Fuente de la Piedra Andalucia

Apart from its abundant aquatic birds, it is well known for its flamingo population, the second largest colony of these birds in Europe after the French Camargue region and the only inland site on the continent where they breed. In spring flamingos flock here in their thousands to reproduce, attracted by the water's high salt content and the fact that it is shallow.

Although in winter the lake fills up and covers around 15km2, it is seasonal, so it virtually dries out in summer. During times of scarcity, the flamingos may go as far as the Doñana National Park to find food.

During Roman times, salt was extracted here and flamingos were hunted for their tongues, considered to be a delicacy. In the early 19th century people believed that the lake water had medicinal qualities, so the Laguna de Fuente de Piedra was not allowed to dry out completely, unlike other wetland areas in Spain.

In the 1930s a salt company that owned the lake undertook a campaign to reduce the flamingo population, which was threatening their salt production.

In the 1930s a salt company that owned the lake undertook a campaign to reduce the flamingo population, which was threatening their salt production.

Luckily, the lake's ecological value was publicised and it became a magnet for birdwatchers and naturalists. In 1988 it was a declared a zone of special interest for birds (Zepa). The protected area covers 8,543ha.

The best places to see the lake include the viewpoint by the visitors' centre, the Mirador de Cerro del Palo, and anywhere along the footpath Sendero de la Vicaría.

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