An Easy Hike Around The Albufereta Wetlands
An easy hike, cycle or jog through a birdwatchers paradise
S'Albufereta is Mallorca’s third largest wetland area comprised of 211 hectares of protected park land as well as a further 290 hectares of surrounding land, which is semi-regulated so as not to adversely affect the nature park.
Profiting from several different water sources and tributaries Albufereta is a unique environment where fresh water meets salt, a bio-diverse area which is home to environmentally significant plant life as well as around 196 different species of birds including Ospreys and Eleonora’s Falcons.
Named a protected natural park in 2001, Albufereta is an important resting and feeding area for birds during the migrating seasons as well as somewhat of an oasis for many species during the harsh dry summer heat of Mallorca, making this park an attraction for birdwatchers and walkers all year round.
Located along the curved coastline of Pollenca bay, between Puerto Pollenca and Alcudia, Albufereta park is easily accessible by car, via public transport or you could walk to it from Alcudia town. Walking around the park is an easy activity as there is little to no incline in gradient and the whole route is along paved roads, which also makes this route popular with cyclists and joggers.
If you pick up a trail map from the tourist information office and follow the marked trail you will find an easy 9km hike that will take you roughly 2hours to walk. It starts midway along the crescent bay and heads inland, east and then south until it ends at the corner of the bay closest to Alcudia. You can turn it into a looped walk if you wish by walking the remainder of the route back to the start along the beach front.
Bird watchers and walkers will find that they have the beach here mostly to themselves as at this end of Pollenca bay it is of a scruffy nature generally chocked up with mounds of Poseidon grass and seaweed which discourages most beach goers (except for kite and wind surfers who fill the water on windy days). The dunes here are part of the protected nature park and are roped off to prevent people walking on the protected vegetation, narrow paths are marked out however and walkers can weave between protected areas and read the information boards provided which point out the indigenous flora and fauna and which birds to look out for in each area.
The inland section of the walk is a pleasant stroll through small villages, hamlets and farms; you’ll pass many beautiful Mallorcan houses and rural farmland and pastures. As you walk east you’ll see hazy purple hills rising in the distance and when the trail turns back towards the coast you’ll be rewarded with a view out across the flat wetlands to the sea. These wetlands are home to lakes and water channels in the wetter seasons and are flood zones in the winter but even in the dry heat of summer you’ll see one small lake which remains and you’ll pass occasional streams running even in the most arid summer.
This is an easy walk which is enjoyable for everyone, birdwatchers or not. Children will be amused by the abundance of farm life, goats, horses and dogs roaming around the fields and the occasional cockerel running loose through the streets. Nature lovers will be entranced by the beautiful fields, dry stone walls and rolling distant hills, and the view over the water as you walk back to the coast line is worth the hike for anyone.
Albufereta Nature Park is an easy enjoyable hike for birdwatchers, nature lovers and the whole family. Limited parking is available at the beginning of the trail and along the beach front and the regular buses that run between Puerto Pollenca and Alcudia can drop you and collect you from either end of the trail. Do stick to marked paths, as the majority of this area is privately owned land.
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What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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S'Albufereta Nature Reserve
S'Albufereta de Pollensa is a wetland nature reserve in the north of the island, however, it is largely private property. Visitors can drive along the main road from Pollenca to Alcudia to view the habitats.
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Roman Remains of Pollentia
Pollentia was founded by the consul Qintus Caecilius Metellus in 123 BC in the strategic location between the bays of Pollenca and Alcudia. It was the most important city in the Balearics duing the Roman period and covered an area of 15-20 hectares.
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Santuary de la Mare de Deu del Puig
Nuns settled on Puig de Maria ('Mary's mountain') in 1371 and remained for several hundred years, refusing to leave even when the Bishop of Palma ordered them down for their own safety.
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Dionis Bennassar Museum House
This seventeenth century house is where artist Dionis Bennassar lived for half his life. It is now home to the Dionis Bennàssar Foundation, which is a cultural foundation of private non-profit organization created to promote, publicize and defend the manifestations of the human spirit.
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Plaça Major
This traditional town square is located in the heart of Pollença and is the centre of the town's social and commercial life.
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Sa Bassa Blanca Museum
This eclectic mixture of art and sculpture, set in beautiful parkland in the north of Mallorca is one to put on your list of things to do.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Mallorca
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Sa Magrana Restaurant
This award-winning restaurant offers creative, fresh-from-the-market cuisine.
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La Bodega Restaurant
This traditional Spanish restaurant is situated within the heart of Cala d'Or and has a phenomenal reputation for providing fantastic food, service and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
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Noir Mallorca Café
Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. Open from 09:00 to 23:00, they offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
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Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is home to an abundance of delicious fresh and local food such as a selection of fruit and vegetables, fish, red shrimp, lamb and Iberico pork. The chef at Ca's Xorc interprets this local, Mediterranean cuisine in a modern and creative manner.
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SoY Asian Kitchen and Bar
The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.
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Diferent Restaurant
Restaurant Diferent truly stands out. Beyond its eccentric and fun decor, it offers a vast international menu, a wide selection of wines, cocktails and fantastic, friendly service.
What to do
Things To Do in Mallorca
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Coasteering
Coasteering combines adventure swimming, abseiling, climbing and rock scrambling to explore some incredible locations in Mallorca.
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Coasteering
Coasteering in Mallorca is the ultimate coastal adventure. Discover hidden coves, sea caves and dramatic cliffs as you scramble, swim and leap into the clear blue Mediterranean.
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South Mallorca Hidden Gems Tour
This is a different way to enjoy a quality guided tour with your own car, and discover little-known hidden places hand in hand with a local guide using portable radios whilst you drive.
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Motor Yacht Trip (Sunseeker Manhattan 55)
Enjoy a fun full-day or half-day boat trip aboard this exquisite Sunseeker Manhattan 55 motor yacht.
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PADI Diving Courses
PADI International certifications are recognised all over the world. This school offers a number of courses for you to learn new skills and progress.
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Luxury Jack III Yacht Trip
Take a trip onboard this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza to any destination of your choosing.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Mallorca
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Son Julia Country House Hotel
20 September 20257 NightsIf you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
Price: €2,686
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Feliz Boutique Hotel
Find peace and tranquillity in this chic, modern hotel just off the harbour promenade, with a bustling nightlife. With a friendly atmosphere that invites you to be happy.
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La Goleta Hotel
This wonderful beach-front hotel has a maritime theme with its name 'Goleta' meaning schooner in Catalan.
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Ca'n Moragues Hotel, Arta
The Ca´n Moragues hotel is located in an stately old house from the eighteenth century which has been restored and transformed into an exclusive small hotel with eight rooms.
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Son Pons Agroturismo Hotel
Situated in a magnificent country estate of 150.000 m² located in the North of Mallorca, the building dates from the 16th century.
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Son Palou Hotel, Orient
This hotel lies in the middle of a private estate of 150 hectares with large plantations of apple and cherry trees, cultivated fields and mountains. It is an ideal base for hiking, riding mountain-bikes or simply strolling around to watch the farmers pick cherries and apples.
