Birdwatching in the Empordà: A Natural Paradise to Explore by Bike

The Empordà isn’t just stone villages and coves. It’s also one of the best areas in Catalonia for birdwatching. Between rice fields, lagoons and river mouths, every season brings different species, and a bike is the perfect way to get close: quietly, slowly and without leaving a trace.

Why the Empordà Is So Good for Birds

Why the Empordà Is So Good for Birds

The Empordà plain is a wetland stopover for many migratory birds travelling between Europe and Africa. Flooded fields, marshes and rivers offer food and shelter, especially in spring and autumn, when bird movement is at its peak.

The Best Spots Near Pals

Pals rice fields

Pals rice fields. In spring, when the fields are flooded, it’s easy to spot egrets, grey herons and storks feeding just a few metres from the track.

The Ter wetlands

Next to L’Estartit, these restored coastal lagoons are a great place to see ducks, black-winged stilts and other waders. They’re reached along flat paths, ideal for cycling.

Aiguamolls de l’Empordà Natural Park

Further north in the Alt Empordà, this is Catalonia’s best-known birdwatching site. If you fancy a full-day ride, it’s well worth the trip.

When to Go

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times: birds are more active and the light is beautiful. For variety, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the richest seasons.

Tips for a Respectful Ride

Bring binoculars, keep your distance and stay on the paths. Birds get used to passing bikes, but not to people walking up to them. On an e-bike, you can cover more viewing spots in a single outing and still ride back at an easy pace.

Go Birdwatching with Nafent Bikes

From our shop in Pals, we’ll set you up with a bike, a helmet and route tips for the time of year. If you’d like a fuller experience, we can arrange a ride with a local guide, adapted to your pace or your group.