Laguna de Gallocanta
Gallocanta, Spain
A shallow salt lake on a high plateau where tens of thousands of common cranes stop in autumn and late winter. Watch from the hides around the shore at dawn or dusk.
The Laguna de Gallocanta lies at about 995 m above sea level between the provinces of Teruel and Zaragoza. The shallow salt lake is around 7.7 km long and up to 2.8 km wide, with an average depth of only about 0.5 m and a maximum of 2 m. It is a Ramsar site (1994) and is one of the most important stopover sites in Europe for the common crane: according to Ramsar, a large share of the western European population rests here in autumn, and in winter, depending on the source, an average of 20,000 to 30,000 birds are on the lake at one time.
The cranes arrive from mid-October and mostly stay until February or March. In the morning they leave their roosts in the shallow water and fly to feeding grounds, returning in the evening; observation points and a circular route of about 32 km around the lake make watching easier. Plan to be there at dawn or dusk. Because of the altitude it is very cold in winter, with nights down to about −15 °C possible; warm clothing is essential.
- Nearest town
- Gallocanta, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.9780, -1.5080
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Camping DarocaCampsite16 km from Laguna de GallocantaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- camperparkcalamochaMotorhome stopover18 km from Laguna de GallocantaMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposal
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Laguna de Gallocanta?
Laguna de Gallocanta is in Gallocanta, Spain, at GPS 40.9780, -1.5080. It is about 17 km from Daroca.
Can you camp near Laguna de Gallocanta?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Daroca, about 16 km away; within 25 km there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Laguna de Gallocanta?
Laguna de Gallocanta is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Southern Aragon: waterfalls, cranes and Mudéjar Teruel.
What is there to see near Laguna de Gallocanta?
Places worth a stop nearby: Monasterio de Piedra (33 km), Albarracín (64 km), Pinares de Rodeno (67 km) and Torre de El Salvador (78 km).
When is the best time to visit Laguna de Gallocanta?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)