The park of  lAiguamolls de lEmporda Costa Brava

Once upon a time, marshes covered the coastal plain; Empuries  was an island and the Montgri mountains were surrounded by fens. As the population grew, the marshes disappeared, at first as a result of agriculture and lately because of tourism. The building of the marina on former marshland at Empuriabrava galvanized environmentalists into action, leading to the creation of this natural park in 1983. Carp, mullet and eel thrive in the lakes; there are badgers, newts and voles, and otters are being re-introduced. Above all the Emporda marshes are an important refuge for aquatic and migrant birds. Herons, ducks and geese live on the ponds; other species that breed here include the stone-curlew and the black-winged stilt. This is Spain's only nesting ground for the garganey, a rare species of duck. Seabirds flock here in winter, and during the main migrant seasons (Mar to May and Aug to Oct), it is possible to see 100 species in a day.

At the information centre in EI Cortalet you can pick up leaflets and maps, and hire out binoculars, field guides and wheelchairs. There are two easy, way marked trails from here, with hides overlooking the lagoons; except during the nesting season (April to mid June) they can be combined with a walk along the beach in a two-hour circular trail.