Formentor peninsula - Mallorca Nature Tours

HABITATS: mountain, Holm oak & pine forest, Mediterranean garrigue, low scrub, sea cliffs, islands, open sea.

TYPE OF TOUR: land / DURATION: 4 hours / GETTING THERE[1]: 20 minutes / DIFFICULTY: easy.

At the northernmost end of the island, in the Serra de Tramuntana UNESCO World Heritage Site, another biodiversity hotspot that any birder visiting Mallorca cannot miss is the Formentor peninsula, the best area for migratory raptors and many other birds, especially in spring. The sea cliffs of the northern coast offer dramatic seascapes in contrast with the more gentle slopes and beaches of the Pollença bay. The great variety of coastal and inland habitats are home to a large diversity of birds: Osprey, Eleonora’s falcon, Peregrine, Blue Rock thrush, Crag martin, Balearic warbler, Red crossbill, Firecrest, Wren, Raven, Audouin’s gull, Mediterranean shag, Scopoli’s and Balearic shearwaters, etc.

eleonoras-falcon3 — Eleonora’s falcon (Photo: Mallorca Bird Watching)

During the spring migration (and to a lesser extent in autumn), hundreds of birds can be seen as they leave Mallorca such as Honey buzzard, Marsh harrier, Booted eagle, Black kite, Bee-eater, etc. Each corner of the peninsula has its own natural interest, whether birds, landscape or the numerous endemic plant species present.

blue-rock-thrush — Blue rock thrush (Photo: Mallorca Bird Watching)

osprey — Osprey (Photo: Mallorca Bird Watching)

The tour involves little walking as the birding sites are accessible by car. Departing from Port de Pollença, we stop at several places on the way to Formentor cape and lighthouse.

Duration: half day. This tour can be combined with Boquer valley to make a one day tour.

Formentor peninsula and the can be combined in a full day tour.

Practical recommendations

In spring, autumn and winter bring your raincoat and waterproof walking/trekking shoes. At the end of spring and in summer a hat and sun protection are highly recommended. And of course, do not forget your binoculars, telescope and camera. Remember to bring enough water and your lunch.

Pollença Bay and Formentor peninsula (©Pere Tomàs)

[1] The duration of each tour is calculated starting from the site entrance and back to the entrance. Extra time must be allowed to get from your place of departure (hotel, apartment, meeting point, etc.) to the site entrance. As a reference, this time is indicated by “GETTING THERE” based on a departure from Port de Pollença. All tours are subject to weather (& sea) conditions.