Las Tablas de Daimiel, the infinite walkways that protect the wetland
Guarded by long walkways, the Tablas de Daimiel wetland hides silently in the National Park of the same name. Home to unique birds and flora in Spain. Ciudad Real keeps this highly prized secret, visited by thousands of tourists every year. It is not in vain that it is one of the most protected reserves in Castile La Mancha and Spain.
Views from a walkway in Las Tablas de Daimiel. | Shutterstock
Three routes are the main features of this park and allow visitors to explore its wonders at their own pace. The Bread Island route, with its curious name; the Permanent Lagoon route, full of bird observatories for the more intrepid ones; and the third, the Prado Ancho Tower Route, which leads to the highest point in the park. The walkways offer very photogenic views, especially at sunset.
Las Tablas de Daimiel at sunset. | Shutterstock
The flat land of this area favoured the creation of this wetland of such ecological value. It was born from the union of two rivers: the Guadiana and the Cigüela. Declared a National Park, this wetland is one of the most important aquifer ecosystems in the whole country. A few kilometres from Ciudad Real, this natural area is home to hundreds of birds. And many others are reflected in the lagoons on their journey south. A real wonder for bird lovers.
After the long struggle against the overexploitation of the aquifers, Las Tablas de Daimiel is still standing, as peaceful as never before. The routes through this park allow the visitor to observe the flooded meadows and the birds crossing the waters of the lagoons. The landscape of the lakes is barely distinguishable on the horizon from the blue sky. A place that spreads its calm and peace to all who visit it.
Vegetation in Las Tablas de Daimiel. | Shutterstock
Not far away is the wonder of Motilla del Azuer, the most representative site of the Bronze Age in Castile La Mancha. A place that takes visitors back to prehistoric times, guarded by the Azuer River. And, of course, Ciudad Real is very close to this park too, with many places to discover full of history, such as the Plaza Mayor in Almagro, and a gastronomy that is unique in Castile La Mancha. Las Tablas de Daimiel is a hidden treasure of Spain.
Motilla del Azuer, the most important representative of the Bronze Age in Castilla La Mancha. | Shutterstock
