What kinds of plants and animals can I see while hiking the Serra de Tramuntana or visiting coastal towns like Pollenca?

The dry scent of rosemary and pine often greets walkers venturing into the Serra de Tramuntana, where the rugged terrain supports a variety of hardy Mediterranean plants. Holm oaks dominate much of the forested areas, their twisted branches nestled beside aromatic herbs like thyme and lavender that colour the undergrowth. Spring brings a burst of wildflowers in the valleys around Soller and Valldemossa, with delicate orchids and rockroses dotting the landscape. Along the coast near Cala Mondrago or Formentor, saltbush and sea fennel thrive where the sea breeze carries salt inland.

Birdwatchers can expect to see species such as the Balearic warbler, endemic to the islands, flitting among the shrubs, while red kites often circle the thermals above the Tramuntana peaks. The black vulture, once endangered, now nests in cliffs near Deia and offers a spectacular sight as it glides effortlessly overhead. In more sheltered spots by the bays, ospreys hunt for fish near the azure waters. Small mammals like rabbits and hedgehogs are common in farmland and pine woods, and if you’re quiet at dusk in rural areas like Pollenca, you might glimpse a genet or hear the calls of owls. These plants and animals form an integral part of the island’s scenic diversity, inviting exploration whether on foot or by the winding Ma-10 roads.