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Gallocanta Lake
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Lake Gallocanta, located in the Iberian highlands of the Aragon region, is a natural phenomenon of continental significance. It is a massive closed drainage basin (endorheic basin) situated at an altitude of nearly 1,000 meters, forming Spain's largest natural salt lake. Depending on the season and rainfall, the water surface area varies extremely, during hot, dry summers, the lake can dry out almost completely, leaving behind a glistening white salt crust. The true magic of Gallocanta, however, unfolds in late autumn and early spring. During these times, the lake becomes the most crucial stopover point for the European crane migration. At peak times, up to 60,000 majestic common cranes gather here on their long journey between Northern Europe and their wintering grounds in southern Spain and North Africa. The trumpeting call of tens of thousands of birds as they take flight from the lake in giant V-formations against the reddish glow of dusk is one of the most spectacular natural events in all of Southern Europe.
- Location: Galicia, Spain
- Top sights: Castillo de Berrueco · Reserva Natural Dirigida de la Laguna de Gallocanta · Yacimiento Celtibérico El Castellar
- Nearby: Daroca (18 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 23 | 20 | 34 | 45 | 43 | 35 | 18 | 20 | 29 | 39 | 37 | 19 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Spanning 14 square kilometers, it is Spain's largest endorheic lake.
- It is situated at an exceptional altitude of 990 meters above sea level.
- Up to 60,000 common cranes gather here simultaneously during migration.
- The lake has no natural outflow to the sea.
- In 1994, the lagoon was officially declared a Ramsar wetland site.
- The water's salinity in summer can be higher than that of seawater.
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Sights in the town Gallocanta Lake (5)
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Frequently asked questions
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Gallocanta Lake: where is it located?
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Gallocanta Lake: why is it worth visiting?
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