A visit to the S'Albufera Nature Park
The very first designated Natural Park in the Balearic Islands
After a week of intermittent rain I thought it would be a good time to visit the S’Albufera Natural Park, which is the largest and most important wetland area in the Balearics. The park lies just five kilometres south of Alcúdia, with parking and good bus links there really is no excuse not to visit the most extensive wetland with the greatest biodiversity of any protected area in the Balearics.
When you arrive you walk between the Canal des Sol and the Gran Canal, these canals remain from a time during the 19th century when the wetland was drained for agriculture by a British company, and thank goodness they did for we might not have this beautiful natural park. In 1988 the Balearic Government declared S’Albufera a Natural Park and it was the first of its kind in the Balearics.
Walking towards the visitor reception centre, where you must go to get your free visitor permit, you will be astounded by the constant chatter coming from the other side of the tall reeds, the soundtrack to this park is the constant quacking, babbling, chirping and tweeting by all the residents. There are an abundance of fig trees along this main path and at this time of year the fruit is ripe and plentiful, I did help myself to a couple of figs as I made my way to the reception. Once at reception you just give your details and they will give you an information leaflet, in whichever language you prefer, and answer any questions you may have. Here you will also find a little interpretation area, toilets, vending machines and a shaded spot with benches just outside.
There are four itineraries for you to follow, some are as quick as 30-45 minutes and the long Cami d’Enmig will take about three and half hours. You can cycle round the park but you will need to leave your bike at certain points to walk out to some of the hides, along the raised wooden paths that have been constructed in amongst the vast swathes of glasswort.
As I walked along the routes, some shaded in amongst the trees and some that are open alongside the canals, I was struck by just how peaceful the place is. Although it’s not far from the hustle and bustle and the main coastal road, you rarely hear anything but the sound of nature and perhaps a few hushed voices of other visitors. I was delighted by butterflies that frolicked on the shady paths, performing their aerial acrobatics in front of me and was amazed by the dragonflies that buzzed about me, seemingly just as curious about me as I was about them. As I walked around I saw plenty of mallards and moorhens, sharing the waterways with the fish, searching for food amongst the different varieties of pond weeds. I heard warblers, but sadly didn’t see them. One moorhen I spotted was busy building a nest, she seemed very determined with her task. Of course there were cormorants and egrets in several locations around the park and the best sighting of the day for me was an osprey, flying majestically overhead, circling over the waterways looking for its next meal.
If you are interested in nature, or just fancy doing something out of the norm away from the hustle and bustle, then I suggest you pay this place a visit, it will not disappoint, offering a free, peaceful walk in beautiful countryside.
Find out more about S’Albufera a Natural Park.
