DK Travel : Mallorca : Outdoor

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Gorg Blau

Created by seasonal torrents over millions of years, the ravine near Sóller and Puig Major is up to 400 m (1,312 ft) deep but only 30 m (98 ft) wide, with some sections never seeing daylight. Do not hike between the cliffs in winter.
Herbs and Shrubs

These include the hair-like wild grass (Ampelodesma mauritanica ) used for fodder, thatching and rope; the Balearics’ only native palm, the dwarf fan palm; giant yucca and aloe; palmetto, used for basketry; aromatic wild rosemary; wild broom; a native variety of St John’s wort; and the giant fennel.
Hiking and Rock-Climbing

The island is a hiker’s dream, with no end of trails, many of them marked and mapped out. There are compelling challenges for climbers, too, on the rocky cliffs that abound along the entire length of the Serra de Tramuntana, from Sóller in the west to the end of the Península de Formentor in the east. Tourist offices and parks offer published guidelines for tackling the island’s wilds.
Illa Dragonera

The spot that precipitated the current conservation movement on the island is a great place to hike, take a picnic or just visit for the sake of the cruise. In season, you can get a ferry at either Sant Elm or Port d’Andratx.
Illetes

The western side of Palma Bay is generally upmarket, and “The Islets” typify the area’s allure. Tiny islands, intimate coves, rocky cliffs and rolling hillsides are accentuated with attractive villas and a scattering of exclusive hotels.
Insects

In the warmer seasons, you’ll see plenty of colourful butterflies in the wooded areas of the island, as well as bees, may-flies and mean-looking hornets. In hot weather, especially among cedars, you’ll be treated to the song of the cicadas, keening away at full volume, a wonderful reminder that you’re in the Mediterranean. But flies and mosquitoes might take some dealing with.
Jardí Botànic

The botanical garden was founded in 1985 as a centre for the conservation and study of Mediterranean flora, especially that of the Balearics. The plants, many of which are endangered, include wild flora, medicinal herbs and flowers, fruit trees and vegetables.
Jardines de Sa Faixina, Palma

These gardens start where Avinguda Argentina meets the Passeig Marìtim, and run up to Plaça La Faixina alongside the old moat. There are terraced lawns, trees and flowers, and a few fountains and odd columns providing a welcome respite from all the stone and asphalt of the newer sections of Palma.
Jardins Casa March

Joan March was a native-born magnate who allegedly made his fortune from illegal tobacco and arms trafficking. His old mansion near Cala Rajada, built in 1916, has lavish grounds incorporating water gardens, pine woods and fruit groves. Over 40 works of modern sculpture in the gardens include a bronze by Rodin and a piece by Henry Moore.
Jardins d’Alfàbia

The island’s finest example of a profoundly Arabic garden dates back 1,000 years. Naturally, in all those centuries the lucky owners (Mallorca’s most illustrious families among them) have added their own touches, resulting in Renaissance and Baroque elements in the landscape design and building features.