- Capital: Palma de Mallorca.
- Area: 4,992 km²
The Balearic Islands, a stunning archipelago situated in the western Mediterranean Sea, are a true paradise for nature lovers. Located near the Spanish coast, adjacent to Catalonia and the Valencian Community, these islands are home to seven Natural Parks and one National Park.
Find a hotel in the Balearic islands.
Looking to explore the Balearic Islands in Spain? This Booking.com search results page offers a wide selection of accommodations across Mallorca, Ibiza, Menorca, and Formentera. Whether you’re planning a beach getaway, a family holiday, or a romantic escape, you’ll find hotels, apartments, and villas to suit every budget and travel style. With helpful filters, guest reviews, and detailed property information, the page makes it easy to compare options and book your ideal stay in this stunning Mediterranean destination. Head over to Booking.com.
Walking and wildlife holidays in the Balearic islands highlights
Although the islands are widely recognized for their popular tourist destinations, such as Ibiza and Majorca, they also boast unique and diverse biospheres that offer a wealth of natural wonders waiting to be explored.
From the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean to the rugged terrain and lush vegetation, the Balearic Islands are a nature lover’s dream.
Whether you’re looking to bask in the sun, hike through the mountains, or simply immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, these islands have something for everyone.
- Protected nature zones cover a total of 2000 km2 of land, which is 40% of the total surface of the archipelago
- The landscapes vary widely, not only from one Island to another, but also within the Islands.
- Majorca has a surprising diversity of natural habitats and ecosystems. Eleonora’s falcon colonies live on the rocky cliffs. There are about 1,500 different flower and plant species on the island of which 40 are endemic.
- The evergreen forests consist mainly of Aleppo pines.
- Red kite and the Egyptian vulture are common on Menorca, it is also one of the few sites to view Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanni) in its natural habitat. Majorca for example accommodates rough mountain ranges on one side and much gentler hills on the other side, with some wide plains, green forests and many olive or orange groves in between.
- The Balearics has some 250 pairs of Eleanoras falcon nesting during the summer. This is the Iberian stronghold of this highly specialized falcon. Most of the colonies are on the steep cliffs of north-west Majorca on cliff-ledges or in rock crevices.
Listen to me, Clive, talking about this article and what the Balearics have to offer the nature lover.
The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.
Tours in the Balearic islands from Viator
The Balearic islands have a vast array of sites to visit and enjoy. Below are some of the options listed on the Viator website. (We recieve a small commission if you book a tour which doesn’t cost you more and helps us to keep Wildside Holidays up to date with the best information.)
Natural parks in the Balearic islands
- Cala dhort cap llentrisca Natural Park Since its declaration as a protected natural area in February 2002 , the park has undergone several modifications in terms of its extension and protection. Both the Sa Talaia area, in 2003 , and the public estate of Ses Païses de Cala d’Hort, in 2005 have been removed and is currently reduced to the islets and the marine environment. As a result of these changes the area is now called Es Vedrá, Es Vedranell and Islotes de Poniente Nature Reserve.
- Ses salines d eivissa Natural park Located between islands of Eivissa and Formentera, the Ses Salines d’Eivissa i Formentera Natural Park covers the channel that separates the two islands and also part of the land masses and salt mines. This Natural Park is a prime example of the Mediterranean’s rich biodiversity. it is a rest area and a nesting ground for countless birds, along their migratory paths. The area includes a diverse range of land and marine habitats of great ecological, landscape, historical and cultural value.
- Sa dragonera Natural park This uninhabited island off Mallorca’s western tip was the focus for a turning point in environmental protection. In 1977 it was occupied by environmentalists protesting against a planned tourist development. The campaigners won and the island has been protected ever since along with the nearby islets of Pantaleu and Isla Mediana.
- The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime Terrestrial National Park The Cabrera Archipelago Maritime Terrestrial National Park includes over 90,000 hectares containing the whole of the Cabrera Archipelago and open water habitats, mainly over the Emile Baudot Escarpment which is prime habitat for many creatures, including whales, dolphins and turtles. It is located to the south of Mallorca, ten nautical miles from the port of Colonia de Sant Jordi (ses Salines).
- Cala mondragón Natural Park In the “garrigue” The Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) is present and some hundreds of specimens have been reintroduced in recent decades.
- Peninsula del llevant Natural Park The park’s fauna include populations of Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni), Algerian hedgehog (Atelerix algirus), genet (Geneta geneta), pine marten (Martes martes) and the Balearic green toad (Bufo balearicus).
- S albufera de Mallorca Natural Park. Water is the basis of S’Albufera’s great biodiversity. Water and soil moisture allow vegetation to grow continuously, which varies depending on depth, proximity to the sea and the nature of the soil.
- S albufera des grau This protected natural environment includes vastly diverse habitats with varying degrees of human intervention such as wetlands, agricultural and livestock areas, forests, a coastline of cliffs and beaches, islets and a marine environment. The lagoon is separated from the Mediterranean sea by sand dunes and is fed by three streams.
Join Mike and Sarah on the Discovering Spain: Wildlife, Culture, and Travel Insights podcast as they explore the natural parks and wildlife of Spain’s Balearic Islands.
In this episode, they discuss how nearly 40% of the islands are protected, featuring diverse landscapes from rugged cliffs to wetlands. Learn about key parks like Es Vedrá, Ses Salines d’Eivissa, and Cabrera Archipelago, and discover wildlife highlights including Eleonora’s falcon and the Hermann’s tortoise.
They also touch on the islands’ growing reputation as a starlight destination.
FAQ – Natural Parks and Wildlife in the Balearic Islands, Spain
The Balearic Islands—Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera—are increasingly recognized as one of Europe’s top nature-focused travel destinations. Nearly 40% of the islands’ surface area (roughly 2,000 km²) is protected under various conservation designations, including seven Natural Parks and one National Park. These islands offer a unique combination of wetlands, pine forests, arid cliffs, and marine reserves. Their isolation and varied geography make them a hotspot for endemic wildlife and plant species.
The Balearics host more than 1,500 plant species, over 40 of which are endemic. The islands’ range of ecosystems—wetlands, marine zones, rocky coastlines, and forested inland areas—support a rich variety of fauna. This includes rare and regionally significant species such as:
Eleonora’s falcon (with about 250 breeding pairs in Mallorca)
Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni), especially in Menorca
Balearic green toad, Algerian hedgehog, pine marten, and genet
Red kite and Egyptian vulture in Menorca
Marine life in Cabrera National Park: dolphins, turtles, and whales
These factors contribute to the islands being dubbed “Europe’s Galápagos” for their high concentration of protected zones and endemic species.
Here are some standout protected natural areas:
Cabrera Archipelago Maritime-Terrestrial National Park: This 90,000-hectare marine reserve south of Mallorca includes underwater ecosystems, cliffs, and historic sites. It’s a sanctuary for cetaceans, sea turtles, and Posidonia oceanica meadows.
Sa Dragonera Natural Park (Mallorca): Once threatened by resort development, this island and its surrounding waters are now a refuge for seabirds, reptiles, and endemic plants.
S’Albufera de Mallorca Natural Park: The largest wetland in the Balearics, crucial for waterbirds and migratory species.
S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park (Menorca): Part of the island’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this park offers wetlands, forests, and farmlands with high biodiversity.
Ses Salines Natural Park (Ibiza and Formentera): Known for its salt pans, flamingos, and extensive seagrass beds that help preserve the marine ecosystem.
Es Vedrà and Islotes de Poniente (Ibiza): A rocky islet famous for Eleonora’s falcons and seabird colonies.
Mondragó and Peninsula del Llevant Natural Parks (Mallorca): Diverse flora and fauna, rewilding programs, and habitat for Hermann’s tortoise and migratory birds.
Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass species endemic to the Mediterranean, plays a vital ecological role. It improves water clarity, stabilizes sediment, supports marine biodiversity, and captures carbon. The meadows found around Cabrera, Ses Salines, and Es Vedrà are UNESCO-protected and essential to the crystal-clear turquoise waters that define the Balearic coastline.
With low light pollution in many protected areas, the Balearic Islands have gained official recognition as a Starlight Tourism Destination. Organizations like the Starlight Foundation promote astrotourism here, particularly in remote natural parks like Cabrera or inland Menorca. Stargazing tours and astronomy-focused holidays are growing in popularity across the archipelago.
Each island offers a different ecological profile:
Mallorca features the Tramuntana mountain range, olive groves, wetlands, and secluded coves.
Menorca is known for its gently rolling hills, deep ravines, and pristine beaches.
Ibiza and Formentera offer drier terrains but rich coastal biodiversity, salt marshes, and dramatic cliffs.
Together, these landscapes host a mix of Mediterranean forest, scrubland, rocky cliffs, and wetland ecosystems.
Many eco-conscious travel companies and conservation groups work to balance tourism with environmental stewardship. Wildside Holidays, for example, supports sustainable, nature-based tourism in Spain. They provide curated information on walking holidays, wildlife tours, and local eco-guides, encouraging low-impact, immersive exploration of these natural areas.
By using responsible travel options and supporting conservation-minded services, visitors help protect the fragile ecosystems while enjoying authentic Balearic nature experiences.
Nature lovers and adventure seekers can enjoy:
Birdwatching (Eleonora’s falcons, flamingos, Egyptian vultures)
Hiking and cycling along marked trails in Llevant, Tramuntana, and S’Albufera
Snorkeling and diving in marine parks like Cabrera
Kayaking, sailing, and boat tours around Dragonera or Formentera
Stargazing and nature photography in designated dark-sky zones
Educational walks and guided wildlife tours
Spring (March–May): Peak for wildflowers, birds, and mild weather
Autumn (September–October): Warm sea, fewer tourists, migratory bird watching
Winter: Mild climate, ideal for hiking and quiet park visits
Avoiding peak summer months also reduces stress on ecosystems and enhances visitor experience.
About the author of this article.
I’ve been living in this lovely area of Western Andalucia for the last 20 years or so and dedicate most of my time to the running of English language tourist information websites for the towns of Cádiz, Ronda, Grazalema, the famous or infamous Caminito del Rey, and also Wildside Holidays, which promotes sustainable and eco-friendly businesses running wildlife and walking holidays in Spain.
Main image (top) by sladky, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40133122