Parc Natural de s’Albufera de Mallorca | Spain

The Parc Natural de s’Albufera de Mallorca, or the S’Albufera Nature Park in Northern Mallorca, is a special area of the Balearics. Essential in terms of conservation, the S’Albufera Nature Park is made up of dunes, floodplains and wetlands. The park has been called a “welcome relief” from Mallorca’s crowded beaches, and provides lots of opportunities for wildlife viewing. Historical documents pertaining to S’Albufera date back to Roman times, with Pliny writing of night herons being sent to Rome as gastronomic delicacies.

Albufera Nature Park, Mallorca, Spain by Kiko Piris

Many of the ecosystems in this park, which claims the greatest biodiversity of any area in the Balearics, can be traced back to over 18 million years ago! The park’s present wetlands formed about 100,000 years ago, however, and its dunes formed about 10,000 years ago. Much of the park’s waters come from seasonal streams in north and central Mallorca, though subterranean aquifers also provide the damp. Seawater also makes its way to the park in the summer, and is said to have a “particular effect” on area vegetation. Park meadows feature an abundance of seagrass, which provide an essential hydrodynamic barrier that protect area beaches and dunes from erosion.

An internationally protected area for birds, birdwatchers from all over Europe flock (no pun intended) to the park to catch glimpses of rare and beautiful waterfowl, as the park is the most “bird-rich wetland” of any island in the Mediterranean. There are at least 60 bird species that use the park for breeding purposes, and over 200 species have been spotted in the park in general. Birds known to inhabit the park include ospreys, who leave their breeding sites to fish in the wetlands, as well as egrets, crested coots, terns, herons, and sand pipers. Other bird species that live in the park all year round include peregrines and hoopoes; birds that utilize the park for breeding include stonechats, moustached warblers and long-eared owls. Waterfowl that make occasional appearances at the park include spoonbills, glossy ibis, and cranes. Birdwatching “hides,” or sites, are located throughout the park for wildlife viewing, and the park’s visitor center features an audio visual display room for listening to the songs of assorted park birds.

Birds aren’t the only life forms inhabiting the park. Over 29 species of fish live within the wetlands, including a rather sizable eel population, as well as 66 species of funghi. Water snakes and marsh frogs are some of the most visible reptiles and amphibians. Mammals that call the park home include eight species of bat, including the rare Barbastelle bat, as well as an assortment of rats and mice. Visit the park in the spring to enjoy its stunning selection of wildflowers, but remember to utilize the area foot or bike riding paths.

Admission to the park is free. The park is open year round, though how long the park is open each day depends on the time of year. It is accessible by walking, bike riding, or driving, though cars must be parked on either the nearby side streets or residential areas. It is important that all park rules are followed, and visitors are not allowed to collect flowers, other vegetation, or wildlife.

Bio: This article was written by Hotel Sis Pins, a Hotel Majorca location. Contact them to book your stay today!

Tags: 100 000 years, aquifers, balearics, bird species, crowded beaches, egrets, floodplains, mallorca spain, nature park, night herons, ospreys, parc natural, park meadows, roman times, sand pipers, seagrass, seasonal streams, warblers, welcome relief

Category: Nature Reserves, Nature Reserves