From Badia d'Alcudia, where the tourism development is remarkable and clear, the urbanized landscape change dramatically in the territory of the natural park of S'albufera, a protected zone that extends from the coast to about 2000 acres: this total detachment from a landscape to its exact opposite is already a spectacular place.
And think that only in recent years, just after the tourist boom of the 1960s, the government has organized this natural area in order to protect the area from further urbanization and preserve the little completely natural territory that has remained untouched on the island.
In any case, the land reclamation and the consequent urbanization of the area started at the beginning of the XIXth century, mainly for two reasons, not negligible: in the first place to try to eradicate the malaria, that at that time was a real scourge for the population; secondly because there was a serious need of more land for the urbanization (especially because of the mountains in the island) and for the cultivated areas and farms.
To reach this goal the government spent a huge amount of money and efforts and, finally, they could reclami this portino of coast once occupied only by wetland and marshes.
The large-scale reclamation was carried out by a British company that created a network of canals and installed a powerful steam machine capable of pumping out all the water.
Later, were used more drainage systems for a faster land reclamation and more extended: in particular, the tourist boom of the 1960s determined the almost total drainage of the zone and, as already mentioned, only recently measurea have been taken to safeguard the natural heritage of the coast.
However, the natural S’Albufera park is only 6 kilometers south east of the marina of Port d'Alcudia: along this direction on the road C712, the entry of the park is signalled clearly and it is almost impossible to miss it.
From the entrance of the natural reserve, there is a small country road, rather well kept, on which we need to continue on foot: in fact in the park are not allowed cars or any kind of engine.
In case you to arrive in S'Albufera with your means, you can park in the parking lot of the Hotel Parc Natural, situated in front of the entrance of the park, a few metres away.
An alternative to the car could be to get there by bus and continue on foot: there are many public services that leave from Port d'aAcudia and stop right in the vicinity of the entrance.
However the best method is still to move by bicycle, even within the park: at the entrance depart several footpaths and bicycle routes paths that cross the reserve, passing through the midst of the water expanses and thickets, excellent hiding places for the birdwatching.
In fact, this is the ideal place for those who love birdwatching, here have been classified more than 200 bird species that live here, including some races originating from the island and very difficult to observe in other areas.
Among the many kinds of birds to find, we can mention those of the “ralli” family, nightingales, Emberiza and of the marine swallows; furthermore, during the spring and autumn, Mallorca "houses” herons, cranes, plovers, small peacocks and woodcock water; while in the winter on the coast, birds as herons water and the Albatros can be seen.
Thanks to the richness of preys in the swamp, the area is also frequented by small predatory birds as kestrels and harriers.
In any case, to try to recognize the various species, in addition to the list provided at the entrance, at the reception there is also a large screen that shows "The Wildlife", with a short introduction to what you will find in the park.
Plus, adjacent to the welcome centre there is a tiny house where are reproduced the details about the flora and the fauna of the natural reserve.
Certainly visit this place can be a very fascinating and interesting experience for those who are not truly a nature lovers!
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