The Albufera wetland Natural Park, declared in 1998, was the first protected area in the Balearic Islands. 1,700 hectares of salt marshes, reed beds, ponds, canals, riparian forest, coastal sand dunes and agricultural land offer a great mosaic of habitats that are home to some 300 bird species, either as resident, summer visitors, wintering or migrants.
Here we can see: Osprey, Marsh harrier, Eleonora’s falcon, Red-knobed coot, Purple swamphen, Red-crested pochard, Little grebe, Black-winged stilt and many wader species, Purple, Grey and Night herons, Bittern and Little bittern (both very scarce), Cetti’s and Moustached warblers, Zitting cisticola, Great reed warbler, Yellow wagtail, Stone curlew, Hoopoe, etc.
The wetlands are also excellent for the bird migration: many wader species, terns, several warbler species, Great white egret, Greater flamingo, Glossy ibis and Spoonbill (occasional).
The tour: we walk to the heart of the natural park up to the reception and visitor centres at Sa Roca; from there we visit the different existing observatories and platforms. The land is completely flat and the paths very easy.
Duration: half day or full day.
Practical recommendations: in spring, autumn and winter bring your raincoat and waterproof walking/trekking shoes. At the end of spring and in summer a hat, sun protection and mosquito lotion are highly recommended. And of course, do not forget your binoculars, telescope and camera. Remember to bring enough water and your lunch.