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.
An Easy Hike Around The Albufereta Wetlands
An easy hike, cycle or jog through a birdwatchers paradise
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.
What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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S'Albufereta Nature Reserve
Great natural spot for bird watching, in the north west of Mallorca
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
Ancient Roman town & theatre in the north of Mallorca
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
At the top of Puig de Maria, Pollenca
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
Art gallery featuring the works of Dionis Bennassar
This seventeenth century house is where artist Dionis Bennassar lived for half his life. It is now home to the Dionis Bennà ssar Foundation, which is a cultural foundation of private non-profit organization created to promote, publicize and defend the manifestations of the human spirit.Â
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Plaça Major
19th-century square with the local church
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
Gallery & sculpture park in a beautiful setting in the far north of Mallorca
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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SoY Asian Kitchen and Bar
Your destination for delicious Asian delights and diverse flavours
The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.Â
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Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc
Mediterranean restaurant with stunning views and a rural retreat in Mallorca
Barretes at Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is built around local, seasonal produce interpreted through a modern Mediterranean lens. The menu features vegetables, herbs, seasonal fruits, cereals and the hotel's own olive oil, with most meat and dairy sourced directly from the farm on site.
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Noir Mallorca Café
Trendy café and bar open all day, on the southeast coast of Mallorca
Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. They offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
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La Pappa Restaurant
Authentic Italian restaurant in Cala d'Or, offering traditional dishes in a cosy setting
Enjoy the taste of Italy at La Pappa. They serve delicious homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with care and tradition. Their Italian desserts and ice creams are also made in-house, offering a true taste of Italy.
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La Bodega Restaurant
Fantastic tapas and service on the main square with a great wine selection
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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Diferent Restaurant
Fantastic original restaurant with a variety of cuisines and great service
Located in the heart of Cala d'Or, Restaurant Diferent is housed in one of the town's oldest buildings, an old mill, which allows an authentic Mallorcan, yet intimate and exclusive setting for your gathering. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with unique, vintage decorations that bring a fresh charm. It truly stands out beyond its eccentric and fun decor, offering 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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Stand Up Paddle Board Hire
SUP hire for all ages, fitness levels and within easy reach of beautiful locations
Discover the southwest coast of Mallorca on a stand-up paddle board at your own pace, and enjoy stunning scenery while practising an outdoor sport.
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Motor Yacht REHAB – Balearic Islands Weekly Yacht Charter
Luxury private yacht trip in Mallorca for up to twelve people
Take a trip on board this luxury yacht along the coast of Mallorca or Ibiza, to any destination of your choosing.
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Boat adventure & speedboat coast challenge
Explore Mallorca’s coastline with boat and speedboat adventures
Choose between two thrilling ways to explore Mallorca’s stunning coastline. Enjoy a guided boat adventure swimming in hidden lagoons and sea caves, or test your team’s skills and adrenaline in a competitive speedboat coast challenge packed with exciting activities.
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Private boat trip
Boat trips with optional paella and tapas, snorkelling, paddle boarding and stops in scenic coves
Set sail on a private boat trip in Palma Bay, with full-day and half-day options available.
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Discover Scuba Diving Experience
Introductory scuba diving experience course, suitable for anyone aged eight and above
Your first underwater experience, designed for a safe and fun introduction to diving.
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Shared boat trip
12 person sailing boat trip with swimming and snorkelling in Puerto Pollensa
Step away from the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of an unforgettable sailing adventure.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Mallorca
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Son Amoixa Vell Hotel
Charming rural hotel in East Mallorca with a fantastic restaurant
This hotel is set in charming 16th century buildings and grounds which were lovingly restored and added to by the family who own and operate it.
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Son Palou Hotel
Peaceful rural stay surrounded by mountains and countryside in Orient
Set in the small village of Orient, Son Palou is a traditional agritourism hotel in the heart of Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana. Surrounded by mountains and countryside, it offers a quiet setting that’s well suited to a slower, more rural stay.
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Ca'n Moragues Hotel, Arta
Finca hotel in the north-east of the island
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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El Encinar de Arta Hotel
Finca hotel in the North-east
Restored with love in every detail, the 18th century country house lies on a hill approximately 5 km from the picturesque village Artà . Beautiful landscape, close to 4 golf courses, lovely beaches and nature reserves.
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Segles Hotel
Charming historic townhouse with individually styled rooms, indoor pool and peaceful garden spaces
Set in the heart of Campos, Hotel Segles is a beautifully restored stately home that blends historic charm with modern comfort. Throughout the hotel, carefully chosen details such as antique furniture, artwork and vintage photographs create a sense of stepping back in time, while contemporary touches ensure a relaxed and comfortable stay.
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Son Julia Country House Hotel
Stunning boutique hotel set in tranquil 300-year-old gardens with fantastic facilities
If you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
