A shimmering spread of pink against the water offers one of inland Malaga’s most striking wildlife sights.

At Fuente de Piedra, flamingos gather on a vast saltwater lagoon surrounded by olive groves, creating a landscape far removed from the bustle of the Costa del Sol.

The lagoon stretches for around six kilometres and covers almost 1,400 hectares, making it Andalucia’s largest inland wetland.

It is recognised for hosting the Iberian Peninsula’s largest breeding colony of greater flamingos and one of Europe’s most important.

The spectacle changes with the seasons. The shallow, seasonal lagoon means water levels and flamingo numbers vary according to rainfall and conditions.

It does not remain permanently full, and visitors should not expect the same pink panorama on every trip.

Reports in July recorded more than 30,000 flamingo pairs following abundant rainfall.

Flamingos share the reserve with numerous other birds, making the surrounding paths and observation points a must for wildlife enthusiasts.

The visitor facilities and signposted Las Albinas trail provide ways to discover the wetland from its edges.

Bring binoculars to appreciate the birds without approaching them, and allow time to watch the landscape rather than simply stopping for a photograph.

The lagoon’s open setting offers broad views across the water and surrounding countryside.

Fuente de Piedra itself adds another stop to the outing, with whitewashed streets and the fountain from which the village takes its name.

The historic fountain stands in Plaza de la Constitucion and was traditionally associated with healing waters.

Combine a stroll through the village with a visit to the reserve for an inland escape built around birds, open skies and a slower pace.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.