With over 300 species, these islands are leading the way in the field of bird tourism

The Balearic Islands have established themselves as a bird-tourism destination that combines biodiversity, sustainability, and unique nature experiences. The result is a high-value tourism model that’s helping to diversify local attractions and reduce seasonality, thanks to natural areas where visitors can spot more than 300 bird species across the year. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, this archipelago is a vital stopover on the migratory routes of hundreds of species, providing birds with refuge, rest, and an optimal habitat. Locations such as the Serra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Mallorca, and the Ses Salines Nature Park in Ibiza offer landscapes with exceptional ecological value and facilities tailored to birdwatchers: observation towers, signposted access, and educational trails.

Flocks of birds flying over the water in the famous S’Albufera Nature Park reserve (Mallorca, Balearic Islands) © Shutterstock

These islands’ biodiversity is made up resident, migratory, and endemic bird species: from the cinereous vulture in the Tramuntana mountains, the little bittern in the S’Albufera Nature Park, and the European shag in the Mondragó Nature Park, all found on the island of Mallorca, to the flamingos that bring color to the Ibizan wetlands every autumn. This wealth of bird species also extends to Menorca, declared a Biosphere Reserve, and the dune and forest ecosystems of Formentera, where tourism thrives in harmony with conservation efforts. Birdwatching activities offer travelers the opportunity to discover the rich biodiversity of this Mediterranean destination, dedicated to conservation and sustainability.