Bird Watching and Hiking
Bird Watching and Hiking
Mallorca is a popular destination for bird-watching, and home to the only island-dwelling black vultures in the world.
The mountains are a great place to spot raptors on the wing, but keen ornithologists won’t want to miss a visit to S’Albufera Nature Parc – the Balearics’ largest and most important wetland, which is just a few minutes cycle or drive from the Marina on the coast road to Alcudia.
Despite being only a short distance from the holiday resorts and hotels of Can Picafort and Playa de Muro, this important nature conservation area is home to substantial colonies of herons and purple gallinule, as well as being a stopping point for vast numbers of migrating birds. Around 230 species of bird – some 80 per cent of those recorded from the Balearics – have been spotted, but there other fauna and flora to enjoy too.
Bird migration periods can be particularly rewarding for a visit. Take binoculars, cameras and… mosquito repellent.
Cap de Formentor is also a very popular bird watching area, as it most of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. For more information on guided tours in the area see abcMallorca/birdwatching or visit Mallorca Bird Watching.
Hiking is very popular in the island, especially in the Northern Pollenca region. Mallorca has two mountain ranges – Serra de Tramuntan and Sierra de Llevant – with more than five summits over 1,000 meters high. There have been guided mountain tours for over three decades, with increasing popularity over the last number of years. Nowadays there is something for everyone. Depending on the level of skill, one can opt for a leisurely mountain walk, suitable for children as well, a rigorous hike for more advanced hikers, or a challenging climb which one should only attempt with suitable equipment and a mountain guide who knows the terrain.
Pay attention to proper footwear, opting for a firm sport shoe or a good hiking boot, depending on the terrain. It is best to carry a light rain jacket with you as this can also protect one from cold wind. The weather in the mountains can change suddenly, even in summer, so consider carrying a sweater with you as well. Headgear, provisions and sufficient water supply are equally important, as well as a first- aid kit. And be sure to carry any litter back with you, so that you can help to preserve the beautiful nature of this island and enjoy its many hiking paths time and time again.
One can walk through oak forests, over mountain ranges full of boulders or through valleys of fruit trees, all with many vantage points to look out over the spectacular sea or countryside. Furthermore, one can hike throughout the whole year and into areas only reachable by foot. For some routes, it is advisable to select months with little rain, and it is recommended that one head for the beach instead during the scorching heat of July and August (though summer hikes are still possible during the early morning hours with plenty of water and sunscreen).
There are organised hiking holidays incl. accommodation and daily hikes on various routes, or one can opt to book a single-day guided mountain tour or hike on their own. Whatever the choice, it is always advisable to carry a guidebook or maps of the route with you. There is plenty of information about hiking on Mallorca on the internet, and many books available on the subject in a variety of languages. Detailed maps abound with descriptions of adventure hiking tours and routes as well as anecdotes and drawings.
Further details of hiking holidays can be found at abcMallorca/hiking and of local guided bird watching and hiking tours at USEFUL CONTACTS /Birding and Hiking.
