Pitillas Lagoon and its bird observatory

South of Olite, the Pitillas lagoon is a nature reserve with a bird observatory run by the Government of Navarre. At 216 hectares it is the largest steppe wetland in Navarre and one of the most important in the Ebro valley: an endorheic lagoon, with no outlet to the sea, surrounded by farmland. In winter and spring it fills with waterbirds, and it is a good stop to make with children and binoculars.

What you will see

According to the centre, marsh harriers, herons, teal, coots, greylag geese, shovelers and mallards live in or pass through the lagoon, as well as frogs, otters, minks, terrapins and butterflies. It lies right on a migration route, and between March and June two species much sought by enthusiasts breed: the bittern, a small brown heron that hides in the reedbed, and the bearded reedling, a little bird whose male has a black moustache. The lagoon was drained in the 1960s for farming, but since 1976 it has been left to return to its natural state. It has been a nature reserve since 1987, an SPA since 1991 and a Ramsar wetland of international importance since 1996.

The observatory

The observatory is a stone building on a small mound overlooking the lagoon, with a large picture window and a rooftop terrace. Inside there are panels on the ecology and history of the wetland, and the staff lend binoculars, telescopes and guides for identifying the birds. Entry is free and it is best to start here: they explain which trails are open and how to go round the lagoon without disturbing the wildlife.

It is open on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 14:00 from 21 October to 30 December and from 2 January to 10 March; in spring and early autumn, also in the afternoon, from 16:00 to 19:00, and from 16 July to 31 August, every day, morning and afternoon. It closes on 25 December, and the hours may change on bridge days and public holidays.

Guided walks

In season, the observatory organises guided walks around the lagoon, lasting about an hour and a half, of low difficulty but not suitable for wheelchairs. You must sign up at least three days ahead on 619 463 450. In November 2026 the Olite tourist office announced walks on the 8th and 15th at 11:30 and on the 22nd at 10:30, the latter with an ornithologist. Information also at [email protected].

Rules and getting there

The lagoon is a nature reserve, not a recreation area: dogs and other domestic animals are not allowed, you may not cross the fence around it, you may not release fish or turtles and overnighting in a motorhome is not allowed. Park in the car park beside the observatory; in autumn 2026 some areas are under works and there is an alternative car park, so ask on arrival. From Olite you drive south, and it combines well with the monastery of La Oliva or with Ujué.