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Balearics Local Reference INFOrmation
Information on the facilities in Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera for outdoors activities: walks, hikes and cycling activities in the area.
Below is information on the different natural parks in the Balearics, and an overview of outdoor activities: hiking and walking, cycling and mountain biking, climbing, water sports and horse riding available in Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera. Natural ParksParc Naturel de s'Albufera de MallorcaThis nature reserve covers a sandy coastal strip and wetlands with channels and lakes. It is the habitat of many species of migratory birds and waterfowl. The park is open to walkers and cyclists with a visiting permit. Permits are obtainable free of charge from the reception centre.
Parc Natural de sa Dragonera, MallorcaDesignated a natural park in 1995, it encompasses the sa Dragonera island, the islet of Pantaleu, Mitjana and els Calafats islands. There are numerous species of bird and mammal in the park as well as gecko and lizards. The park is accessible via boat to Sant Telm.
There are four routes around the park:
S'Albufera des Grau Nature Park, MenorcaWater marsh area with a diverse flora and fauna, situated in the north east part of the island of Minorca.
Ses Salines Natural Reserve, IbizaRenowned for its salt pans and marshes found in the Pitiüsas Islands, this area was designated a natural reserve in 1995. It is ideal for cycling excursions with views of Ses Salines from the Puig del Corb Marí. Information centres are situated in both Ibiza and Formentera.
Walking & Hiking
MallorcaThe range of terrain in Mallorca makes it an ideal location for walking and hiking. There are four main hiking routes around the island. These include:
MenorcaPunta Nati - Cala Morell: This medium-difficulty trail begins in Punta Nati and follows Minorca's northern coastline, passing through several coves before reaching the Cala Morell village. Hikers can visit the beaches of Cala Pous and Cala Morts, the prehistoric caves of Cala Morell, the dune-beaches of Tancats and des Bots and the Cabo Cavalleria lighthouse. Punta Nati can be reached by a road that starts in northern Ciutadella, where it is possible to park. IbizaSant Josep - Sa Talaia: Starting in the village of Sant Josep, this medium-difficulty trail climbs up to Sa Talaia, one of the highest points in Ibiza. Places and things of interest along the trail are the rural Punic-Roman settlement of Ses Paises de Cala d'Hort, the typical Ibizan folkdance that takes place in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, the tower of es Savinar and the tiny Chapel of d'en Serra. FormenteraOn Formentera, hikers can follow the signposted Green Routes listed in the leaflet published by the Formentera City Council. Orienteering in the BalearicsThose interested in orienteering activities can contact the Balearic Islands' Orienteering Federation:
Climbing & MountaineeringThe Balearics have many rock climbs. Local tourist offices have up-to-date information on locations and activities available. The Balearic Islands Mountaineering Federation (Federació Balear de Muntanyisme) provides information on hiking, climbing and mountaineering in the region. It is associated with the Escola Balear d'Alta Muntanya (EBAM) which organises mountaineering courses and excursions for all levels of expertise.
The Speleology Federation of the Balearics has information about caving locations, events and courses.
Cycling & Mountain BikingThe Balearic Islands tourist information has information and maps on cycling trips in the area: Click here
The Cycling Federation of the Balearic Islands (Federació de Ciclisme de les Illes Balears, FCIB) provides information about cycling clubs and events.
MallorcaMallorca is a popular destination for cycling. Amateur teams train in autumn and spring and in winter professional European cycling teams visit the islands to train. The Illes Balears tourist board suggests 6 cycling routes:
MenorcaCiutadella – Cala Blanca: This easy 4.7 Km route starts from the city of Ciutadella and continues along the PM-V-7212 road to the beach of Cala Blanca. Worth visiting are Ciutadella's narrow harbour, the old quarter next to the port, the churches of Sant Francesc, Socorro and Sant Crist, the Saura Palace and the Seminary's Cloister. IbizaRuta Es Camp Vell: This 35.5 Km itinerary passes through varied terrain including coastal areas and the vineyards of the Sant Mateu valley. FormenteraGreen Routes: The Formentera City Council has published a leaflet with 19 signposted routes to help visitors enjoy the island's landscape. Some of these routes cross through agricultural areas with vineyards, dunes and pine groves that have been declared Natural Areas of Special Interest.
Water SportsThe warm, clean waters of the Balearic Islands are ideal for water sports activities such as sailing, diving and swimming.
For diving, contact the Balearic Subaquatic Activities Federation:
The Balearic Canoeing Federation provides information and courses for all ages in canoeing:
The Balearic Swimming Federation has information about competitions, courses and clubs:
Horse RidingThere are numerous horse riding schools in the Balearic Islands. The islands host jumping competitions and harness races.
Many other outdoors sports, such as flying, running and ball games can be practised in the Balearic Islands.
Safety PrecautionsThe Illes Balears tourist website provides rules and advice on practising outdoor sports safely in the islands. Further Information
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