The Gallocanta Lagoon is a large endorheic saline lagoon, with no natural outlet to the sea or rivers, located on a high plateau in Teruel between the regions of Jiloca and Daroca. The protected area covers 1,924 hectares of Natural Reserve and 4,553 hectares of peripheral protection zone, at an approximate altitude of between 995 and 1,085 meters. Its water dynamics, closely linked to the aquifers and the seasonal variation of water, generates muddy shores, shallow waters and extensive salt flats of great ecological interest. From the viewpoints and observation points there is an open panoramic view of the lagoon and the mosaic of cereal, steppe and wetlands that surrounds it. The main value for the visitor is ornithological: the lagoon is a key enclave for common cranes during migration and wintering, and also hosts a remarkable diversity of waterfowl and steppe birds. The presence of an interpretation center and observatories facilitates the reading of the landscape and the observation of fauna without invading the sensitive area. The Gallocanta Lagoon is listed as a Directed Nature Reserve and as a wetland included in the Ramsar List, which underlines its international relevance. In tourism publications of Aragon and in the official information of the Government of Aragon it is presented as one of the most unique saline wetlands in Western Europe. The best time to visit it is usually autumn and winter, when the arrival of cranes concentrates the landscape and sound interest; in spring and early summer the environment also offers better light conditions and a clearer reading of the wetland and its margins.
