Exploring the Beauty and Ecological Value of Turtle Lake in Marbella
Marbella boasts numerous picturesque places, perfect for a family weekend getaway to well-maintained natural spaces of great beauty and ecological value, such as Turtle Lake in Marbella. It’s a recommended stop when visiting the city.
Here’s everything you need to know about Turtle Lake in Marbella, which has undergone significant renovation in recent years, making it one of the most interesting gathering spots to enjoy a day of vacation while exploring its surroundings.
A Little Bit of History
The Turtle Lake’s dam, built in 1890, represents an industrial archaeological heritage as a pioneering construction in Andalusia. This artificial wetland was built to supply water to the “El Ángel” Colony and was a recreational area for the residents of Marbella due to its beautiful landscapes until it was surrounded by urban growth.
Ecosystem Description
It is located in Nueva Andalucía, and its lake shape provides excellent conditions for waterbirds. This natural environment, threatened by urban growth, is surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation, mainly stone pines and cork oaks, among other species. We can also find vegetation at the edge of the lake, such as tamarisks and bulrushes, which have allowed the visitation of numerous species, some of great interest. In these waters, you can find Mediterranean turtles, grebes, kingfishers, coots, and mallards, to name a few species.
The Lake Today
In 2017, the Marbella Activa Association presented a project to restore the Turtle Lake. The aim of this project is to restore this artificial wetland so that waterfowl can once again colonize the lake.
It is essential and necessary that they feel safe. Therefore, the creation of a vegetative screen through the reforestation of native species associated with the aquatic environment, such as tamarisks and bulrushes, is indispensable. The restoration project for this area also includes the installation of floating artificial islands with vegetation to allow bird reproduction and the placement of observatories in strategic locations for observation.
Getting to Turtle Lake in Marbella
One of the great advantages of this spot in the province of Málaga is its proximity to the center of Marbella. You can easily reach it in just about twenty minutes via the toll highway AP-7, covering a distance of approximately eleven kilometers.
Undoubtedly, one of the most picturesque places in Andalusia, it’s highly recommended for its beauty. Now, anyone wondering about the location of Turtle Lake in Marbella and how to get there can simply follow the mentioned highway to reach this stunning and easily accessible area of great beauty. It’s one of the ecologically valuable locations closest to the city, and due to all it has to offer, it’s an excellent plan to reach by car in a short time from Marbella and enjoy all it has to offer.