The Doñana Natural Park includes parts of the provinces of Cadiz , Huelva and Seville . It contains a wide range of eco-systems and is close to the Doñana National Park , considered to be Europe 's best ecological reserve. It has a total surface area of 53,709 hectares , 3,400 of which belong to the province of Cadiz.

It was declared a Natural Park in 1989 in order to soften any possible impact on the National Park and contains a wealth of important natural and cultural items. It partially forms part of the � Doñana Biosphere Reserve � (1986) and has been a Special Protection Zone for Birds (ZEPA) in 2002.

The zone consists of pine forests (Pinar de la Algaida ), salt marshes (Bonanza Marshes), together with tributaries and channel of the River Guadalquivir which used to flood the salt marsh. This landscape is currently noted for its horizontal aesthetics and a bluish tone from the morning mists.

The Bonanza Marshes, situated near to the mouth of the Guadalquivir , are a strip of natural salt marshes that are flooded when the tide comes in, unlike the rest of the River Guadalquivir marshland that nowadays only receives water from the rain. These marshes are between El Pinar de la Algaida and the river bank, and are fundamental for wintering birds in dry years.

The Doñana Natural Park has areas of great ecological interest, such as the protected El Tarelo Lagoon or the Hidalgo or Los Portugueses saltpans, both of which are of great interest in terms of the Park's water birds.

La Algaida was nearly entirely replanted by a pine forest created by man in the 19th century and where wood was collected and pinecones from the umbrella pine. The El Lucero Shrine stands there, where traces of various cultures have been found.

The Doñana salt marshes are home to the flamenco, stilt birds, pied avocet, red-crested pochard, greylag goose, the white stork and the black stork.

Other species of birds to be found in the umbrella pine forests are greenfinches, pigeons, Sardinian warbler, Great tit, etc. Special mention should be made of the birds of prey, such as the black kite or golden eagle.

The fauna of the Doñana Natural Park also includes and is enriched by other animal species, such as the mongoose, fox, wild boar, red crab or chameleon, the latter being in danger of extinction.

One of the natural and landscape values of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, situated in this natural setting of the Doñana, is undeniably its golden, fine sand beaches which provides a magnificent backdrop for horse riding. Special mention should also be made of its seawaters that were famous thanks to their therapeutic qualities and which was highly sought off during the middle of the last century by many holiday makers who enjoyed the � Sea Baths �.

On the other side, and next to the River Guadalquivir, the salt marshes have been developed, which cover an extensive area of the municipal district of Trebujena. An area of the land known as �Codo de la Esparraguera � is set among the marshes. This area is catalogued as an area of the Doñana Natural Park setting and many water birds nest there in spring as it is humid area due to the flood being flooded by the spates of the River Guadalquivir.

This enclave is therefore one of Andalusia 's most important wetlands and where 3,000 specimens of 40 different species have been recorded, some of which are in danger of extinction, such as the marbled teal, red-knobbed coot and white-headed duck.

Another enclave of interest is the so-called Tarelo Lagoon and Bonanza Marshes , located in the picturesque town of Sanlúcar de Barrameda . The Tarelo Lagoon is an accumulation of water left over after sand was extracted during the 80s. This action exposed the groundwater table and it has become home to an exceptional population of water birds, in addition to the birds and animals living in the surrounding marshland.

The El Lucero Shrine is in La Algaida Pine Forest. It is an ancient sacred site where traces have been found of various cultures dating back to time immemorial, together with the Roman Los Caveros Well.

The "Bajo de Guia" Visitors' Centre is essential to learn more about this Natural Park in the province of Cadiz . You will find there general information about the surrounding area, possible routes or itineraries. The Centre includes an audiovisual display and interpretative exhibition that provides the visitor with an opportunity to discover the cultural and natural values to be found in this natural area

 
Sanlúcar de Barrameda has a rich heritage of monuments and it is worth visiting to discover the setting of the Doñana Natural Park. Some of the outstanding civil monuments include the Orleans-Borbon Palace , built in a Mudejar style and the current seat of the town council. The town also boasts the Medina Sidonia Ducal Palace , declared to be an Artistic Historical Monument and which was the residence of the Dukes of Medina Sidonia, lords of Sanlucar and closely linked to the history of the Doñana. The so-called � Covachas �, a stone decoration consisting of Gothic arches and buttresses that support winged snakes, are along ones of the walls of the Ducal palace.

Trebujena is located at the north-western tip of the province of Cadiz and is part of the Doñana Natural Parque. Surrounded by marshland and famous for its sunsets, it is noted for interesting buildings from the cultural point of view, such as the Parish Church of La Purisima Concepcion , the Chapel of Our Lady of Palomares or the Alventus estate , which also belonged to the aforementioned Dukes of Medina Sidonia, with its fighting bulls and ploughed land.

Salt extraction, ageing vines, shell fishing and fishing are the zone's most typical activities. The local craftwork include the traditional skills required to build its typical wooden boats.

The typical cuisine of the towns of the Doñana Natural Park is noted for being one of the most important local tourist attractions, thanks to its exceptional products, such as fish and shellfish. One of the best known is the king prawn and the excellent market garden produce. In Sanlúcar de Barrameda, the visitor can enjoy a glass young Mosto wine or manzanilla, which is so popular internationally, to wash down one of its typical tapas, such as boiled potatoes, fried fish or garlic. Trebujena is famous for its shrimp fritters, eels, chick peas with rabbit, hot garlic or the thistle stew.

El Rocio pilgrimage, when thousands of pilgrims make their way in wagons, on foot or on horseback to that village, is undoubtedly the cultural event for which the region is best known. A large number of El Rocio brotherhoods from the province of Cadiz cross the estuary of the River Guadalquivir at Sanlúcar de Barrameda. The festive atmosphere is outstanding in the Bajo de Guia district while the pilgrims wait to embark to cross to the Doñana.

Another of the exceptional festivities is Sanlúcar de Barrameda's Holy Week, declared to be of National Tourist Interest in Andalusia , together with the Festivities to honour the River Guadalquivir, which have also been declared to be of similar interest. The Horse Racing on the beaches of Sanlucar have been held for over 150 years and are of International Tourist Interest. The Fair and Festivities of the Patron Saint of Our Lady of Palomares are held in Trebujena during the summer season.

The active tourism and nature activities offered in the Doñana Natural Park are basically related with the routes through this area, whether on foot, on horse, in 4x4 or on quad bikes. Given the navigability of the River Guadalquivir, another alternative is to enjoy one of the pleasant river trips to the Doñana National Park. ROUTES AND PATHS   Path Pinar de la Algaida.   Path Cerro del Águila.   Organizing Companies of Activities of Adventure and Nature

DOÑANA NATURAL PARK NATURE AND ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES | SPECIALITY | PLACE | PHOTO | Mountain Biking | Carril del Pinar de la Algaida- | Marismas de Bonanza; | Dehesa del Boyal. | Mountain Biking | Rutas e Itinerarios por todo el Parque | Natural; Pinares y marismas del | Parque Natural; Camino del Rocío.   | Boat Trips | Río Guadalquivir hasta el Parque | Nacional de Doñana   | 4 x 4 Routes | Rutas e Itinerarios por todo el Parque | Natural; Playas de Sanlúcar de | Barrameda; camino del Rocío.   | Horse Trekking | Pinares y marismas del Parque | Natural; Camino del Rocío   | Quad bike routes | Rutas e Itinerarios por todo el Parque | Natural; Camino del Rocío.   | Hiking | Lagunas de Tarelo y Marismas de | Bonanza; Pinar de la Algaida; | Zona de Salinas; | Rutas e itinerarios por el Parque Natural

DOÑANA NATURAL PARK INFORMATION OFFICE Address:Avda. Bajo de Guía s/n Town: Sanlúcar de Barrameda Telephone:956 380 922 Fax: 956 380 922 E-mail:CV-bajoguia@egmasa.es