Oliva Rama is a very comfortable and homely bed and breakfast situated on the edge of the old town of Oliva. It is run by Jules and Amanda Sykes originally from Yorkshire but who have recently taken ownership after residing in Scotland for the last 5 years. Jules has been birding for the last 30 years extensively within both Britain and abroad is keen to share any local knowledge about what is to be found and where around Oliva. If you require further information please visit our (constantly up-dated) web-site www.olivabedandbreakfast.com or phone 0034 96 285 4374 or Email Us
Oliva is a small yet progressive town on the 'Costa Azahar' (Orange Blossom Coast) directly between Alicante and Valencia Airports (about a one hour drive from both). It is quite lively with plenty of activities for the more active tourist, there's anything from golf to pony-trekking or a wide variety of water-sports on the miles of golden beach. During the evening you can sample the local fare at one of the excellent restaurants, or enjoy a cool drink at many bars. Also for the more lively during the summer, Oliva opens its 'Chiringuito's' (beach bars) where you can party until the early hours of the morning. Also since Oliva wants to maintain a typical Spanish feel it hosts many festivals during the year, with the main ones being the explosive 'Moors & Christians' parade, the visually stunning 'Fallas' (Festival of Fire), and the Carnival.
The Birding
Although not traditionally known as one of the prime areas within Spain to go birding this incredibly under-watched area has plenty to offer both someone with a casual interest or a trip passing through. This is just a short synopsis of what there is to offer within an hours drive of Oliva and for further information please refer to 'A Birdwatching Guide to Eastern Spain' by Malcom Palmer, which is excellent value for money.
To the north there is a whole coastline dotted with wetlands of which Albufera D'Valencia is probably the most important. This place can hold thousands of wetland birds and recently attracting major rarities such as Lesser Crested Tern, Long-legged Buzzard, and Lesser Yellowlegs.
A little further on is Marjel del Moro where you can find local specialties such as Crested Coot and Purple Gallinule along with other wetland species.
To the south there are the Santa Pola Salinas, a large area of salt pans and marsh that is fantastic for it's hundreds of Flamingos, Waders, Gulls and Terns. Also around here is the Santa Pola Sierras which have both Red-necked Nightjar and Rufous Bush-robin as breeding species along with many Stone Curlews. Just inland from here is another excellent wetland site that has significant numbers of the internationally scarce Marbled and White-headed Ducks. Along with these you are likely to find Collared Pratincole, Roller, and Montagu's Harrier.
To the west or inland are the mountains where every turn of a sharp bend can produce a soaring rapture (possibly Griffon Vulture, Eagles, and Accipiters) or one of the many high elavation species such as Rock Bunting, Rock Sparrow, Chough or Alpine Swift.
Further inland around the Albecete Region the scenery changes and the land becomes flat and arid. This area is good for both Bustards and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, along with a variety of Larks and Pipits.
Yet if you fancy just combining a relaxing family holiday, with some local birding there is enough to see around Oliva to keep anyone satisfied. Adjacent to the town is Pego Marsh, a large area of wetland that is excellent for seeing all types of Heron and Egret (especially Little Bittern). Since you can drive around this area it is possible to see normally shy species very well especially the Acrocephalus and Locustella Warblers.
Beyond Pego Marsh is the Denia/Javea Headland dominated by 'Montgo' an immense piece of rock that requires hard work to walk the path to the top. Once there, the views are breath-taking and the bird life can be brilliant as well, with species such as Alpine Accentor (winter), Thekla Lark, Black Wheatear and Blue Rock Thrush amongst others. Also due to it being a headland 'falls' of migrants can occur during the right conditions at the various 'Caps' (particularly San Antoni and de la Nau) around it, resulting in spectacular numbers of passerines moving inland. Combine with this an hours sea-watch where Cory's, and both Mediterranean Shearwaters can occur along with other species of Gull, Tern, Duck, or Skua and it can make for a memorable few hours out in the field, with the rest of the day to spend with the family.
If you require further information please visit our (constantly up-dated) web-site www.olivabedandbreakfast.com or phone 0034 96 285 4374 or Email Us
