Mallorca’s north coast is well known for spectacular, white sand beaches and hidden coves with crystal clear water but it is also home to the largest wetlands in the Balearics where visitors from all over Europe come to see the rare migrant birds.
When in need of a break from a busy day at the beach in Alcudia, the team at Engel & Völkers Mallorca North recommend considering a visit to this jewel in Mallorca North’s crown: the S’Albufera Natural Park. Perfect for cycling, hiking, bird-watching or just taking time out from the crowds, the lagoon is a haven for wildlife.
Set between Port d’Alcúdia and Ca’n Picafort, where Engel & Völkers Mallorca North have a number of properties for sale, the name comes from the Arabic “al Buhaira” which means “the little sea”. It was given to the lagoon by the Moors. There more than 200 species inhabiting the reserve at different times of the year, including purple herons, ospreys, peregrine falcons and hoopoes.
The wetlands were drained in the mid 19th century so that the land could be cultivated by a British company, the New Majorca Land Company, founded by two engineers. Under their guidance, two major channels were dug, roads were laid and bridges built, including El Puente de los Ingleses. It was a considerable endeavour which employed 1,500 workers from across Mallorca and allowed more than 2,000 hectares of land to be drained.
However, due to water ingress from the sea, only 400 hectares could be used for agriculture and the remainder left as wetlands. The British company went bankrupt in 1892.
The tourism boom which began in the 1960s represented the greatest threat to the lagoon when major hotel areas were established along the coast. In order to address this and preserve the natural beauty, 830 acres were bought by the local government in 1985 and it was declared a nature reserve just three years later—the first in the Balearics.
Pick up some supplies before you visit in one of the many shops in Playa de Muro for the facilities within the park are limited. It makes for a great day out—particularly in the height of summer when anyone has beach or resort fatigue.
We invite you to see our portfolio with beautiful properties for sale and rent in and around Puerto Alcudia and other towns within Mallorca’s North.
