S’Albufera (Parc Natural de s'Albufera)

The S’Albufera is a famous reserve and is the largest wetland reserve in Mallorca at 1650 ha and possibly the Mediterranean and has had protection since 1988, it is located on the main coastal road at the end of what is known as Playa de Muro and all its bars and hotels .Y. Situated just south of Alcudia next to the coastal road on the way to Can Picafort, it is a managed reserve which is FREE but a permit needs to be obtained from the visitors centre which has a photography exhibition and shop. The visitors centre is 1km from the entrance next to the main canal and here you can obtain a free permit and a free map in your own language also a small bookshop. There are clearly marked trails which are popular with birders and cyclists alike but not the ones that go to the bird hides which are all have clearly marked signs. There are also hot and cold drinks as well as seating. Close to the centre, there is a bridge over the main canal and during the breeding season, this is the most common place to see the Purple Gallinule. Outside of the season, the two hides to the left of the centre will give you a very close sighting of these birds. There is also an educational centre as many schools visit the reserve during weekdays.

The reserve contains many trails and habitats ranging from pine woods, freshwater pools and lagoons, extensive reed-beds, salt marsh and tamarisk groves.

Spring visitors are likely to see Woodchat Shrikes, Sandpipers, waders and several species of Heron which include Purple Heron, Night and Squacco as well as Little Bittern. Stroll along the canal footpaths to see Cetti’s Warblers, Nightingales and Blue Headed Wagtails. Birds of Prey are common with regular sightings of Marsh Harrier’s, Ospreys and Eleonora’s.

Visitors to the reserve in winter will see an abundance of wildfowl which often attract birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons and Merlin’s in addition to the local Marsh Harriers. Kingfishers arrive here and local resident warblers such as Moustached and Cetti’s are common.

Grade of difficulty: 1

Toilet facilities are available as are tea, coffee and water

Travel Tip

If staying in either Puerto Pollensa or Alcudia the Albufera Reserve is easy to get to using the local TIB buses (352/353) that run frequently between Puerto Pollensa and Can Piquafort. The bus stop is at Playa Muro right outside the Reserve entrance and outside the main tourist season it only takes twenty five minutes from Puerto Pollensa to the Albufera. During the main season the buses run every fifteen minutes but out of season there is a midday break during siesta time. Timetables are displayed at the bus stop. If you arrive at the Reserve by car, there is a small car park which holds approximately ten cars but there is also plenty of car parking across the road in front of the supermarket.