National park · Spain
Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural ParkParc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà
Go for a half day from Roses, Empuriabrava or Sant Pere Pescador: walk the flat 2.5 km Cortalet–Mas del Matà path and use the hides before 10:00, or do the 8.2 km Les Llaunes loop in spring and autumn; skip the middle of an August afternoon.Go for a half day from Roses, Empuriabrava or Sant Pere Pescador: walk the flat 2.5 km Cortalet–Mas del Matà path and use the hides before 10:00 AM, or do the 8.2 km Les Llaunes loop in spring and autumn; skip the middle of an August afternoon.Go for a half day from Roses, Empuriabrava or Sant Pere Pescador: walk the flat 1.6 mi Cortalet–Mas del Matà path and use the hides before 10:00, or do the 5.1 mi Les Llaunes loop in spring and autumn; skip the middle of an August afternoon.Go for a half day from Roses, Empuriabrava or Sant Pere Pescador: walk the flat 1.6 mi Cortalet–Mas del Matà path and use the hides before 10:00 AM, or do the 5.1 mi Les Llaunes loop in spring and autumn; skip the middle of an August afternoon.
Map to the park
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Area
47 km²18 sq mi
approximate
Established
1983
Best months
Mar–May, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Iberia ↗Plan meals on the Iberian clock: Spanish kitchens serve lunch from about 13:30–14:00 and dinner from 20:30–21:00; Portugal eats an hour or so earlier. Early evenings are for tapas or petiscos, not full meals.
- Iberia ↗Inland Spain and Portugal (Seville, Córdoba, Madrid, the Alentejo) pass 40 °C in heatwaves from late June to August: sightsee before 11:00 and after 18:00, and keep July–August for the coasts and the green north.
- Iberia ↗Andorra and Gibraltar have their own border and customs rules and are reached only through Spain (or France for Andorra); read their pages before adding them, especially if you hold a limited Schengen visa.
- Spain ↗Spain is in the Schengen area. Check the entry rules for your passport on official sources; the EU's Entry/Exit System registers non-EU visitors at the first Schengen border, and further pre-travel authorisation rules are being introduced.
- Spain ↗High-speed trains have airport-style baggage screening at the station and boarding gates that close a few minutes before departure: arrive early.
- Spain ↗Carry your passport or ID: police may ask for it, and hotels must register every guest's document.
- Spain ↗The Alhambra in Granada and the Sagrada Família in Barcelona sell timed tickets that sell out weeks ahead in season; book on the official sites before you fix your dates.
At a glance
- Country
- Spain
- Area
- 47 km²18 sq mi
- Roughly 47 km² of marsh, dunes, fields and lagoons between the Muga and Fluvià mouths; boundary figures vary by source (check).
- Established
- 1983
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- Not needed
Aiguamolls de l'Empordà is the marshland between the Muga and Fluvià mouths, on the Empordà plain behind the Bay of Roses. It was saved in 1976 by a campaign against the holiday development that had already swallowed Empuriabrava, and declared a protected natural site by Catalan law in 1983. Today it is the last unbuilt stretch of Costa Brava coast: dunes, brackish llaunes behind the beach, freshwater lakes inland, drained fields and ditches, with over 300 bird species recorded and 82 regular nesters. Entry is free, the paths are flat and signposted, and a dozen hides let you see a lot in two hours without a guide. The strictest protection in Catalan law, the integral reserves, covers the Llaunes and Estanys lagoons: you walk around them, not through them. Nearby, Cap de Creus protects the rocky coast to the north and Montgrí, Medes Islands and Baix Ter the coast to the south.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Ramsar wetlandWetland of international importance; listed as part of the Empordà marshes (check).
- Special national siteDeclared a natural site of national interest by Catalan law in 1983, later reclassified as a natural park.
Size and age
47 km²18 sq mi · national park since 1983
Roughly 47 km² of marsh, dunes, fields and lagoons between the Muga and Fluvià mouths; boundary figures vary by source (check).
Why go
- The last unbuilt stretch of Costa Brava coast: dunes and salt marsh instead of hotels, an hour from the resort strip.
- Over 300 bird species recorded, with 82 regular nesters; spring and autumn migration fills the lagoons.
- Flat, signposted paths and a dozen bird hides, so you can see a lot in two hours without a guide.
- Free entry and free parking at Mas del Matà; only the main car park charges.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunGo
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovGo
- DecGo
- JanWintering ducks and waders; cold, windy, quiet
- FebEarly migrants arrive; tramontana days are raw
- MarMigration builds; blue iris and samphire in flower
- AprPeak spring passage and nesting; best all-round month
- MayNesting in full swing; warm, still green
- JunQuiet, hot by midday; mosquitoes after wet springs
- JulHot and dry; few birds; go at dawn only
- AugHottest, busiest coast; little on the water
- SepAutumn passage starts; warm sea, thinning crowds
- OctStrong migration and the wettest month; bring waterproofs
- NovWinter arrivals; short days, low light
- DecWintering flocks; hides are sheltered and empty
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring migration (waders, terns, passerines)Mar–May · The main reason to come; early morning is far better than midday. | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Autumn migration and heron flocksSep–Nov | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no |
| Wintering ducks and waders from northern EuropeDec–Feb | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes |
| Nesting residents (mallard, moorhen, reed warbler, yellow wagtail)Apr–Jun | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| MosquitoesJun–Sep · Worst after a wet spring and near the freshwater lakes; repellent helps. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Wild boarAll year · Common throughout the park; keep distance and never feed them. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
How to get there
From Roses
Drive or cycle the C-260 towards Castelló d'Empúries, then the signed access road to El Cortalet.
20–30 min
From Empuriabrava
Short drive or bike ride to the Estany Europa and El Cortalet entrances.
10–15 min
From Sant Pere Pescador
Drive to the southern car parks (Mas del Matà) or walk in from the beach side.
10–20 min
From Figueres
High-speed train station, then a taxi or local bus towards Castelló d'Empúries and the park.
30–40 min by road
From Barcelona
High-speed train to Figueres, then road; or drive the AP-7 to the Figueres exit.
2–2.5 h by road
From Girona airport
Rental car or bus towards Figueres and the coast, then the park access roads.
45–60 min by road
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| El Cortalet | Information centre, main car park, picnic area and the start of most signposted itineraries. | Open to all; centre open winter 09:00–16:00, summer 09:00–18:30 (check).Open to all; centre open winter 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, summer 9:00 AM–6:30 PM (check). |
| Southern marshes and hides | The chain of hides and lagoons between El Cortalet and Mas del Matà, including the Les Llaunes reserve. | Open on foot; stay on marked paths. |
| Les Llaunes and Estanys reserves | Brackish lagoons behind the dunes, under the strictest protection level. | Viewed from the surrounding loop path and hides; no entry into the reserve. |
| Estany de Vilaüt and the northern lakes | Freshwater lakes inland, the remains of the old Castelló lake. | Open; separate access, quieter than the south. |
| Coastal dunes and beaches | The unbuilt beach strip along the park's seaward edge. | Open; no vehicles, no camping. |
Sketch map
- 1El Cortalet information centre · Headquarters≈42.225, 3.093Main car park, picnic area and trailhead.Map ↗
- 2Mas del Matà · Gate≈42.212, 3.091Free car park and southern trailhead.Map ↗
- 3Quim Franch hide · Viewpoint≈42.224, 3.094Map ↗
- 4Les Llaunes reserve · Beach≈42.213, 3.102Brackish lagoons behind the dunes; viewed from the loop path.Map ↗
- 5Estany de Vilaüt · Viewpoint≈42.288, 3.111Freshwater lake in the northern part of the park.Map ↗
- 6Estany Europa picnic area · Trail≈42.246, 3.105Reached from the Empuriabrava side.Map ↗
- 7Castelló d'Empúries · Town≈42.258, 3.075Nearest old town for food and beds.Map ↗
- 8Sant Pere Pescador · Town≈42.190, 3.080Camping and beach base at the southern end.Map ↗
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No entrance fee for the park or its trails (2026 estimate). |
| Parking, El Cortalet | EUR 5 | vehicle per day | Main car park by the information centre; 06:00–21:00 (check). |
| Parking, Mas del Matà | Free | vehicle | Free, smaller, closer to the southern hides. |
| Guided walk with a park or specialist guide | EUR 10–30 | person | Half-day group walks; book ahead in spring (2026 estimate, check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
General visiting no permit
Integral reserves (Les Llaunes, Estanys) no permit
Guided or group visits no permit
Park rules
- Stay on marked paths
- The lagoons and Les Llaunes are integral reserves; walking off-path disturbs nesting birds and is not allowed.
- No drones
- Not permitted over the park without authorisation; they disturb birds at the hides (check).check
- No wild camping
- Prohibited everywhere in the park; use the campgrounds and villages around it.
- No fires
- Open fires and barbecues are banned; use the picnic areas only.
- Dogs on a leash
- Keep pets leashed and out of the hides and reserve areas.
- No collecting
- Do not take plants, rocks or animals; leave everything where it is.
- Vehicles
- Motor vehicles only on authorised tracks; off-road driving is prohibited.
Where to stay
Near the park
Sant Pere Pescador
Beach-side campgrounds and holiday rentals, closest to the southern entrances.
Near the park
Castelló d'Empúries
Small hotels and guesthouses in the old town, 10 min from El Cortalet.
Near the park
Empuriabrava
Apartments and marina-side hotels, closest to the Estany Europa entrance.
Near the park
Roses
Full range of hotels and restaurants, 20–30 min by road.
Safety
Tramontana wind medium
Heat and no shade medium
Mosquitoes low
Flooded paths after rain low
Emergency low
Accessibility
- The El Cortalet centre, its picnic area and the first stretch of the main path are step-free and reachable by car.
- The Cortalet–Mas del Matà path is flat and wide enough for most wheelchairs and pushchairs in dry weather.
- The Les Llaunes loop and the dune paths are uneven in places; the hides have steps or narrow entrances (check).
Visiting lightly
- Keep to the paths and hides: the lagoons are integral reserves and nesting birds flush easily.
- Do not use recorded bird calls or bait to pull birds closer for photos.
- Buy lunch or supplies in Castelló d'Empúries, Sant Pere Pescador or Empuriabrava so the villages around the park benefit.
- Take all litter out; bins are limited away from El Cortalet.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park?
Entry is free — there is no ticket for the park or its trails (2026 estimate). You pay only for parking at El Cortalet, about €5 per vehicle per day, while the Mas del Matà car park is free. Guided walks cost roughly €10–30 per person.
What are the best hikes in Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park?
The 2.5 km El Cortalet–Mas del Matà path is the best short walk, linking the main hides in about an hour. The 8.2 km Les Llaunes loop is the best longer circuit, and the 4 km route to Estanys Europa suits families. All are flat and signposted.
When is the best time to visit Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park?
March to May for spring migration and nesting, and September to October for autumn passage. April is the single best month. July and August are hot, dry and quiet for birds; winter is good for ducks and waders but cold and windy.
Do I need a guide to visit the park?
No. The paths are marked and the hides are open, so you can walk and watch birds on your own. A guide helps in spring if you want to identify species or reach the quieter northern lakes.
Can I cycle through the park?
Yes, on the authorised tracks. The Pirinexus long-distance cycle route crosses the park, and the Ruta del Ter ends at the Ter river mouth. Off-road riding on paths and dunes is prohibited.
Where should I stay near the park?
Sant Pere Pescador has the closest beach campgrounds, Castelló d'Empúries has small hotels 10 minutes from El Cortalet, and Empuriabrava and Roses have the widest choice of apartments and hotels.
Are there mosquitoes?
Yes, especially near the freshwater lakes from June to September after a wet spring. Bring repellent and cover up at dusk; the park's bats and fish keep numbers down but do not remove them.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go