Lakes around Vilamacolum are characterized by extensive wetlands and river systems rather than large, distinct lakes. This tranquil village, situated in the Empordà plain, is closely connected to the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà. The natural environment near Vilamacolum offers opportunities for exploring diverse landscapes, including rice fields, irrigation channels, and the Fluvià River. It is a destination for nature observation and outdoor activities.
Last updated: October 7, 2026
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A beautiful small gravel path perfect for gravelbiking. This gravel is super smooth. This path takes you away from the main road so you can enjoy the beauty of the natural park.
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Great nature reserve and you can really observe a great variety of species. In summer it is particularly advisable to come early in the morning.
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Please note, within the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, bicycles are not allowed. However, it seems that the practice is tolerated out of season and outside busy periods. While respecting the calm of the reserve.
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"Slow down and quietly approach the pond at the end of the trail. It won't be long before you start seeing birds you've never seen before, and hopefully, maybe some more surprises. In my case, the surprise was a beautiful one example of a feral cat. Due to the strong north wind, the cat had not seen me when I approached. However, when it noticed my presence, it chose to crouch down and blend in with its surroundings. I knew I had seen it, and the distance between us was of only 5 meters. The cat used a surprising tactic by moving its eyes in the direction I had come as if something was going to happen. When I turned my head in that direction, I gained a few precious seconds to disappear among the weeds. It was a memorable encounter with nature and a lesson on the cunning and adaptability of feral cats in their natural environment. Feral cats are domestic cats that return to a wild state due to the lack of interaction with humans. They often originate from abandoned or lost cats. They have a similar appearance to domestic cats and are good hunters. In some areas, they form feral colonies. Overpopulation can be a problem, and it is controlled by sterilization. The presence of feral cats raises public health concerns and can have a negative impact on the local fauna. Animal welfare organizations often work in programs for their management and care. The lake of Cortalet is a wetland with a surface area of about 146 hectares. It consists of the Cortalet lake itself and an additional plot located to the north, called Les Mollerusses, made up of some closes and also managed as a wetland, with a sheet of water during most of the year. Estany del Cortalet is a large artificial pond designed and built in old meadows adjacent to the Information Center of the Natural Park. Its main purpose is to facilitate the observation of birds for many of the Park's visitors, its ecological interest being basically ornithological. The most abundant community in the space is the reedbed.
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It is known for being one of the most important wetlands in Catalonia, with a great diversity of habitats and species of fauna and flora, especially birds. It is a popular place for bird watching and enjoying nature. It has an approximate area of 4722.7 ha, of which 824 are strictly protected integral nature reserve. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yV_ZT-nZ4Yc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2j90udfPqM
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This route will take you to discover a varied and extensive area of the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà Natural Park. It passes through several municipalities that make up the park, including Castelló d'Empúries and Empuriabrava, Palau-Saverdera, Pau, Peralada and Vilanova de la Muga. You will visit places of great landscape and ecological interest, such as the two integral reserves: Llaunes and Estanys. The route will also take you through the Garrigues ponds, Sant Joan dels Erms, Rec del Molí, the Vilanova de la Muga lock and the lower part of the Muga river. It is indicated to start it from any point and do it in its entirety or in sections. The texts of the speakers are intended to help you understand the history of the Empordà plain, written in the mosaic of protected landscapes.
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Use a wooden bridge during floods
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The area around Vilamacolum is characterized by extensive wetlands and river systems rather than large, distinct lakes. You'll find artificial ponds, natural wetland areas, and river-fed landscapes, particularly within the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà. These areas are ideal for nature observation and outdoor activities.
Yes, the region is excellent for birdwatching. Cortalet Pond is known for its bird diversity, and the Vilaüt Pond bird hide offers a dedicated station for observing local birdlife within the Aiguamolls Natural Park.
The Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà offers excellent opportunities for walks and cycling. You can explore gravel tracks that wind through the Empuriabrava wetlands and rice fields. The routes are generally flat and easy. The area around the Fluvià River, particularly near Sant Pere Pescador, also provides serene landscapes suitable for walks or bike rides.
Many of the natural areas are family-friendly. Cortalet Pond, Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields), Vilaüt Pond bird hide, and Can Comas Wetlands are all categorized as family-friendly, offering accessible environments for all ages to enjoy nature.
Beyond walking and cycling, you can enjoy various outdoor activities. The region is popular for jogging, with routes like the 'Mas del Matà Observation Tower – Sant Pere Pescador loop'. Gravel biking is also popular, with routes such as the 'Sant Pere Pescador – Verges — Medieval Village loop'. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Vilamacolum or Gravel biking around Vilamacolum guides.
The wetlands are beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly good for birdwatching due to migration. The flat terrain makes it suitable for walks and cycling in most seasons. However, be aware that bicycles are generally not allowed within the Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà, though practice may be tolerated outside busy periods.
While the park is a natural reserve, specific regulations for dogs may apply. For example, on some tracks, like the second part of the route to Vilaüt Pond bird hide, dogs must be leashed, especially in summer. It's always best to check local signage or park guidelines for the most current pet policies.
The Matà Lakes (Matar Rice Fields) are unique because they are an artificial wetland area, originally used for rice cultivation. Today, they are intentionally flooded to maintain optimal water levels, supporting diverse waterfowl populations and providing a significant habitat for birds.
While the focus of the immediate wetland areas is natural beauty, the Can Comas Wetlands feature grazing cattle and a few ruins, adding character to the landscape. For more extensive historical sites, you might explore nearby towns, often accessible via the region's cycling routes, such as those mentioned in the Gravel biking around Vilamacolum guide.
Visitors particularly enjoy the tranquility and the rich natural environment. The opportunity for birdwatching, the flat and easy paths for walking and cycling, and the serene landscapes of the wetlands and river systems are frequently highlighted. The presence of diverse wildlife and the peaceful atmosphere make it a popular escape into nature.
Yes, several spots offer great views and natural features. Cortalet Pond and Can Comas Wetlands are noted as viewpoints. The entire Parc Natural dels Aiguamolls de l'Empordà is a significant natural feature, with its diverse ecosystems, rice fields, and the Fluvià River contributing to a unique landscape.


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