S’Albufera Natural Park in Mallorca is one of the Balearic Islands’ biggest attractions. If one-of-a-kind spaces and contact with nature are your thing, this stunning place is a must-visit
History of the s’Albufera Natural Park
La Albufera de Mallorca has been a Natural Park since 28 January 1988. It’s part of Red Natura 2000 and is a Wetland of International Importance.
Located between the towns of Muro and sa Pobla, it stretches for more than two million hectares. It’s located in the northwest of Mallorca and, of course, the water gives it that little extra something. So much so that it gets a lot of it from a vast extension of 640 square kilometres located between the north and the centre of this island. It gets its essence from torrents, natural springs and upwelling.
It dates back to ancient times. What’s more, it has undergone significant change brought about by the different changes in sea water levels. Although there are areas dating back to the Tertiary Period, the awe-inspiring dunes are only ten thousand years old.
Ecosystem of this Natural Park in Mallorca
S’Albufera Natural Park in Mallorca is a spectacle of nature that’s home to hundreds of species. Did you know that more than 10,000 birds spend the winter here? Among them, herons, ducks and starlings. A large number of migratory avian species, such as swallows, teals and wagtails stopover here to build up their energy before continuing their journeys. There are also lots of cranes and other vagrant birds, as well as hawks, avocets, hoopoes, black vultures, eagles and kingfishers.
As for mammals, there are more than twenty categories; bats, mice and rats to name but a few. The common frog, eels, mullets, European pond turtles and viperine snakes also inhabit the natural park. This stunning selection of fauna is rounded off by close to 500 species of invertebrates: beetles, dragonflies, dipterans, moths…
Activities and routes around the Natural Park de s'Albufera
You can visit the Albufera de Mallorca Park:
– From 1 April to 30 September: From 09:00 to 18:00.
– From 1 October to 31 March: From 09:00 to 17:00.
Entry is free although you need a permit to visit beforehand. On the other hand, doing sport is strictly prohibited, and a licence must be obtained from the council for those that are allowed. The most common ones are birdwatching, hiking, and some cycling routes.
Featured Itineraries
These are the best routes in S’Albufera Natural Park in Mallorca:
1 – Circular route around the park. This is an amazing 13.8 km hiking route that takes just over two and a half hours.
2 – Es Comú-Platja Muro. It ends at one of the best preserved virgin beaches in the surroundings of Alcudia. This route runs along a 4.2 km trail that can be covered in under fifty minutes.
3 – Camí de Sa Roca-Camí d’Enmig-Camí des Forcadets. This is a pleasant, moderately difficult 10-km route that takes roughly two hours.
4 – Platja Muro-Son Servera-Porto Cristo-Sant Llorenç des Cardassar. This cycling route isn’t easy, but it’s an incredible and unforgettable experience. This challenging circular 113.5-km route is a great way to take in some stunning views.
Environmental impact and conservation
The Natural Park of s’Albufera in Mallorca enjoys excellent protection since its declaration as such. However, it is an extremely vulnerable area that requires constant attention and prevention. In recent years, it has faced the following dangers:
– Progressive reduction of its surface area.
– Risk of desiccation.
– Transformation resulting from urbanization along the coastal dune strip.
– Decrease in the freshwater flow due to overexploitation, both for consumption and irrigation of crops.
– Further loss of water quality due to fertilizers and insecticides from surrounding agricultural areas.
On the other hand, the growing human enjoyment, leisure, and recreational activities are another threat that it faces. The tens of thousands of annual visitors disrupt the ecosystem and generate negative consequences.
To safeguard the Albufera de Mallorca, up to five protective measures are applied:
– RAMSAR or Wetland of International Importance (by agreement of the Council of Ministers on July 25, 1987).
– Council of Europe’s Biogenetic Reserve.
– Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA).
– Natural Park, according to the Decree of the CAIB (Government of the Balearic Islands) of 1988.
– Area of Special Natural Interest (ANEI) thanks to the Parliament of the Balearic Islands since 1991.
Don’t you think it’s a great idea to explore this unique natural space? Undoubtedly, it’s an incomparable place to enjoy nature and its inhabitants.
Book your holidays near the Natural Park of s'Albufera in Mallorca.
Why don’t you choose a holiday accommodation in Ideal Property Mallorca in the area and visit the Parc Natural de s’Albufera de Mallorca? You’ll have a fantastic experience. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mallorca and discover the paradise that is the S’Albufera Natural Park. With its serene wetlands, rich areas of biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes, this park awaits you with open arms to offer you a unique experience.
Explore trails surrounded by native flora and fauna, observe migratory birds in their natural habitat and be captivated by the tranquillity of its lagoons. Whether you are a nature lover, a photography enthusiast or just someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, S’Albufera Natural Park offers you an oasis of serenity and natural wonders to discover. Your adventure in this Mallorcan treasure awaits; come and immerse yourself in a world of beauty and calm in S’Albufera!
