S’Albufera Nature Park on Mallorca

S'Albufera Nature Park in Northern Mallorca is the largest and most important wetlands area in the Balearics. The area is a former lagoon separated from the sea by a belt of dunes, which over many centuries has filled up with sediments converting it into an extensive flood plain.

The park, covering 1708 hectares of marsh and dune land is a protected conservation region.

Some of the eco-systems at S'Albufera have been traced back some 18 million years, though the present wetland was formed less than 100,000 years ago.

S'Albufera's suite of ecosystems supports the greatest biodiversity of any area in the Balearics.

Most of S’Albufera’s water comes from rain falling on some 640 square kilometres of north and central Mallorca, by way of seasonal streams ("torrents") and springs from subterranean aquifers, known as "ullals". A relatively small amount of seawater intrusion in summer has a particular effect on the vegetation and fauna.

The meadows at S'Albufera support large growths of seagrass, providing an important hydrodynamic barrier to protect the beaches and coastal dunes against erosion.

Unfortunately the Alcudia wetlands site is within a growing tourist region in Majorca, as well as being adjacent to an area where agriculture is intensifying. Both these aspects are putting pressure on freshwater resources and S'Albufera's coastal wetland ecosystem. There is concern that these factors will induce changes in ecological processes and biodiversity in coastal wetlands, even though the wetlands are an officially protected conservation area.

S’Albufera is an internationally protected area for wild birds. Many come for just part of the year to escape the colder north, and many stop off on their migratory travels, including Garganey, Ruff and other waders. Some just come for the occasional visit – Cranes, Glossy Ibis or Spoonbills.

The area is also home to considerable wildlife, particularly local waterbirds who live from the food available in the many canals and lagoons. There are 200 types of birds you might see in these wetlands, including Egrets, Sandpipers and Warblers. At least sixty species of birds breed in this park

The park is also home to eight species of bat, 66 species of funghi, and 29 species of fish. Not to mention the flowers. Spring is a wonderful time to visit to see a wide variety of blooming wild flowers.

S'Albufera de Mallorca Visitor Information

Visiting hours at the Park are from 09.00h to 18.00h between 1st April and 30th September, and from 09.00h to 17.00h between 1st October and 31st March.

You'll need a visiting permit which you can get free (the park is free to enter) at the Reception Centre.

Access to the park is by either bicycle or on foot. Cars can be parked in the side-streets of residential areas adjacent to the park entrance (Englishmen's Bridge) or in the dedicated parking area opposite the Hotel Parc Natural. People with mobility problems should seek special access arrangements by telephoning the Park. (+34 971 89 22 50 - 9 to 16h. only).

There are some rules in the park which should be noted, helping visitors to ensure the continued preservation of this area. "Respect nature and the values which have made this protected area possible. The gathering of flowers, plants, animals or their remains is not permitted.

Always move around using the paths indicated, at slow speed on bicycles and respect the existing signposting.

Bicycles with more than two wheels are not permitted.

Respect the Park's visiting hours. Noise disturbs animals and the other visitors.

Move around the park in silence. It is not permitted to eat in the hides or to have picnics in the Park. In all cases, occupy the tables at Sa Roca for brief periods only.

Sporting activities are not permitted in the Park (jogging, horse riding, mountain biking, etc).

Domestic animals (especially dogs) frighten the fauna. Their entrance to the Park is not permitted. In the case of a breach of regulations Park personnel may revoke the visiting permit.

If you're staying on the island for more than a few days, the S'Albufera wetlands are easily accessible and not to be missed

I’ve mostly edited this information down from the S’Albufera Nature Park official website: http://www.mallorcaweb.net/salbufera/, where you'll find lists of birds and other wildlife you can see and a good map of the park, as well as much more information on its history and international importance as a conservation area, especially for wild birds.

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