The village of the flamingos
Fuente de Piedra has the largest lagoon in Andalusia and the most important flamingo colony in the Iberian Peninsula. And it is just a ten-minute walk from the house.
The Fuente de Piedra lagoon
It is a salt lagoon, the largest seasonal wetland in Andalusia, and it is protected as a Nature Reserve. Since 1983 it has also been on the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance, and it was one of the first sites in Spain to be included.
Its great treasure is the greater flamingo: the lagoon is the most important breeding site in the Iberian Peninsula and, together with the Camargue in France, one of the two great colonies of the western Mediterranean. In years of good rainfall, thousands of pairs breed on the lagoon, a spectacle that draws visitors and birdwatchers alike.
- 10 minon foot from the house
- 1983Ramsar wetland of international importance
- No. 1in the Iberian Peninsula for flamingo breeding
Source: Junta de Andalucía (Laguna de Fuente de Piedra Nature Reserve).
When to see the flamingos
The best time is spring, roughly from March to June, when the lagoon holds water and the colony is breeding; the chicks start to appear towards the end of April or in May. As summer comes the lagoon dries out and, in dry years, it can be left almost without water.
It all depends on each year’s rainfall: some years bring huge colonies, and in others the flamingos barely breed. Oscar will tell you how the lagoon is looking when you come.
The best times of day are early morning and dusk, when the light is better and it is cooler.
What to do at the lagoon
Bring binoculars if you have them, plus water and a hat in the hot months, and keep out of closed areas: the colony is very sensitive to disturbance.
The square, the fountain and its flamingos
The house is on the Plaza de la Constitución, the heart of the village. On the square itself you will find restaurants, cafés, a supermarket and the tourist office.
The fountain that gives the village its name
Next to the house is the fountain that gives Fuente de Piedra (“Stone Fountain”) its name. In the 16th and 17th centuries its waters were famous for their virtues against “mal de piedra”, or kidney stones, and were even shipped to Naples and the Americas in sealed and certified jars. From those “virtues” the village’s patron saint, the Virgen de las Virtudes, takes her name.
Fiestas
The village holds two fairs of tourist interest. [PENDIENTE: nombres y fechas de las dos ferias de interés turístico nacional]. From the balcony you can watch the square in festive mood.
There is more to discover: the giant bench, the painted silo and the church of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes. Ask Oscar about the guided tour.
Pa’ flamenco mi pueblo
As you walk around the streets you will come across flamingos: colourful figures depicting scenes and characters from village life, part of the “Pa’ flamenco mi pueblo” initiative, which links the village centre with the lagoon. One of them is called “Los Abuelos” (the Grandparents), sitting on their usual bench.
See the flamingo trailWhat to see nearby
- Laberintus ParkVery close to the village. 2 min
- Antequera and its dolmensThe Menga, Viera and El Romeral dolmens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 22 km
- El Torcal de AntequeraA nature area of strangely shaped limestone rock, with waymarked trails. 15 min by car
- Caminito del ReyWalkways hanging on the sides of the Gaitanes gorge. It is best to book tickets in advance. 25 min by car
Easy to reach
Plaza de la Constitución 3
29520 Fuente de Piedra (Málaga)
The map loads from Google Maps only if you click it.
Your base for the lagoon
Book the suite on the square and ask Oscar about the best time to see the flamingos.