Hello there,
I intend coming to Mallorca with my wife and (by that point) 10 month old baby. I would like to stay very close (walking distance) from Albufera. As my wife is very much a non-birder, and I don't intend hiring a car, I would like to stay as close as possible to the reserve to maximise the birding opportunities that come my way.
Could anyone recommend a nice hotel within waling distance of Albufera, I was thinking all-inclusive, but any suggestions would be appreciated.
Mark
Hi Mark
I have never visited Mallorca as such, but I have been to Menorca a few times over the years. These are just a few pointers to help you on your way...if this helps you. By the way, we had no hire car on our holiday.
Organised Trips: A couple of years ago, we visited the 'one' local' Reserve on the East coast of Menorca. The Reserve guide was only too happy too pick us up from outside our hotel, and drop us off at the hotel at the end of the trip. The whole trip started early in the morning and finished in the middle of the day (4 hours or so)
Weatherwise: The weather got very hot in the middle of the day and walking becomes a bit unbearable in the heat. So you are better to consider these things in your timetable. Either take a early morning stroll or one later in the evening. All wildlife hides in the heat, so any sightings come a little thin on the ground.
So...if I where you I would see about getting a comfortable hotel to stay closeby, and arrange at least one 'staged' visit to the Reserve by asking the Hotel if they can lay on a hire car for you. The other option is to ask the hotel if they could ring up the Reserve and ask for you to be picked up.
We where charged 35 euros each for the 4 hours trip we had, and it just the best thing to ever go on...and we had no hire car at all, but a had a helpful member of staff in the hotel, and a obliging Reserve Guide.
Another thing i have found out is that the Reserve Wardens in Menorca prefer to run tours in April or September/October time for the best sightings...so ask what trips they do at certain points in the year.
You could hire a cycle for your reserve trips as it gets you from one place to another in double time. Is there a bus service in the area?
Just some ideas and if you want to go out alone, that is a good idea too.
Love to hear how you get on. :-O
Regards
Kathy
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