Tablas de Daimiel National Park in Ciudad Real

As you already know, at Hard Hobbit To Break we love to know the best natural corners of Spain. Without going any further, in recent weeks we have had the pleasure of telling you about the Garajonay National Park and the most beautiful river sources in the country. Well, continuing our tour of the Iberian Peninsula, today we stop in Ciudad Real, Castilla-La Mancha province. And it is that in this beautiful place is the Tablas de Daimiel National Park, a wonder of nature that, without a doubt, deserves a few words.

Do you want to know more about this beautiful natural corner manchego? Well, do not miss anything we tell you below! I assure you that you will love it!

A unique ecosystem in Europe

The Tablas de Daimiel National Park is the last representative of the ecosystem called river tables, which was once very characteristic of the central plain of the Iberian Peninsula. This wetland, practically unique in Europe, was formed from the overflow of the Gigüela and Guadiana rivers by coming together in an area of ​​groundwater from a huge aquifer. In addition, the low slope of the terrain influenced. Thanks to the declaration of the area as a Natural Park, a great step was taken to conserve this valuable ecosystem. In addition, it has been declared a Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention and a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA).

Fauna and Flora

Beyond its beautiful appearance, this place stands out for the fauna that it houses in its waters, where animals such as imperial herons, royal storks, otters, and spoon ducks can be found. And it must be borne in mind that the Tablas de Daimiel National Park serves as a wintering, mancada and nesting for many birds. As for the flora, we must highlight the ovas, which are submerged grasslands of algae that serve as food for the birds that occupy the park. In addition, we must speak of the tarays, which are the only trees present in the area, the Masiega, the Reed and the Enea.

How to visit the park

Although it is possible to explore the area freely or by following one of the three itineraries proposed by the park's management, the truth is that one of the best ways to get to know this place is through a guided excursion. Best of all, there are five types of visits different, including excursions for families, groups or schoolchildren, routes on trails, on foot or in 4 × 4. Also, if you are an ornithology fan, you will be able to observe the birds through a monitor. If you dare to visit this place, we recommend you to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, clean water, binoculars and field guides to identify the different birds. In addition, it is better that you make the visit without haste, in silence and, preferably, first thing in the morning or late afternoon.

A place inhabited since the Bronze Age

Among many other things, at the Molino de Melemocho Visitor Center, you will be able to find out interesting information about the park's past. For example, it is interesting to know that this place was inhabited in the Bronze Age and it got to have up to 14 water mills. Also, as you can imagine, it is a place where they hunted and fished intensively.

Then we leave you with our Gallery, where you can find more images of the Tablas de Daimiel National Park. Do not miss it!

Parque Nacional Tablas de Daimiel - Diputación de Ciudad Real (April 2024)