The Albufereta in Puerto Pollensa

S’Albufereta de Pollensa is a wetland nature Reserve in the north of the island, however, it is largely private property. Would you like to find out some more information?

S’ALBUFERETA NATURE RESERVE

Wetlands protection is a top priority for the European Union. S’Albufereta is part of the Natura 2000 network, composed of various European natural spaces which aims to contribute to the conservation of species and natural habitats.

S’Albufereta wetland coastline is one of the jewels of the bay of Pollença both for its special landscape as its ornithological and botanical contains. Nature Reserve protects an area of ​​211 hectares and 290 hectares around its periphery which have regulated some activities and uses to avoid unwanted impacts on it.

Like other Mediterranean wetlands, s’Albufereta is an enclave of vital importance for waterfowl during annual migrations. Also, during the severe summer drought characteristic of the Mediterranean climate wetlands as s’Albufereta become oases for many birds. The sight of a group of Eleonora’s falcons (Falco eleonorae) hunting at dusk or being lucky enough to see an osprey (Pandion haliaetus) are just some of the nice rewards for the attentive and quiet visitor.

In s’Albufereta abound own flooded areas with strong saline influence by proximity to the sea vegetation communities. Thus, the dominant vegetation of the landscape of the Reserve are the meadows of salicornia and tamarisks between lakes, streams and canals. In fact, the tamarisk forest flanking the torrent “El Rec” is one of the highlights of Mallorca. No less remarkable for their uniqueness hydrogeological brackish sources are variable displacement “Els Ulls del Rec” in the bed of the stream. The presence of endemic plant Limonium alcudianum, which only grows in the saline area of  S’Albufereta and neighboring Albufera and the only population of Balearic other Limonio, Limonium algarvense, along with many other species, give this place an outstanding botanical interest.

The Nature Reserve it is accessible through several routes that will allow visitors to discover the most outstanding values ​​of the area, preventing environmental degradation, disturbance to species that live there and possible conflicts with private property. To visit the reserve with an organized group it is necessary to arrange the conditions of the visit. It is important to know you are not allowed to visit with pets since many species that live and breed in s’Albufereta, some of them endangered, would be affected by its presence.

REGULATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS in S’ Albufereta

• You can only travel on roads and existing paths without leaving them.
• The visit by boat, horse or motor vehicles within the reserve is not allowed. Keep the environment clean, taking with you the waste that you generate during the visit.
• Dogs and cats can damage habitats as unique as this one, so is not allowed to bring them to the reserve.
• Abstain from sporting activities or competition within the Nature Reserve.
• It prohibited the collection of plants and cause disturbance to wildlife.
• The construction activities of any kind require prior municipal license.

Some information about S’Albufereta

• Location: In the Bay of Pollença, in northern Mallorca
• Municipal Areas: Alcúdia and Pollença
• Access Main roads: Ma-2220 Port de Pollença – Port d’Alcúdia

Ma-2202 Cami Almadrava

Ma-13 Palma – Inca

• Altitude: The maximum altitude of the reserve sare 15.58m at the part of Ses Rocasses and s’Almadrava 10m. The rest of the reserve is just about 5m above sea level.
• Surface:
• the watershed of seasonal streams: 50km2
• wetland: 200ha
• The swampy area: about 65ha, not including lakes
• Lake Sa Barcassa: 4ha, flooded in winter
• s’Albufereta Lakes: two of a 4.5 ha
• Coastline: 2.342m in the Natural Area of ​​Special Interest (ISNA)
• Protective measures
• Natural Area of ​​Special Interest (ISNA) 501.27ha
• Caravan epecial Protection of Birds (SPA)
• Site of Community Importance (SCI)
• declared a nature reserve in 2001: 213ha.
• Remarkable values: Coastal Landscape with pastures and agriculture, high biodiversity, birds, tamarisk trees, aquatic systems, natural beach and sand dune system and traditional architectural structures, among others.

• Activities permitted in the Reserve:
• Activities directly related or compatible with the preservation of natural values
• Cultivation of American cane, rattan or other species traditionally used in the region for crafts.
• Fishing from the beaches and coasts. Sport fishing of eels, using worm in privately owned areas between October 1 and the Festival of Sant Antoni (mid-January); fishing wire basket with 2cm min. And for personal use.