The Llevant Peninsula Natural Park is a must-see during a stay in Mallorca. Covering an area of 1,670 hectares in the northeast of the island, there are many natural areas particularly well preserved, protected and classified. This mountainous area is a delight for hiking enthusiasts, who enjoy being surrounded by a rich fauna and flora. There is also the coastline, which, as in many other places in Mallorca, reveals coves with translucent waters that contrast perfectly with the surrounding nature. As we travel through the Llevant Natural Park, we will not fail to stop in its emblematic towns, rich in a precious heritage. Old buildings can be seen on both sides of the territory. Finally, we will not forget to visit the area south of the park, where sports activities are going well and where you can enjoy idyllic bathing conditions.
The Llevant Natural Park and its natural beauty
The Llevant Natural Park is an area that appeals primarily to those who love nature walks. Dozens of signposted routes allow you to cross the landscape in peace and quiet and discover its great diversity. Bike rides are also possible for mountain bike enthusiasts. The environment is characterized by reliefs of which the Puig Morei, the Puig des Porrassar and the Puig de sa Tudossa are the highest peaks. The vegetation is also varied, with areas of typical Mallorcan scrubland and forests of holm oak and pine.
Along the route, we also have the opportunity to pass close to fields of olive trees, carob trees, almond trees or fig trees, over hundreds of hectares. Man has indeed found in these lands formidable spaces for cultivation. Area of long agricultural tradition, it has also been led to regularly burn trees and shrubs to allow native plants to grow and feed goats and sheep. These plants now cover large areas of the park. Obviously, several animal species have taken up residence in the Llevant Natural Park. Some are endemic, such as the Balearic warbler, the snail and the cave scorpion. We also enjoy watching martens, hedgehogs, green toads, genets and other Mediterranean turtles. Without forgetting to raise the eyes to the sky to realize that the park is a real ornithological paradise, with the presence of crested cormorants, peregrine falcons, the royal Milan, booted eagles and Egyptian vultures. These last two species are protected in the Balearic Islands.
Natural Park of Llevant: focus on the coastline
The Natural Park of Llevant is also rich in a sublime coastline. Impressive cliffs and caves line the Mediterranean, which is adorned with its most beautiful shades of blue. Around Capdepera, the coast is part of the Llevant Marine Reserve, an ideal place to dive and observe the coral reefs and fauna.
Inside the park there are two natural reserves. Named Cap Ferrutx and Cap des Freu, they are home to beautiful coves with turquoise waters that attract bathers who want to refresh themselves and enjoy a paradisiacal atmosphere with geological formations in the background that attract all eyes.
The sandy beaches are also part of the game. On the hottest days, hikers in the Llevant Natural Park can't help but settle for a few moments on Cala Torta or Cala Mesquida. The latter, surrounded by gentle hills and framed by rocks, rivals in beauty the most beautiful lagoons in the world. With its neighbor Cala Agulla, they form a nature reserve. No hotel construction in sight, just the pleasure of being in the heart of a preserved natural area, ideal for water activities: snorkeling, rowing boat trips, surfing in spring and fall when the wind blows and causes surprising waves.
Cities not to be missed, the contemplation of heritage
The visit to the Llevant Natural Park also includes its most emblematic towns. Artà is a village that seduces with its authenticity and tranquility. Preserved from mass tourism, it is an interesting stopover for a stroll through the medieval streets of its historic center. You can admire the beautiful stately homes, before going to the Plaça d'Espanya and the Artà regional museum, dedicated to the history of the eastern part of Majorca. Artà is also dominated by a hill where the oratory of Sant Salvador proudly stands. Dating from the 13th century, it is surrounded by a sublime fortified enclosure and is a place that is a must-see for its views of the village and its surrounding nature.
Capdepera, the easternmost town of Majorca, is another obligatory stopover. Here, too, you will enjoy wandering through its medieval streets and observing its 14th-century stately homes and other centuries-old buildings. After climbing up to the castle, walking along the walls of this impressive fortress is an opportunity to contemplate the orange roofs of the city and its beautiful natural surroundings. Another must-see is the Capdepera lighthouse, which stands in the middle of an exceptional natural setting and allows you to see Menorca on a clear day.
Hiking in the Llevant Natural Park is a great way to discover history and architecture. You can stop at the foot of defensive towers that dominate the sea, such as the Atalaya Moreia, from the 16th century. Not far from Artà is also the archaeological site of Ses Païsses, with the ruins of one of the most representative Talayotic villages of the island.
Stopover in the south of the Llevant Natural Park
If the northern part of the park remains the wildest and most preserved part, the southern part is far from lacking interest. Indeed, we discover incredible sites like the Artà caves, not far from the beautiful beach of Canyamel. The succession of rooms reveals stalactites and stalagmites with breathtaking shapes. For the anecdote, these caves inspired Jules Verne to write his novel Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Cala Millor offers the perfect setting to stop for a few days and enjoy the many activities available in one of the most important seaside resorts in Mallorca. There are plenty of stores, bars and restaurants to indulge yourself, go out and enjoy the gastronomy. There are also the beautiful beaches of Cala Millor and Cala Bona, where you can sunbathe and swim. For golf enthusiasts, it is possible to try golf at Son Servera and at the Golf Pula Resort. Hiking trails and bicycle paths allow you to discover the surrounding nature.
