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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Península de Llevant Natural Park and the nature reserves of Cap de Ferrutx and Cap des Freu are located in the northeast of the island of Majorca, at the northern end of the Llevant mountain range, in the municipal areas of Artà and Capdepera. The protected surface area of the Park is 1671 hectares. The public estates of Albarca, Es Verger and S’Alqueria Vella occupy 1658 of these hectares, while the remaining 13 hectares sit within the limits of the Cap des Freu Nature Reserve. The Park and Reserves were officially listed as such by virtue of Decree 127/2001, of 9 November (BOIB, Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands, Number. 140, of 22-11-2001). The limits of the area were later modified by Law 10/2003 of 22 December, on Tax, Administrative and Financial Management. This site is further protected thanks to its location within an Area of Special Protection for Birds (ZEPA) and its classification as a Site of Community Interest (SCI), under the European Directives on Birds and Habitats. As a result, the area forms part of the Balearic Islands’ contribution to the European Union’s Natura 2000 Network. It is also a Natural Area of Special Interest (ANEI) under Law 1/1991 of 30 January, on Natural Spaces and Urban Regulation for Special Protection Areas of the Balearic Islands.

THE LAND AND THE PAST

The current appearance of this land is the result of centuries of human interaction with nature. Throughout the Park are extensive olive, almond, fig and carob groves. The onslaught of tourism spurred the progressive abandonment of field activities in the less profitable areas. To recover the pastureland for the herds of sheep and goats, the scrubland was repeatedly burnt down. This favoured the presence of species that easily grow back after a fire, such as Mauritanian grass and the European fan palm. As a result, today Mauritanian grass covers vast expanses of the Park in areas that were once inhabited by forests and other shrub communities.

NATURAL TREASURES

The vast environmental diversity, with coastal cliffs, caves and chasms, springs and streams, forests and scrubland, gives this Natural Park an immense landscape value. The area is a refuge for many species that are endemic to the Balearic Islands. As to the flora, we must point out the Balearic St. John’s wort (Hypericum balearicum) and the local cat thyme species (Teucrium marum subsp. occidentale). The area’s endemic animals include the snail species Iberellus balearicus, the cavedwelling false scorpion Chthonius balearicus, and the Balearic warbler (Sylvia balearica). The Park is moreover a home for the Hermann’s tortoise (Testudo hermanni) and green toads (Bufo viridis balearica), which are in recovery. Among the birds found here, mention must be made of the booted eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus), the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the rare Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the Audouin’s gull (Larus audouinii) and the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis). All of these species nest in the Park, which in the future might also house the red kite (Milvus milvus), as young individuals have been released here with this aim.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

The oldest evidence of human presence in the area resides in the archaeological remains. There are also remnants of military architecture, such as the Talaia Moreia, a coastal watchtower, and the vestiges of a prisoners’ encampment. Equally worthy of note are the country estate houses (such as the houses of Albarca, for example), the stone wall borders and the other agricultural features (olive oil mills, water wheels…). The abundance of the fan palm gave rise to the widespread development of palm-based craftwork in the late 19th century. There are still a few craftspeople that continue to pursue this art today.

RULES

  • Please close the gates to keep the cattle from wandering out.
  • Do not light fires, as you are in a forest-fire hazard area.
  • Enjoy admiring the plants and flowers, but please do not cut or remove them.
  • Do not litter.
  • Please remain on the marked paths and proceed quietly, so as not to disturb the fauna and other visitors.
  • Pets are not allowed, except guide dogs.
  • Please inform the Park staff of any damages or irregularities that you see.

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

  • The S’Alzina, Els Oguers and S’Arenalet retreats. For reservations call: 971 17 76 52.
  • Camping area by the S’Arenalet beach. For reservations call: 971 17 76 52.
  • Guided and self-guided tours.
  • Parking area at the houses of S’Alqueria Vella.
  • Natural Park Office, where our staff will provide you with all the information you need. Telephone 606 096 830
  • To get to the Park, take the road from Artà towards the hermitage, “Ermita de Betlem” (Ma-3333) and turn right at kilometre 4.7. 



ITINERARIES INFORMATION - map (pdf)