UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Serra de Tramuntana

The majestic Serra de Tramuntana, the northern backbone of the Spanish island of Mallorca, is a mountain range running southwest to northeast, covering a massive 30,745 ha (75,970 acres) with a buffer zone of 78,617 ha (194,270 acres). The range was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO in 2011, recognising both its physical beauty and cultural significance​​.

The highest peak in the Tramuntana Range is Puig Major, standing at an impressive 1,436 metres, making it the tallest mountain in the Balearic Islands. The range also hosts the deepest cave on Majorca, the Cova de sa Campana, plunging to a depth of -358 metres, and the deepest underground lake at -334 meters​​.

The climate in the Tramuntana Range is significantly wetter and cooler than the rest of Mallorca, with annual precipitation reaching up to 1507 mm (59.3 inches). It's not uncommon for the region to see a few days of snow during winter​

The southernmost portion of the Tramuntana Range is known as the Serra de Na Burguesa​​. The region is home to many municipalities, each with its own unique charm, including Andratx, Banyalbufar, Bunyola, Calvià, Deià, Escorca, Esporles, Estellencs, Fornalutx, Pollença, Puigpunyent, Sóller, and Valldemossa​​.

One of the most notable areas in the Serra de Tramuntana is the Coll de Cal Reis, a mountain saddle offering breathtaking views. The highway Ma-2141 leads over the saddle down to the beach town of Sa Calobra, renowned as one of Spain's most picturesque roads and a popular route for road cyclists​.

In 2011, the entire Tramuntana Range was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising it as an area of significant environmental, cultural, and historical value. The range has been preserved as an essential nature reserve, valued for its unique geology, lush forest cover, and diverse plant and animal species, largely untouched by urbanisation. The Tramuntana landscape is a testament to millennia of agriculture adapting to an environment with scarce resources, which has significantly shaped the land over time​​.

The Serra de Tramuntana, with its breathtaking beauty and fascinating history, serves as a vibrant reminder of the harmonious interplay between humans and nature. It stands as a testament to the resilience of local communities working within the constraints of their environment, leading to the creation of a landscape that is as rich in cultural significance as it is in natural beauty.

Their sturdy hooves and keen sense of balance allow them to scale the steep slopes with ease, grazing on the sparse vegetation that clings to the rocky surfaces. The wild goats, known as "cabra mallorquina," are a notable presence in the Tramuntana. Their thick, shaggy coats provide insulation against the occasional harsh weather conditions that sweep through the mountains, aiding in their survival in this challenging environment.

As you venture deeper into the Tramuntana, you may come across the graceful silhouette of the Peregrine falcon soaring high above the peaks. These magnificent birds of prey are known for their incredible speed and aerial acrobatics as they dive with astonishing precision to capture their prey. With their keen eyesight and powerful talons, they rule the skies in this rugged wilderness, demonstrating their prowess as apex predators.

Among the towering pines and ancient oaks, the Tramuntana hosts an enchanting chorus of bird species that find refuge in the verdant canopy. The melodious song of the nightingale resonates through the twilight hours, accompanied by the vibrant plumage of birds like the European bee-eater, which adds a delightful splash of colour to the landscape. The Tramuntana's avian residents, including the Bonelli's eagle with its majestic flight and the whimsical hoopoe with its distinctive dance, captivate with their beauty and contribute to the biodiversity of the region.

As day turns to night, the Tramuntana reveals another facet of its wildlife. The haunting calls of the tawny owl echo through the moonlit valleys, while various nocturnal creatures emerge from their shelters. While the European badger is not native to Mallorca or the Balearic Islands, the Tramuntana may host other fascinating nocturnal species, such as the common genet or the Egyptian mongoose. These adaptable creatures navigate the landscape under the cover of darkness, contributing to the intricate web of life that defines the Tramuntana's ecosystem.

In every nook and cranny of this remarkable landscape, there is a story waiting to be discovered. The wildlife of the Serra de Tramuntana showcases the resilience and adaptability of nature, illustrating the intricate interplay of species that have found harmony in this rugged paradise. As you explore further, allow yourself to be captivated by the diversity and beauty that unfolds before you, for the Tramuntana's wildlife is a testament to the wonders of the natural world.