A walk along the riverbank in Ses Fonts Ufanes
An easy stroll through the forest of natural springs
Ses Fonts Ufanes is a protected area of natural springs on the outskirts of Campanet. It's the perfect place for a relaxing walk with all the family. Although there are plenty of coastal walks on the island, it's rare to be able to stroll along a riverbank and enjoy the sound of gushing water.
Considered a hydrological phenomenon, these springs are unique in Mallorca and were classified as a protected in 2001. The Balearic government later bought the handsome property, Finca Gabelli Petit, situated on the land to better care for it. The vauclusian springs are fed from aquifers that fill to bursting after heavy rain, causing water to pour out of the ground and create natural waterfalls. Thanks to a very rainy January, I was able to appreciate how the water bubbles up from underground. The flow can change from barely a trickle to one to three metres cubic per second.
Although it's best to go in the wet season, the reserve itself is beautiful at any time. The walk is well signposted and circular. You can either continue walking straight up, towards the rustic farmhouse or follow the first signpost and head right along a flatter path. Either way, you won't get lost. It's an easy walk, which can take just twenty minutes. Go for a slow-paced amble to stretch the legs and to enjoy the view of the rocky Puig Tomir mountain which overlooks it.
Suitable for families with little children, I saw a number of buggies on the way. Both little ones and adults were cheered by the donkeys and sheep. Dogs are welcome, and I even saw a pet goat. The path takes you through the forest and beneath the pines, where you can breathe in the smell of earth and moss and reconnect with nature. I noticed a woman meditating on the bank, evidently refreshed by the purifying sound of water. A great place for a picnic, I ate my sandwich as I contemplated the pretty vista.
I found out about the walk thanks to a friend from Galicia, who says Ses Fonts Ufanes reminds her of home. I was also brought up playing in rivers rather than at the beach, and I immediately felt a connection there. Instead of following the path, I had fun stepping along the rocks of a riverbed which was currently dry. Meanwhile, my friend walked along the mossy bank beneath the trees. Somehow, we managed to spend a good hour walking although the official walk is just twenty minutes.
The park is open from 10:00 to 17:00 every day. There are toilets and rubbish bins. Although there is no official car park, everyone leaves their vehicles along the road by the chapel, Ermita de Sant Miquel. Avoid going on the weekend if you can, as it can get very busy, especially if it has rained the previous days. I went on a Thursday at lunch time and it was very peaceful. If you only have the weekend, a local friend suggests either going first thing in the morning or just before 16:00, although be warned the gates close at 17:00.
As we left the park, a car pulled up beside us, and a couple asked us if there was water. They were delighted to hear there was, a sign perhaps of just how precious this place is to people living on the island.
