Sotos de Alfaro Natural Reserve

The banks of the middle section of the Ebro in La Rioja Baja are home to the Sotos de Alfaro Natural Reserve, a unique ecosystem of forests and birds on the banks of the river. Get lost in them, rest in the shadows of their various trees, watch their birds, etc.

The riverbed here uniquely wanders creating and destroying meanders, islands and beaches. From the flooded groves a unique orchard of poplars, poplars, willows, ash trees and alders is born where you can observe storks, herons, cormorants, blackbirds, kites, hoopoe and kingfishers, among others.

Look in the water, a European mink and, there, an otter. If you remain attentive and silent, you will see foxes, rabbits and wild boars. The groves of La Duquesa and Morales stand out for their beauty and diversity, paradises of riverside fauna and flora.

In the Estajao grove there is a circular route that will allow you to enter a flooded grove. Open your eyes wide, it is time to observe all those birds and trees in this privileged environment. Surely you want to stay to eat in its recreational area surrounded by this unique nature.

Of all the species that inhabit the groves, the stork stands out, queen of this area populated by hundreds of specimens. Do you want to visit his house? Come to Alfaro, a Roman, Baroque and Renaissance town with dishes of tasty vegetables, where more than 100 pairs of storks have taken the roof of the Collegiate Church of San Miguel.

To the beauty of the 17th century temple, declared a National Historic-Artistic Monument, we must add the attraction of these hundreds of storks that nest on it and that come and go through the city landing in chimneys and buildings. In summer, when the youngest begin to fly, the Collegiate Church can host more than 400 birds.

In the Interpretation Center of the Sotos de Alfaro Natural Reserve, located in front of the temple, you will discover what you cannot miss on your walk through the groves. In addition, you can observe closely the storks of the collegiate church thanks to the airship camera installed on its roof. Enjoy nature up close.