The Marsh Walk, Birds in Front of the Village

El Rocío's marsh begins at the foot of the village, in front of the hermitage. When there is water, from autumn to spring, flamingos and ducks pass a few metres from the walk, and the horses and semi-wild cattle graze. It is the simplest way to see birds in Doñana without entering the park, and the Paseo Marismeño, opposite the hermitage, is one of the places the Almonte tourist board itself highlights in the village.

What you will see

The walk skirts the marsh on the village side, flat and impossible to get lost on, with the white hermitage behind you. The marsh is part of a mosaic of landscapes that, because of its size and location, is a very important wintering ground for migratory birds. With good water you will see flamingos, ducks and herons; with binoculars, much more.

At the end of the walk, following the wooden boardwalk that leaves from the hermitage, a few minutes on foot, is the Francisco Bernis Ornithological Centre, at 48 Calle Sanlúcar. It is the headquarters of SEO/BirdLife in Doñana. From its terraces you can see spoonbills, flamingos, glossy ibises and herons, and often the Spanish imperial eagle; the centre lends telescopes and binoculars, and its staff report the latest sightings and the best routes. Throughout the year it organises courses, workshops, bird-ringing and volunteer days open to the public.

When to go

First thing or at sunset, with binoculars. In summer the marsh dries out and there are fewer birds. At dusk the illuminated hermitage is reflected in the water. On pilgrimage days, at Pentecost, the village fills with more than a million people and the walk changes completely: if you want birds and calm, avoid those dates and the big pilgrimages.

With children and with a dog

It is a flat, short walk, good with a pushchair and with small children. With a dog, on a lead and along the walk; don't go down onto the marsh.

What to combine it with

Start or end at the El Rocío hermitage and its sand streets. To keep seeing birds in a different landscape, the Charco de la Boca trail, at La Rocina, is a few minutes away by car. For lunch facing the marsh, Aires de Doñana has views over the water.