
The Church of St. Peter the Apostle, with its bell tower, rises above the rooftops and stands out.
On the outskirts of the lagoon, following the paths, we reach the Hermitage of Nuestra Señora del Buen Acuerdo.
The hermitage offers tranquillity and lovely views, where you can enjoy a good lunch in the picnic area available for visitors.
More information
- OFICINA COMARCAL DE TURISMO EN GALLOCANTA
- Plaza. San Mauricio, 4 – 50373 – GALLOCANTA – Tel/Fax: 976 803 069
- Open Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
- Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Sundays until 6 p.m.)
- Bird Museum
- Next to Church and Health Centre - 50373 - GALLOCANTA
- Appointment by telephone 976 803 069 (oficina de turismo)
- Ticket price: 1 €. Special prices for groups. Please consult.
- Tourism in the Daroca region https://www.turismocomarcadedaroca.com/folletos
