S'Albufereta Nature Reserve, Mallorca

Great natural spot for bird watching, in the north west of Mallorca

featured in Sights & sites

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.

A mixed habitat of fresh and salt water, as well as scrubland and pines, the reserve is a stopping point for migratory birds and is a nesting area for birds such as the Eleonora falcon, osprey, marsh harrier, stilt sandpiper, yellow wagtail and the purple gallinule. It is also home to over 300 species of plant life, some of them endemic.

It covers a surface of 211 hectares, and it was declared a nature reserve in 2001. When visiting, you need to remain on marked paths and trails at all times and bear in mind that animals are not allowed and that you cannot remove plants or disturb the animals.

Visitor comments

"Lovely walk, very quiet and peaceful. Lots of birds to see and information boards and seating. Nice to get off the sea front and have different scenery for a change." - Trip Advisor
"One of Europe's best wetland reserves, vast, especially on a hot day. Once you are in it is well explained and signed, unfortunately we did not have enough time. Did see an osprey returning to the nest with a large fish, and several wadders." - Trip Advisor
"A stunning variety of birds in a range of wetland habitats. The walk around the perimeter of the reserve is over 11km and should not be undertaken lightly on a hot day as there is no shade for much of its length. Many of the birds, especially warblers, hide in the huge reed beds and can only be identified by their calls, which I'm not good at. Also Marsh frogs and terrapins to be seen when we were there. Well worth a visit for anyone interested in wildlife, and it's free!" - Trip Advisor