The El Santiscal Wetland Trail is a short, accessible 4.9-km circular route with a low difficulty level. It begins in the El Santiscal residential area, within the municipality of Arcos de la Frontera, at the foot of the Sierra de Grazalema in Cádiz, Andalusia. The route combines an initial section along compacted sand next to the Bornos left-bank irrigation canal—which supplies water to local crops—with a second paved section that allows for effortless walking. The route ends at the Cola del Embalse de Arcos Natural Area, a protected ecosystem designated as a Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) and a Site of Community Importance (SCI), where numerous species of waterfowl can be observed in association with plant communities of high ecological value. From the viewing point, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the reservoir, the artificial beach at Arcos de la Frontera, and the Municipal Water Sports Center, with the rocky outcrop in the background crowned by the town’s historic center. The trail is mostly shaded, well-marked, and features informational panels about the local flora and fauna; it is suitable for families and people with limited mobility. The best time to visit is at sunset, when the returning birds and the setting sun create a fascinating and relaxing atmosphere.
