Clot de Galvany in Los Arenales del Sol

The starting point for the walk is at the car park in the centre of Clot de Galvany. To get there by car, see the ‘Practical Information’ section.

There is an interpretation centre at the entrance to the site, and the local council has marked out two walking trails: a very short one (trail R1) and a longer one (called R2). It is this second trail that is mapped out here. You should therefore follow the signs marked “R2”. This path is a dirt track but it is wide and features amenities such as benches and viewing points.

(S/E) Head towards the far end of this car park and the centre’s interpretation centre, then turn right onto the wide path called “ruta el humedal”. Please note that at the start of this walk there is a large area equipped with tables and benches for picnicking.

(1) Turn right.

(2) Bunkers dating from the Spanish Civil War, now used by bats. You can also take the time to climb up to the various observation posts. Ignore a path branching off to the right and carry on to the viewpoint.

(3) Take the small path on the left. At the next junction, follow the path on the right and carry on straight ahead until you reach a multi-way junction.

(4) Carry on to the left. Keep to the right and, after two bends, you’ll reach another junction where you should turn left.

(5) Follow the road to the left.

(6) Turn left again.

(7) Take a detour to see the remains of Roman buildings. This part is optional.

(8) These are the remains of a Roman barn thought to date from the^1st century BC. At the time, the land all around was used for farming. This is the furthest point of the walk: retrace your steps.

(7) Turn right.

(9) A birdwatching spot where, well hidden, you can take some superb photos. Walk for about a hundred metres, then turn left.

(1) Turn right and head back to the car park (S/E).

Don’t forget to bring water (whatever the season).

To get the best view of the birds, you might want to take a pair of binoculars and fit your camera with a telephoto lens.

To reach the starting point by car: from Alicante, take the N332 towards Santa Pola. Follow the coast, then move into the left-hand lane to follow the signs for Santa Pola.
At the next signpost, follow the signs for ‘Urbanova playas’, which will be on your left. However, to get there, you’ll need to move into the right-hand lane at the traffic lights and then cross the road.
You’ll then be on the Via Pista or Saladar, which runs alongside the sea. Carry on straight ahead, passing through Urbanova. You’ll then arrive at Arenales del Sol.
At the first roundabout, carry on straight ahead towards Santa Pola.
At the second roundabout, take the second exit (towards Calle Bahía).
At the next roundabout, go straight on.
At the next roundabout, take the second exit (towards Calle Albacete: the road going downhill).
Then turn left to follow the road along the beach.
After about 300 metres, turn right behind the sign for Clot de Galvany, onto a dirt track.
The car park is then about a hundred metres further on, on the right.

For your information, the journey by car from Alicante is about 14 km.

Clot de Galvany is a wetland area with various lakes and vegetation that provides a nesting habitat for different species of birds. This area, covering around 360 hectares, was on the verge of disappearing due to urban development pressure (you can actually see buildings very close by). From the 1970s onwards, there were various projects, and finally, in 1994, Elche City Council decided to take ownership of the site and began to restore it.

You can go for a swim at the beaches of Los Arenales.