spring in the western Mediterranean
From the peaceful bay of Cala Sant Vincenç on the north coast, we will explore the spectacular limestone mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, visit internationally important wetlands and enjoy walks near Mallorca’s beautiful north-east coast.
Download leaflet
Dates
To be confirmed
Leader
To be confirmed
Price
To be confirmed
Included
Return flight London Gatwick to Mallorca. Local transport as specified in itinerary. Seven nights accommodation, full board.
Not included
Drinks with evening meals and refreshments. Wine tasting (c35€). Gratuities. Travel insurance.
Group size
Minimum 6, maximum 14.
From the peaceful bay of Cala Sant Vincenç on the north coast, we will explore the spectacular limestone mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana, visit internationally important wetlands, and enjoy walks near Mallorca’s beautiful north-east coast.
Known as a popular holiday destination, Mallorca has some stunning scenery including many miles of ‘wild’, unspoilt coastline, extensive areas of woodland and Mediterranean ‘maquis’ shrublands and a dramatic mountain range that provides a background to the olive groves and small farms that cover most of the central plains. A scattering of internationally important wetlands and offshore islands add to the richness of an island that has a high biodiversity and a good number of endemic species.
We will explore a variety of habitats to enjoy the birds, other wildlife, plants and landscapes, and also learn something of the island’s fascinating culture, described as a mix of ‘west and east’ due to its strategic position in the Mediterranean. Particular species that we will look out for include Black Vulture and Balearic Warbler, along with a range of plants endemic to the island. We should see a good number of other animals including perhaps Hermann’s Tortoise, Algerian Hedgehog, geckos, frogs, and many butterflies and dragonflies.
Bird migration will be underway, whilst species that breed on the island will be in full breeding plumage. This is an ideal holiday for those who want an introduction to Mediterranean wildlife, or for those who wish to see the species for which Mallorca is famous. It is also an opportunity to explore the less well-known parts of the island, off the beaten track.
Download trip report
Please note that holidays change, although sometimes only slightly, from year to year and previous trip reports may not reflect the planned itinerary, or other holiday details, for the current trip. Please ask us if you would like to know of any significant differences.
Day 1 Our morning flight brings us to Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, from where we transfer across the island to our hotel. After settling in, we should have time for a gentle walk to explore the nearby coast at Coves Blanques.
Day 2 We visit the grounds of Lluc Monastery, with time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this historic site, and our first introduction to the wildlife of the island. We then continue on, to nearby Cuber Reservoir to enjoy the views of the Sierra de Tramuntana. This area offers good opportunities to find both resident and migrant birds, and we will see what we can spot amongst the scrub, as well as keeping an eye on the skies for a soaring Booted Eagle or Griffon Vulture.
Day 3 Today we visit S’Albufera Natural Park, a famous wetland on the Bay of Alcudia, with its many lagoons, marshes, reedbeds, grasslands and woodlands, each home to a great variety of plants and animals. Highlights could include Greater Flamingo, Purple and Night Herons, Little Bittern, Western Swam-hen and Moustached Warbler, as well as various terns, egrets, ducks and waders. Plants include the Mallorcan Marsh Orchid, as well as many other species of orchid (depending on the season), Rosy Garlic and Wild Gladioli. There are several good hides and viewing areas, reached by pleasant walks along the ancient canals. We will stop at the small coastal wetland of Can Cuirassa on our way back to the hotel, to look for more birds, along with spring butterflies and dragonflies.
Day 4 We head back to the dramatic limestone landscapes of the Sierra de Tramuntana for a visit to one of the most beautiful and remote parts of the island, Mortitx Valley. Passing vineyards and olive groves we will reach the reserve where we will find plants such as the Dwarf Fan Palm, Hypericum balearicum and orchids such as Serapias lingua and Ophrys speculum. There will be an opportunity to visit the ‘bodegas’ Vinas Mortitx, to taste some of their delightful, locally-produced wines (optional), and enjoy a light lunch before we start our return journey. We will also stop at the Boquer Valley, where we should spot Blue Rock Thrush among the rocky slopes and with some luck, perhaps Balearic Warblers as they flit amongst the scrub.
Day 5 We have a longer journey today, as we visit the Parc Natural de la Peninsula de Llevant in the north-east of the island. From here we can enjoy superb views of Alcudia Bay, as we search for more of the islands plants, and perhaps even an Egyptian Vulture.
Day 6 We visit the island of Cabrera to the south of Mallorca today (weather permitting) to explore the island as we enjoy views over its beautiful bays and look out for newly arriving migrants in the scrubland, and raptors passing overhead. The island is also a good place to spot Balearic Lizard.
Day 7 We visit Son Real, on the southern side of Alcudia Bay. This is a good area to find Hermann’s Tortoise, as we wind our way through the heathland towards the beach. We can hope to find many birds here, including Woodchat Shrike, Hoopoe and Mediterranean Flycatcher. On the beach there will be time to explore the Phoenician necropolis, where we should find spring flowers.
Day 8 After breakfast, we set off back to Palma, and our flight home.
Please note that the itinerary may be changed to suit the weather or other practicalities at the discretion of the leaders.
We stay at a pleasant, family-run hotel in the small, quiet bay of Cala Sant Vincenç on the rocky north coast. Hotel Oriola has 23 rooms, all en-suite and each with a balcony. The hotel has views over the bay, with the unspoilt beach being only a short walk away, and is well located for our excursions to the nearby mountains, coastal wetlands and the old town of Pollença.
We will have picnic lunches. Evening meals will mostly be at the hotel, although we may have one or two at a nearby restaurant.
We will ensure that our travelling is as comfortable as possible, using a small coach or minibus.
Group flights
Group flights are with Easyjet from London Gatwick to Palma.
Overland travel
You can reach Mallorca by train and ferry from the UK (via mainland Spain). Contact us to find out more, and to make your holiday flight-free.
Time zone
Spain is one hour ahead of UK time.
Entry requirements
If you hold a British passport you can travel to countries in the Schengen area (including Spain) for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. Your passport must be issued less than ten years before the date you enter the country and valid for at least three months after the day you plan to leave.
Starting in 2026 British passport holders will need to apply for the ETIAS European Travel Authorisation to visit Schengen countries. This must be applied for online prior to travel, at a cost of €7 (free for over 70s). Once granted, your ETIAS will be valid for three years.
At this time of year the weather in usually sunny but not too hot. As with everywhere, the weather is less predictable now than it used to be, and there may be considerably cooler or hotter weather and some rain. We will do our best to adapt our walks and excursions accordingly.
On most days, we are walking for much of the day, albeit at a relatively slow pace. The day walks are mostly between 2 and 3.5 miles, with some rougher rocky ground, unstable terrain and some moderate slopes, both up and down. Walking boots (e.g. lightweight) are essential. The pace will be relaxed, with plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and take photos as well as stopping to enjoy the wildlife along the way. If you are a slow walker, please contact us to discuss whether any of the walks will be a problem for you. All excursions are optional: you can enjoy time around the hotel if you prefer.