Details

Most of the large lakes within Andalucia are located in the centre of the region and the lake at Fuente de Piedra which is just a short drive away from Antequera, is the largest measuring 6.5 kilometres from end to end and 2.5 kilometres wide and covering a total area of 1300 hectares. This is a salt water lake where salt was extracted from Roman times right up until 1951. Now it is a Nature Reserve with help and protection from the Andalucian government, as this is also the largest breeding ground in Spain for flamingoes and the second biggest in Europe. Flora and fauna have adapted themselves to grow here in the salt water and they form an ecosystem in which a large number of birds and animals live. March to July is breeding time not only flamingoes but other rare birds. The reserve has an information and visitors centre at Cerro de Palo just 500 metres from the town of Fuente de Piedra where you can see out to the lagoon, visit an exhibition or watch the birds from their computer and camera system which surrounds the lagoon. You can walk round the lagoon via the specially marked routes or drive around and enjoy the views from marked vantage view points. Visit the town of Fuente de Piedra and enjoy some true Andalucian gastronomy and see the fountain after which the town was named.