Some of its most outstanding natural spaces in terms of their ecological interest are: Salinas de Santa Pola: South of Santa Pola (Alicante), on the Mediterranean coast. Here there are areas for watching birds of great ecological and recreational interest: flamingos, marbled teal, shelducks, and many others. There are observatories and organized activities to enable you to make the most of the natural features of Salinas de Santa Pola. El Hondo: Marshland of extraordinary importance, not only in Spain but in Europe. Many different types of birds can be seen from the observatories. El Hondo lagoon, which is only 6 metres above sea level, is an ecological niche of enormous interest, declared a Nature Reserve, where species such as the purple heron or the flamingo can be observed. Isla de Tabarca: The Island of Tabarca is the only uninhabited island in the Region of Valencia. Declared a Marine Nature Reserve, it is renowned for its great seafood and fish. Surrounded by crystalline waters packed with natural riches, which lap one of the beaches awarded the E.U.’s blue flag. Now discover some more examples of nature which make Las Colinas – not only because of its location and landscape – a world apart: The regions of Alicante and Murcia have a large number of protected areas, nature reserves and natural parks which make them very attractive natural tourist destinations.