A nest of biodiversity and natural beauty, the Natural Park of S'Albufera in Mallorca is a true treasure for nature lovers. Located on the north coast of the island, this stunning wetland is a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a pristine and unique ecosystem. From the gentle rustle of reeds swaying in the breeze to the spectacle of migratory birds seeking refuge, S'Albufera is a hymn to life in its purest and wildest form.
In this post, we will explore the richness and diversity of this natural park, uncovering the history, biodiversity, and conservation efforts that make S'Albufera such a special place in the heart of Mallorca.
The Natural Park of S'Albufera in Mallorca is a protected natural area located on the north coast of the island, between the town of Can Picafort and the medieval city of Alcúdia. This wetland, the most important and extensive in the Balearic Islands, covers a total of 2,036 hectares.
Its origin is very ancient, dating back to the Tertiary era. However, its formation as we know it today occurred about 100,000 years ago due to sea level changes that caused the accumulation of sediments from the sea and rivers, forming a coastal plain that became a wetland.
It was declared a natural park on January 28, 1988, making it the oldest natural park in the Balearic Islands. Additionally, S'Albufera de Mallorca is also recognized as a Wetland of International Importance.
The Natural Park of S'Albufera is located right off the coastal road, about 5 km south of Port d'Alcúdia, in northwest Mallorca. The park can be accessed from Playa de Muro. The park's information center is open to the public from 9 am to 4 pm year-round, except on Christmas and New Year's.
It is an ideal tourist destination to visit if you are staying at our VIVA Sunrise, VIVA Eden Lago, or VIVA Blue & Spa hotels, as S'Albufera is located just a few minutes drive from any of these hotels. Moreover, at Hotels VIVA, we provide all the services you need to make your stay, whether with family, friends, a partner, or solo, as comfortable and complete as possible.
As for what to see, S'Albufera in Mallorca is a wetland with a great variety of flora and fauna. The S'Albufera natural reserve attracts rich birdlife and is a scenic and peaceful environment for walkers and cyclists. It is the main territory for bird watching, with 303 registered species. Among the birds you can spot, notable ones include the purple heron, spoonbill, red-crested pochard, and mallard.
In addition to birds, the wetland is home to falcons, hoopoes, avocets, Eleonora's falcons, black vultures, eagles, and kingfishers. During the winter, over 10,000 birds winter in S'Albufera, including ducks, herons, and large flocks of starlings. Depending on the season, you can also see different birds such as the night heron, bittern, grebe, and little bittern.
Apart from birds, the park is home to a variety of wildlife and plants. The protected areas cover an area of over 2,036 hectares, making it the largest and most important wetland in the Balearic Islands. The S'Albufera nature reserve is a marshy coastal strip formed by lakes and natural and artificial channels.
It is important to note that while it is a popular public park, there can be hundreds of people in the central visitor area at certain times. Therefore, we recommend planning your visit during less crowded times to fully enjoy the tranquility of the park.
Conservation is a priority in the Natural Park of S'Albufera. Habitat management activities, such as the removal of invasive species and the restoration of degraded areas, are regularly carried out. Environmental education is also promoted through guided tours and workshops.
Despite its ecological importance, S'Albufera was once considered an unhealthy place due to mosquitoes breeding in its stagnant waters. In the 19th century, several attempts were made to drain the wetland, but all failed. Today, we are glad that these efforts were unsuccessful, as S'Albufera is now a valuable wildlife refuge and a place of enjoyment for nature lovers.
The Natural Park of S'Albufera is a testament to the natural richness of Mallorca and an example of how we can protect and celebrate our natural heritage. By visiting S'Albufera in Mallorca, we not only discover the beauty and diversity of this wetland but also become aware of the importance of preserving these spaces for future generations.