Discover the secrets of the ecosystems of the Balearic Islands

The natural heritage of the Balearic Islands is rich and diverse. The fact that they are islands has helped protect their flora and fauna from external influences, creating unique endemic species not found anywhere else in the world. Balearic citizens are fully aware of the importance of their natural surroundings and know how to adapt their activities to the spaces they inhabit. This harmonious coexistence with nature has been recognised by global organisations: Minorca was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range became a World Heritage Site in 2011 for its cultural landscape and Ibiza and Formentera have had their treasure trove of posidonia under UNESCO protection since 1999. 

A natural treasure
The Balearic Islands are full of natural treasures protected from external influences by the sea. Nowadays, it's easier than ever to find out the secrets of the ecosystems that inhabit them. Aware of the great value of their natural heritage, each island has visitor centres for the main places of environmental interest so that visitors can learn about them in a fun, interesting and entertaining way. We suggest taking a route by land, sea and air to discover the secrets of the Balearic Islands. 

Land
There are currently more than 700 Biosphere Reserves in the world, and Minorca has been one of them since 1993. UNESCO recognised it as an example of compatibility between human activity and the conservation of the environment and cultural heritage. Visitors can immerse themselves in its incredible biodiversity at the Rodriguez Femenías Visitor Centre, located in the S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, the heart of the reserve. 

A few kilometres away, on the next island, the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range rises up impressively. Declared a natural area in 2007 and a World Heritage Site in 2011, it's an example of how humans have been able to adapt to rugged terrain without altering its essence. You can find out more at the Ca s'Amitger Visitor Centre in Escorca. 

Majorca also has five natural parks known for their environment and landscapes: the natural parks of Península de Llevant, S'Albufera de Mallorca, Mondragó, Sa Dragonera and the recently declared land and sea natural park of Es Trenc-Salobrar de Campos. It also has the Cabrera Archipelago land and sea national park, which you can visit with a reservation. Click here to find out more about Majorca's natural areas. 

Sea
The watery depths of the Balearic Islands hide a great natural wealth and have large expanses of posidonia meadows, known as the Amazon of the oceans. The Ses Salines Natural Park in Ibiza and Formentera is home to a true jungle of this marine plant, which provides oxygen, regenerates beaches and absorbs CO2. Don't miss the Ses Salines Visitor Centre (Ibiza) and the Can Marroig park (Formentera) to learn about the importance of this plant and the treasure that lies in this incredible natural spot.

The posidonia in Minorca is also noteworthy, and various measures have been undertaken to protect it. It should also not be forgotten that in 2019, UNESCO extended the Marine Reserve, making it the largest in the Mediterranean. This is why respectful snorkellers in the key areas of the reserve are guaranteed a show of biodiversity. 

Air
The Balearic Islands are also a paradise for birdwatchers. Some species have taken up permanent residence on our islands and can be observed all year round. Other species are seasonal, and a good number are migratory birds that come to the islands to rest on their way to other latitudes. This makes the islands an ideal place to study migratory bird populations and a paradise for bird watching and photography. 

Here, you can check the options for birdwatching in each of the islands and the best time of the year to come, depending on the species that you find most appealing.