When you think of Mallorca, you usually picture the sea and mountains. Sandy beaches and fragrant pine forests, but also a unique cultural landscape. Almond and olive trees, orange and lemon groves. There is also lots for animal lovers to discover on the paths across the island. Free-roaming donkeys, sheep and wild goats. But also rare species like the almost extinct vultures, or the indigenous lizards. And if you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins on a coastal hike. If you want to discover the animals on Mallorca, keep an eye out for the following species:

Wildlife

Vultures

They were almost extinct but are back now. Thanks to conservationists you can spot black vultures around Sa Trapa and in the Valley of Ternelles. Or you discover a group of rare griffon vultures circling above you on a hike through the Tramuntana mountains.

One of the best places for birdwatchers on the island though is S’Albufera Natural Park.

Seagulls

On coastal hikes you will frequently marvel at the aerobatics of the seagulls. Cruising on the upwinds before they nosedive towards the surface of the sea. In secluded areas you might even watch the first flight attempts of their offspring.

Tortoises

The rugged cliffs along the coast with the adjacent scrubland, in particular in the Southwest of the island, are home to little tortoises. They are well camouflaged, so spotting one is all the more rewarding.

Dolphins

Probably the most exciting encounter with animals on Mallorca are dolphin sightings. When hiking around the coast there is always a chance to discover the fascinating sea dwellers playing in the waves. In rare cases you might even see a dolphin while just swimming unsuspecting in a secluded bay.

Lizards

Only on Sa Dragonera, you’ll find sargantanas, an endemic species of wall lizards. Watch your backpack, the little creatures are curious.

Butterflies

To discover the animals on Mallorca might cause butterflies in your stomach, sometimes. Maybe when being greeted by one on a mountain top, on a meadow or in one of the beautiful gardens of the island.

Goats

While many hikers love to meet wild goats and admire how they climb the steepest slopes and canyons, locals aren’t that happy with a growing population of hungry animals feeding on saplings  and cultivated plants.

Farm Animals

Sheep

Other than wild goats the grazing sheep play an important role in the ecological balance of Mallorca. They help to reduce the risk of wild fires and the need to mow lawns or to pull out weed in the orchards.

Black Pigs

The black pigs are maybe the most typical Mallorcan farm animals. When cycling in the plains or visiting one of the public fincas, you will probably see them. But sadly, most visitors of the island only learn about the black pigs in the context of sobrassada and other local dishes.

Balearic Donkeys

Up until today there are places on Mallorca that can only be reached on foot or with the help of donkeys. Like the Castell d’Alaró where donkeys carry the supplies for the refugi and the little café all the way up to the summit. 

But there are also some hiking trails where you might cross paths with a Balearic donkey, an ancient native breed. Around the Cuber reservoir, for example, on the way to the Barranc de Biniaraix.

Peacocks

The maybe most unexpected farm animal on Mallorca are the peacocks at Sa Cova, a centuries-old cave house built into the rocks.

Cats

Last but not least, there are the most famous pets among the animals on Mallorca, dogs and cats. Prevalent in the city of Palma, the small towns on the island, and the countryside. But occasionally a cat greats you on your hiking trails and might accompany for a while. Near the lighthouse at Sa Muleta, for example.

Read more about hiking on Mallorca and hiking with kids.