In the northeastern part of Mallorca, tucked between Port d'Àlcúdia and Ca'n Picafort, you'll find the mesmerizing s'Albufera Natural Park. As the leading wetland area within the Balearic Islands, it's magnet for both avid nature lovers and birding enthusiasts.
The nature reserve "Parc natural de s'Albufera" is located in the northeast of Mallorca and is the most important wetland of the Balearic Islands. Since 1988, the nature park has provided a protected habitat for the archipelago's bird life in particular, at the vital freshwater after drainage, rice cultivation and paper production failed. Annually 150,000 tourists visit the idyllic nature park.
Arabian lagoon
The Parc natural de s'Albufera covers an area of almost 1,650 hectares and is crisscrossed by several streams, lakes and ponds. Significantly, its name is derived from "al-buhayra", the Arabic word for "lagoon".
The present marshland was once a huge lake separated by dunes from the Bay of Alcúdia and fed by several torrents. When the Romans ruled Mallorca, the water level was still 2-3 meters higher than today and the lakes of that time were connected by several artificial channels.
Visiting Mallorca and exploring the magnificent Parc natural de s'Albufera is an experience like none other. And, when it comes to choosing a place to stay, browse the catalogues of 5 star hotels in Mallorca on www.hotels-of-mallorca.com. These luxurious hotels offer outstanding services and a comfortable stay, ensuring your trip is one of a kind.
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Flora and fauna in the Parc natural de s'Albufera
In summer, when the streams have little water, the salt water that penetrates from the Bay of Alcúdia predominates. Therefore, depending on the location, the soils have different salinity, which, together with the sand dunes, allows an enormous variety of plants.
About 400 different plant species thrive in the Parc natural de s'Albufera. The freshwater banks are covered with duckweed, rushes and reeds, elms and poplars provide shade for hawthorn, periwinkle and blackberries, while close to the sea grow strawflowers, orchids, tamarisk, juniper, rosemary and pines.
The wildlife is also impressive. In the Parc natural de s'Albufera live almost 300 different species of birds and two-thirds of all birds native to the Balearic Islands. In addition to the permanent residents of Mallorca, twice a year there are migratory birds that stop for a rest on their way across the Mediterranean. To name a few, herons, ducks, cormorants, flamingos, hawks, ospreys and black-headed gulls can be found in the Parc natural de s'Albufera. Turtles, frogs, perches and eels populate the pools. By the way, there are hardly any snakes in the natural park, the only one being the non-poisonous viper snake.
Visit to the Parc natural de s'Albufera
The idyllic natural park is well equipped for exploration by nature lovers and amateur ornithologists. The entrance gate is located at the Pont dels Anglesos about 6km from Alcúdia's city center.
The free registration takes place in the small information center "Sa Roca" in a former paper mill, to which one must already hike about 1km. There visitors are provided with a map and the rules of conduct in the nature park, here can also be booked on request on certain weekdays guided tours. Those who do not like to walk can rent bicycles here.
Several unpaved paths allow walks of thirty minutes to two and a half hours, during which the hiker walks through the dreamlike untouched nature. The paths lead through secluded forests and grassy steppes and small footbridges bridge the marshy waters.
Bird watching in Mallorca
Again and again there are high stands and hidden wooden huts that act as perfect observation posts for the numerous birds in the Parc natural de s'Albufera. In the huts, information boards explain the individual species, which can be spotted unnoticed by the animals from an observation slit.
Tip: If you don't have a high-powered lens with you, bring a pair of binoculars to view the fascinating wildlife of Parc natural de s'Albufera up close, or borrow one at the visitor center.
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