S’Albufera Nature Park – biodiverse wetland habitat by Alcúdia

The S'Albufera Natural Park is a wetland with a rich variety of flora and fauna in the north of Mallorca. The protected area covers an area of more than 1,600 hectares and is criss-crossed by a network of Hiking & Climbing in Mallorca and Bike Paths in Mallorca.

Flora and fauna in the Natural Park S'Albufera

The S'Albufera Nature Park is located on the The North Coast of Mallorca - imposing cliffs and heavenly beaches, between the resort of Can Picafort and the medieval town of Alcúdia in the north of Mallorca. The swamp area is fed by tributaries from the mountainous areas of the Serra de Tramuntana in the north of Mallorca and extends almost to the sea beyond the dune landscape. The wetland biotope plays host to a diverse range of native animal and plant life. Around 270 species of birds live in the area.

Among them are rare species such as ospreys, little egrets and peregrine falcons. Migratory birds such as flamingos, waders and plovers use the wetland as a rest stop. Numerous specimens of European pond turtles live in the ponds and shallow water regions. Due to its close proximity to the sea, saltwater repeatedly seeps into the wetland waters in the low-precipitation summer months. For this reason, there is a large variety of plants in the protected area.

Hiking in natural paradise

Numerous Hiking Trails in Mallorca lead through the S'Albufera Natural Park. In some places flat towers have been set up for bird watching. The park entrance is on the road connecting Alcúdia and Can Picafort in the north of Mallorca. At this point, a bridge crosses the Gran de s'Albufera Canal, which forms a drainage system from the marshland and flows into the sea a little later. After about one kilometre you will reach the Sa Roca reception centre, where you will find Mallorca Travel Info on hiking trails and the flora and fauna of the Nature Park.

Before embarking on a voyage of discovery into the wilderness, you do need to register although the visit is free. Alternatively, you can join a guided tour accompanied by a Mallorca's Nature Parks ranger; this is available on Saturday mornings. For larger groups, Popular tours and attractions in Mallorca of the area are also possible on other days of the week, but prior booking is necessary.