Less than 10 minutes from Alcudia are two of Mallorca's most important natural spaces: S'Albufereta and S'Albufera. Refuge for migratory birds, hiking paradise and green lung of the area, these natural parks are a treasure that residents have a step away from home.
S'Albufera: the largest natural park in Balearics
Basic data
- Extension: 2,850 hectares of wetland
- Location: Between Alcudia, Muro and Sa Pobla
- Declaration: Natural Park in 1988, SPA Zone
- Entrance: Free
- Hours: April-Sept 9:00-18:00h | Oct-March 9:00-17:00h
Biodiversity: a bird sanctuary
- Registered species: Over 270 bird species
- Resident birds: Herons, grey herons, coots, ducks
- Migratory (spring/autumn): Flamingos, ospreys, glossy ibises
- Raptors: Red kite, marsh harrier, kestrels
- Best observation season: April-May and September-October
Hiking routes
Itinerary 1: Grand Tour (8 km, 3h)
- Covers entire park perimeter
- Passes all bird observatories
- Level: Easy, completely flat
Itinerary 2: Short route (4 km, 1.5h)
- Ideal for families with children
- Access to 3 main observatories
Itinerary 3: By bicycle (12 km, 2h)
- Paths suitable for MTB and leisure bikes
- Bike rental at park entrance
Services and facilities
- Reception center: Information, maps, educational material
- Observatories: 7 "aguaits" (viewpoints) strategically located
- Picnic area: Area with tables (no BBQ allowed)
- Restrooms: Only at main entrance
- Drinking water: Bring your own bottle
What to bring
- Essential: Binoculars, water, sunscreen, hat
- Recommended: Mallorca bird guide, camera with telephoto
- Summer: Mosquito repellent (humid area)
- Footwear: Comfortable, dirt paths
S'Albufereta: the little brother
Features
- Location: Mal Pas area, between Alcudia and Port de Pollença
- Extension: 211 hectares (much smaller than S'Albufera)
- Type: Coastal lagoon, dunes, halophytic vegetation
- Access: Free, several entrances from Alcudia-Pollença road
What it offers
- Tranquility: Much less visited than S'Albufera
- Viewpoints: Views of Pollença Bay and Serra de Tramuntana
- Hiking: Short routes (2-3 km), ideal for relaxed walk
- Birds: Less diversity than S'Albufera but more accessible
Recommended route (1h)
- Start: Parking next to Ma-2220 (Alcudia-Pollença)
- Lagoon perimeter walk: 2.5 km
- Observatories: 2 wooden viewpoints
- Difficulty: Very easy, suitable all audiences
Complementary activities
Nature photography
- Sunrise at S'Albufera: spectacular lights
- Recommended telephoto: 200-400mm for birds
- Tripod useful in observatories
Running and cycling
- Flat routes, perfect for base training
- No traffic, pure air
- Distances: 4-12 km depending on itinerary
Resident tips
- Best time: First hour morning (7:00-9:00h) or late afternoon
- Avoid: Midday in summer (intense heat, no shade)
- Combine: Park visit + Muro beach (they're together)
- Useful apps: eBird (sighting records), Wikiloc (GPS routes)
Events and guided activities
- Ornithological routes: Sundays 9:00h (spring), COFIB guide, free
- Photography workshops: Monthly, info at reception center
- Bird ringing days: Several per year, open participation
Conclusion: nature in your daily life
Having S'Albufera and S'Albufereta 10 minutes from home is one of the privileges of living in Alcudia. They're not just tourist attractions: they're spaces you incorporate into your weekly routine, whether for sports, photography, or simply connecting with Mediterranean nature in its pure state.
Interested in Alcudia Luz?
Alcudia Luz places you near the best natural spaces in northern Mallorca.