Laguna de Pitillas
Just 20 kilometres south of Olite, the Laguna de Pitillas is one of the most important wetland reserves in the Iberian Peninsula — and one of Spain's best-kept birdwatching secrets. Greater flamingos, marsh harriers and thousands of wintering ducks share a shallow, reed-fringed lake set against the bare Navarrese plain.
What You Will See
The reserve holds breeding colonies of red-crested pochard, purple heron and little bittern in spring and summer, while autumn and winter bring Eurasian spoonbill, greater flamingo and vast roosts of starlings that perform murmurations over the water at dusk.
Two free hides overlook the lagoon from the western shore. The larger hide has interpretation panels in Spanish and English explaining the seasonal cycles of the reserve.
Planning Your Visit
The reserve is managed by the Government of Navarre and entry to the hides is free. A gravel track leads from the village of Pitillas to the car park; a 10-minute flat walk through reed beds brings you to the water's edge.
Go at dawn or dusk for the best wildlife activity and the most extraordinary light. Bring binoculars — the hides are set back from the water's edge to avoid disturbing the birds, so a 8×42 or 10×42 binocular is genuinely useful.
More of Olite
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Olite →
