Doñana National Park

Andalusia, Spain

---

Doñana National Park in Andalusia, Spain, is a vast and ecologically diverse wetland area located at the delta of the Guadalquivir River where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. Covering over 54,000 hectares, the park includes marshes, shallow streams, sand dunes (some of the largest in Europe), scrubland, pine forests, and peat bogs.

It provides critical habitat for around 360 bird species, including several endangered ones like the Iberian lynx, Spanish imperial eagle, and marbled teal. The park functions as a vital breeding ground and migratory stopover for hundreds of thousands of waterfowl each year and is noted for its unique biodiversity, including many endemic plants and animals.

Established as a protected area since 1969 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Doñana faces ongoing threats from water use, agriculture, and tourism but remains one of Europe’s most important natural reserves, blending coastal dynamics with rich terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.