Menorca nature and wildlife

Today, with 19 areas of special interest and 5 natural reserves and parks, which include the marine reserve off the north coast, and natural park of S’Albufera des Grau on the eastern end of Menorca, the island has many diverse and interesting places to visit for nature lovers which can be easily accessed by visitors and residents alike.
One of the most significant and important features of the Menorcan landscape are the barrancs – sinuous deep ravines and canyons which run from the central part of the island to the southern coast. Cut deep into the limestone rock by rainfall over the millennia, the dry river beds now are an ideal habitat for many kinds of plants, from wild orchids to olive trees and figs. The walls of the canyons are honeycombed with caves and sheltered niches for nesting birds, many of which are migratory visitors which come to the island each year from the African mainland. Peregrines, Egyptian vultures and booted eagles are a common sight, and on the coast resident osprey hunt in the placid waters close to the coast.

Mathieu Nieuwland - Nature
"Menorca keeps the natural way of a Mediterranean island – thanks to Biosphere everything is protected here – the flora and the fauna."
"Menorca keeps the natural way of a Mediterranean island – thanks to Biosphere everything is protected here – the flora and the fauna."
S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park


There is a bewildering range of flora and fauna here, from turtles to the wild olive trees and holm oaks which form such an important part of the Menorcan landscape.
Numerous trails have been laid out within the park, and the well equipped centre close to the road between Maó and Fornells has maps and literature on the varied diversity of habitat to be found in the park. At the village of Es Grau itself kayaks can be hired to paddle out into the areas of lagoons or along the rocky coastline here.
At the northern end of the park the lighthouse at Cap de Favàritx has magnificent views along the rugged northern coastline over the many hidden pristine beaches and rocky coves here. The newly reopened Camí de Cavalls – the old bridle path and coastal path patrolled by customs guards of the 18th century which extends around the entire island skirts the coastline of the park and is an ideal way for the serious walker to explore the beautiful unspoiled coastline here.

Carmina Junguito - S’Albufera des Grau Natural Park
"It’s a special ecosystem here – mosaic landscapes – but the lagoon is very important – protected from the sea by dunes. You can see if you’re lucky ospreys here."
"It’s a special ecosystem here – mosaic landscapes – but the lagoon is very important – protected from the sea by dunes. You can see if you’re lucky ospreys here."
Flora & fauna



Responsible Travel would like to thank the Menorca tourist board for their sponsorship of this guide
Menorca walking holiday, Spain
Idyllic golden beaches, hidden coves and deep blue bays
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8 Days
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