The Llevant Peninsula Natural Park is home to wildlife of high ecological value, featuring several endemic species and a birds of prey community that makes it one of the best birdwatching destinations in eastern Mallorca.

Among the most special endemic species is the ferreret (Alytes muletensis), a small Balearic midwife toad that was practically extinct before being successfully reintroduced to the park from the Serra de Tramuntana. The population of Mediterranean spur-thighed tortoise is also significant, a protected species that can be spotted along the trails in spring.

Are you a bird enthusiast? These are some of the most notable species in the park:

• Eleonora's falcon: A migratory bird of prey of great beauty, visible in summer.
• Cinereous vulture (Black vulture): The largest bird in the Iberian Peninsula, with a wingspan of up to 2.8 m.
• Booted eagle and osprey: Present in the steepest areas of the park.
• Peregrine falcon and Egyptian vulture: Regularly spotted on the coastal cliffs.
• Red kite and European shag: Common in the marine and coastal areas.
• Audouin's gull: An endangered species that finds refuge on the park's cliffs.

And a surprise that many visitors do not expect: on the route between Cala Torta and S'Arenalet d'Aubarca, it is common to come across semi-wild horses grazing freely, which will often let you get quite close.

The vegetation of the Llevant Natural Park follows the classic pattern of the Balearic Mediterranean. It is dominated by Aleppo and maritime pine forests, holm oak woods with an understory of dwarf fan palm (Chamaerops humilis, the only native palm tree in Europe), and garrigue made of rosemary, thyme, mastic, and wild olive trees.

Among the park's most unique species are the Mallorcan peony, endemic to the Balearic Islands and featuring deep pink flowers in spring, and the Balearic St. John's wort, a yellow-flowered shrub exclusive to the islands.

The most accessible of the coves in the park. It is reached via a dirt track from the road linking Artà to Cala Torta, with parking available at the end. Its waters are calm and turquoise, with a seabed of sand and posidonia seagrass. It serves as the starting point for the coastal route leading to S'Arenalet d'Aubarca.

Between Cala Torta and Cala des Matzoc lie these two little gems, accessible only on foot via the coastal path. Cala Estreta is particularly narrow and photogenic, flanked by reddish rock cliffs. Cala Mitjana boasts extraordinarily transparent waters inside a nearly circular cove.

Near Cala des Matzoc stands the Torre d'Albarca, an artillery defense tower built in 1751 by order of the Artà Town Council to monitor the Menorca Channel against the British occupation of that island. With a truncated cone design, it still preserves a cannon on its roof terrace. A unique point of historical and panoramic interest within the park.

A small cove with a defining feature: a freshwater spring that bubbles up among the rocks. A hidden corner even among regular visitors to the park, perfect for a peaceful stop along the coastal route.

The final destination of the coastal route and one of the most stunning landscapes in the Llevant Natural Park. A white-sand beach surrounded by pine trees, featuring deep blue waters and, typically, very few people. It can only be reached on foot, with a hike of approximately 5.5 km from the Cala Torta parking lot. The S'Arenalet refuge, managed by the Balearic Government, allows for overnight stays in the park with a prior reservation.

Starting point: park information center. Distance: 3.4 km loop. Approximate duration: 110 minutes. Minimal elevation gain. It explores the surroundings of s'Alqueria Vella through pine forests and garrigue, featuring interpretive panels about the park's flora and fauna. Suitable for families.

One of the routes with the most history in the Llevant Park. The Camí dels Presos (Prisoners' Path) was built around 1941 by prisoners of the Francoist regime in exchange for sentence reductions. The route crosses the interior of the park until reaching the pristine beach of S'Arenalet des Verger. Approximate distance: 10-12 km round trip.

The highest peak in the park and the Sierras de Llevant. From the summit on clear days, you can spot Menorca, the Serra de Tramuntana, and the entire eastern coast of Mallorca.

One of the park's most popular routes among visitors. It skirts the coast, linking together Cala Torta, Cala Mitjana, Cala Estreta, Cala des Matzoc (with the Torre d'Albarca), Sa Font Celada, and S'Arenalet d'Aubarca. Approximate distance: 11 km round trip.

• Address: s'Alqueria Vella de Baix, MA-3333 km 4.7, Artà
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Phone: +34 606 09 68 30
• Admission: No prior reservation is required for general trails.

• Camping is prohibited outside the S'Arenalet refuge (which requires a prior reservation).
• Building fires and smoking are prohibited in forested areas.
• Collecting plants or animals, as well as feeding the wildlife, is prohibited.
• Hunting is prohibited along the entire route, as it is a game reserve.

The Llevant Peninsula Natural Park is just one of many natural treasures in the east of Mallorca. If you want to discover more natural areas, hiking routes, and unique spots in the Mallorcan Llevant, you will find everything you need to plan your visit at East Mallorca.