Fuente de Piedra, Málaga

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Quick Info 2,400 Residents   Health Clinic   Shops, Bars, Restaurants Schools   Municipal Pool   Golf Nearby Antequera 20km Málaga 65km Granada 110km Sevilla 145km   Atlantic Coast 2h30 Med Coast 1h   Bus Service 65km to Málaga   110km to Granada   145km to Sevilla

Location

Local Information

Ayuntamiento de Fuente de Piedra C/ Ancha, 9 29520 Fuente de Piedra, Málaga Telephone: 952-735-016 www.fuentedepiedra.es

About The Area

In the north of Malaga province in Andalucia, 19km from Antequera is the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra, a famous beautiful lagoon. The largest natural lake in the Iberian Peninsula at 2.5km wide and 6.5km long, it is a haven for birds with over 170 different species recorded here. Apart from its abundant aquatic birds, it is well known for its flamingo population, the second largest colony of these birds in Europe after the French Camargue region and the only inland site on the continent where they breed. In spring flamingos flock here in their thousands to reproduce, attracted by the water's high salt content and the fact that it is shallow. Although in winter the lake fills up and covers around 15km², it is seasonal, so it virtually dries out in summer. During times of scarcity, the flamingos may go as far as the Doñana National Park to find food. During Roman times, salt was extracted here and flamingos were hunted for their tongues, considered to be a delicacy. In the early 19th century people believed that the lake water had medicinal qualities, so the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra was not allowed to dry out completely, unlike other wetland areas in Spain. In the 1930s a salt company that owned the lake undertook a campaign to reduce the flamingo population, which was threatening their salt production. Luckily, the lake's ecological value was publicised and it became a magnet for birdwatchers and naturalists. In 1988 it was a declared a zone of special interest for birds (Zepa). The protected area covers 8,543ha. The best places to see the lake include the viewpoint by the visitors' centre, the Mirador de Cerro del Palo, and anywhere along the footpath Sendero de la Vicaría. There is a lakeside visitors' centre (952 111 715) at the Cerro del Palo, just off the Sierra de Yeguas road out of the Fuente de Piedra village. Here, there is plenty of information on the lake, much of it audiovisual. There are also guided tours available, for observing the birds and other wildlife, but these only run when the lake has water. Price Guide   Top