Date of publication 05/07/2023
S'Albufera Natural Park, an excursion for all ages
Explore the Albufera Natural Park and discover new spots for your itinerary.
At S’Albufera Natural Park in Mallorca, the word nature expands beyond its meaning to touch the soul of everyone who visits, becoming part of it. Sea and land extend into one another until they meet, until they merge in a moment of connection unlike anywhere else. A landscape shaped by wetlands, Mediterranean woodlands, and shores of clear water framed by endless dunes.
With the idyllic Playa de Muro, in the Bay of Alcúdia, marking its seaward edge and bordered by the municipalities of Muro, Alcúdia, and Sa Pobla, this protected natural space is home to the largest wetland area in Mallorca. It also reveals a series of shifting landscapes that guide each step along the way. There are four main routes, along with several alternative paths, ideal for both adults and children. Each one offers a different perspective on the ecosystem while encouraging a more sustainable way to explore.
If the idea of discovering it appeals to you, the resort formed by Iberostar Selection Albufera Playa and Iberostar Selection Albufera Park, a hotel complex on Playa de Muro set beside the natural park, becomes the perfect starting point. Both properties were fully renovated in 2023. Their new look, with an equally magnetic and inspiring energy, opens onto sweeping views, starting with the panorama of Playa de Muro stretching out before you. Below, you will find everything you need to know about S’Albufera Natural Park through its routes, so you can start planning what will undoubtedly be the most exciting excursion of your next vacation.
The best routes in S’Albufera Natural Park, Mallorca
Es Colombars route
The information center is located at Sa Roca, about a kilometer from the park entrance. Stop here before setting out to register and collect your visitor permit, which is required to explore the reserve. The park covers more than 2,000 hectares, accessed on foot or by bicycle via the Pont dels Anglesos. Entry is free, and the park is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from April to September, and until 5:00 p.m. from October to March.
The Es Colombars route, near Muro, stretches between two and two and a half miles, depending on where you begin the return. It is considered an easy route, ideal for hiking, cycling, or even running. Along this stretch, you may spot bird species such as coots, mallards, and the striking Eleonora’s falcon.
A walk from Sa Roca
The Sa Roca route stands out for its flat terrain. This is a short walk of less than half a mile, starting in the central area of S’Albufera, right at the Can Bateman interpretation center. From here, you can observe waterfowl that inhabit the flooded areas, including grey herons, red-crested pochards, and northern shovelers, and even some groups of bats. The historic building itself, constructed around a large hydraulic wheel and used as a paper factory until 1966, is also worth admiring. This route can be linked to longer walks, such as the one that runs through Es Cibollar.
Es Cibollar route
At around half a mile out and the same distance back, the Es Cibollar route crosses the Canal des Sol before reaching the banks of the Gran Canal, the main waterway of the marshlands, which runs from west to east until it flows into the sea. Here, it is common to spot birds such as coots, moorhens, and purple swamphens, along with different species of ducks and, in winter, great cormorants. The wall brown butterfly is one of the most emblematic inhabitants of the surrounding woodland. If you happen to come across one, it is said to bring a sense of quiet renewal that lingers throughout the rest of the walk.
Camí d’Enmig–ses Puntes
This is the longest route, covering about 7 miles with an average duration of three hours. It spans almost the entire park, offering a way to experience the variety of environments that shape it and, in turn, the different forms of life that coexist within them. It includes the highest point in S’Albufera Natural Park, a lookout where the Muro and Sant Miquel streams meet as they flow down from the Serra de Tramuntana. From this vantage point, you can take in views of Muro and Sa Pobla. In summer, it is not uncommon to see purple herons hunting along the nearby canals.
Hiking routes in S’Albufera for children
A guided visit from Sa Roca
Planning a hiking route in S'Albufera is an ideal family activity. Children will especially enjoy the free guided tours, held every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (advance booking required), where, beyond observing wildlife and marveling at the plant life, they learn to respect nature in a fun, hands-on way. It is an experience they can continue at the Star Camp spaces in Iberostar hotels in Mallorca, thoughtfully designed so families can enjoy their vacation with ease.
From the Bay of Alcúdia to S’Albufera Natural Park
If you are wondering which hotels are near S’Albufera Natural Park in Mallorca, Iberostar Waves Alcudia Park is a great example. Designed especially for families, it stands out among family-friendly hotels in Alcúdia. Set in the heart of the Bay of Alcúdia, its proximity to the park makes getting around simple and convenient, whether on foot or by bike, from the beach to the protected area of S’Albufera. The Sa Roca and Es Cibollar routes are the most suitable for younger children. You can also plan your own small adventures along Playa de Muro. The possibilities are endless. If you prefer to stay directly on Playa de Muro, Iberostar Waves Playa de Muro is another excellent base for exploring the park.
Best cycling routes for children and adults
Circular route from Pont dels Anglesos
Exploring the natural park from the Pont dels Anglesos on a circular route, with stops along the way, has the advantage that you can turn back at any point. This makes it easy to adapt the route to different difficulty levels, especially when traveling with younger children. The key is simple: take it at an unhurried pace to fully enjoy the surrounding nature while staying active.
From Playa de Muro to Son Servera
This route extends beyond the boundaries of S’Albufera Natural Park, continuing along secondary roads surrounded by Mediterranean scenery that is equally worth experiencing. From Playa de Muro, you can pass through the park and then continue on to the town of Son Servera, or even reach Porto Cristo if you are a more experienced and adventurous cyclist.
How to prepare for your excursion to S’Albufera Natural Park, Mallorca
S’Albufera Natural Park in Mallorca is home to a wide variety of animal and plant species, valued not only for their existence but also for the essential role they play in maintaining the island’s delicate ecological balance. Reeds and sedge grasses dominate the flora, while native wildlife includes martens, Balearic midwife toads, pond turtles, and weasels, along with numerous bird species such as the great reed warbler, of which more than 250 species have been recorded in the park, as well as fish, reptiles, and amphibians. When visiting the reserve, it is essential not to interfere with their habitat. Touching animals or plants is prohibited, as is leaving any kind of litter or causing harm to the environment in any way.
A visit to S'Albufera is best enjoyed with the environment in mind. A simple tip: bring empty bags to collect any waste you generate. Better yet, avoid single-use plastics and aim to travel as waste-free as possible by using reusable containers such as glass bottles. Biodegradable packaging and utensils are also a great alternative. If you are staying at one of the Iberostar hotels, including any of their all-inclusive properties in Mallorca, you will also be contributing to environmental care, as they are free of single-use plastics.
As for what to bring, be sure to pack comfortable footwear, light athletic clothing, sunglasses, and a cap, hat, or scarf to protect against UVA and UVB rays, along with sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Bring plenty of water and fluids to stay hydrated throughout the route, as well as something to eat to keep your energy up, such as fruit, nuts, or granola bars.
At the end of the route, unwind at one of the beach clubs along Playa de Muro and enjoy Mallorcan cuisine by the sea. You'll be very close to a hotel with a pool on Playa de Muro, perfect for making the most of the good weather — and, why not, raising a cocktail to completing your journey through S'Albufera Natural Park, an experience that invites you to reconnect with your most authentic and free-spirited self.
