Laguna de Gallocanta

Laguna de Gallocanta is a shallow endorheic lagoon on the Iberian Plateau in Aragón, Spain, and a nationally important wetland for migratory birds. It is widely known in Spain as a major staging area for the common crane during seasonal migrations.

The lake and its surrounding salt-steppe host large flocks of cranes - often reaching tens of thousands - and support other waterfowl and waders. Observatories, hides and marked viewpoints around the shoreline concentrate birdwatching activity and are the main reasons most people visit.

The lagoon occupies a closed basin and functions as a seasonal wetland that expands and contracts with rainfall. It has long been used as grazing land and for traditional rural activities and is managed for conservation as a wetland reserve.

The lake sits on the high plain of Aragón near the small village of Gallocanta and is surrounded by open, agricultural and steppe landscapes on the Iberian Plateau.

• Crane numbers: Staging flocks can number in the tens of thousands during migration and are most concentrated at dawn and dusk roosts.
• Best time to visit: Autumn migration and the winter months are the best periods for seeing large concentrations of cranes and other migratory waterfowl.

What to See #

• Gallocanta Natural Reserve: A protected wetland area with visitor hides and trails that concentrate birdwatching activity and interpretation about the lagoon's ecology.
• Gallocanta village: A small village on the lake's edge that serves as the principal access point for observers and contains local accommodation and viewpoints.