A short drive south of Roses, the Aiguamolls de l'Empordà is one of the few remaining coastal wetlands on the western Mediterranean and a major stop on the migration routes between Europe and Africa. The 4,800-hectare park has well-laid-out trails, hides, and a visitor centre at El Cortalet near Castelló d'Empúries.
The best birding is in spring and autumn, when you can see flamingoes, herons, marsh harriers, and dozens of species of waders and ducks. The wider area is also home to the introduced fallow deer that wander the dunes and pinewoods. Bring binoculars and insect repellent.