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Location
Located on the north-east side of the island 10mins from Mahon, this nature reserve is a must see if you have decided to get a Menorca car hire, or even if you have a Rent a scooter in Menorca, as it’s a great place to visit.
Declared a Nature Reserve
Albufera des Grau was declared a nature reserve in 1995 and the boundary of the park was extended in 2003. The park is an excellent example of a diverse number of Menorca’s natural habitats: Marshlands, wild olive trees, temporary ponds, sand dunes, Sea phanerogram prairies and coastal islets. These habitats hold significant biodiversity and are home to a number of endemic and important species like the Fisher eagle or the Balearic lizard.
The Lagoon
Es Grau’s reserve has a Lagoon that sits on 70 hectares and has one of the islands most peculiar ecosystems. In some places the lagoon reaches a depth of 3 metres and is a habitat for water plants such as the Rupia Cirrhosis or Potamogeton Pectinatus, which together with a number of fish, turns the lagoon into a great stop-over and home for many water birds, like the common coot or Fisher eagle.
The Coast
The coast, in particular its islets, are a paradise for certain endemic species thanks to its harsh winds, droughts, salt, etc. Plants like the Spiny thickets, known locally as Socarrells and animals like the Balearic lizard, live here free of any competitors, as it is the only place in the world where you can find this lizard.
Seabed
Underneath the water, the seabeds are covered with Posidonia Oceanica and Cymodocea, both acting as refuge and feeding spot for fish, as well as filtering the sea to produce the stunning blue clear waters and also playing a big role as a sand factory for the beaches.
How to get there
If you have found yourself cheap car hire in Menorca or Scooter rental in Menorca, then these are the 2 best options to get there. Don’t worry about parking, as there is plenty of parking near the reserve. Another option is taking a bus from the bus station in the centre of Mahon.