Punta Entinas-Sabinar is a natural area and nature reserve located in the southwestern corner of the province of Almería, between the municipalities of El Ejido and Roquetas de Mar. The area covers approximately 1,971 hectares as a Natural Area, while the Nature Reserve that encompasses it spans 785 hectares. Physically, the area consists of a well-preserved dune system along the Mediterranean coast, with dunes stabilized by mastic and juniper scrub, interspersed with pools known as “charcones,” salt flats (Cerrillos and Viejas), and sandy beaches. Together, these elements form a subarid Mediterranean ecosystem with a unique combination of coastal and terrestrial resources. From the observation point, one can observe a diversity of biotopes that support the presence of more than 200 bird species, including flamingos, shorebirds such as the greater and common sandpipers, and Audouin’s gull. The salt flats and ponds serve as a refuge for waterbirds and a stopover area for migratory species. Seagrass beds of Posidonia oceanica abound on the seabed, while the pristine beach, stretching for several kilometers, offers a landscape of fine sand. The area’s significance is remarkable: designated a Nature Reserve in 1989, it has been a Ramsar Site since 2006, as well as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA), a Site of Community Importance (SCI), and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The best time to visit depends on your purpose: spring and fall are ideal for observing migratory birds, while summer is perfect for enjoying the pristine beach. Early morning or sunset offer the best conditions for photography and wildlife observation, with cooler temperatures and greater bird activity. The climate features 3,000 hours of sunshine annually and between 200 and 250 mm of rainfall, with average temperatures of 18°C.
