Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dramatic finale in the northern Cap de Formentor. The highest summits are in the centre
of the range, northeast of Sóller, but the steep-sided western flanks that rise abruptly
from the Mediterranean shore and shelter numerous villages give the appearance of being
higher than they really are. The range is for the most part characterised by forested hill-
sides (terraced with agriculture in some areas) and bald limestone peaks. A number of
tributary ranges, such as the Serra d'Alfabia and Els Cornadors, both close to Sóller, are
sometimes named separately.
On the other side of the island, the less-dramatic Serra de Llevant extends from Cap
Ferrutx in the north to Cap de Ses Salines in the south; the offshore Illa de Cabrera is
considered an extension of the range. Its highest point is the easily accessible Santuari de
Sant Salvador (509m), while the range dominates the Parc Natural de la Península de Ll-
evant, north of Artà.
Between the two, in the centre of the island, extends the vast fertile plain known as Es
Pla.
Caves
Mallorca, particularly along its eastern and southern coasts, is drilled with caves created
by erosion, waves or water drainage. The caves range from tiny well-like dugouts to vast
kilometres-long tunnels replete with lakes, rivers and astounding shapes sculptured by
the elements. Although underground, most of the caves actually sit above sea level. The
best-known are the Coves del Drac and Coves dels Hams, both outside Porto Cristo;
Coves d'Artà in Platja de Canyamel; Coves de Campanet in Campanet; and Coves de
Gènova, which are close to Palma.
BIRDWATCHING SITES
Just about anywhere on the island is good for birdwatching, but the northern, east-
ern and southern coasts are prime territory for twitchers.
Parrc Na
AlbuuferraA marshy birdwatchers' paradise where some 230 spe-
cies, including moustached warblers and shoveler ducks, vie for your attention.
The park is home to no less than two-thirds of the species that live permanently or
winter in Mallorca and is a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
Parrc Na
c Nattuural de S'
al de S'Alb
g de CaabrrerraThese protected off-
shore islands draw marine birds, migrants and birds of prey, including fisher
eagles, endangered Balearic shearwaters, Audouin's gulls, Cory's shearwaters,
shags, ospreys, Eleonora's falcons and peregrine falcons.
c Naciional Ma
al Marríítiim--Terrrresttrre de l'
e de l'Arrxiipèla
èlag de C
