A natural park encompassing beaches, dunes, wetlands, coastal cliffs and inland agricultural land, the 766-hectare Parc Natural de Mondragó is a beautiful area for swimming or hiking, but is best known as a birdwatching destination. Most people who head this way come to take a dip in the lovely Cala Mondragó , one of the most attractive coves on the east coast. Sheltered by large rocky outcrops and fringed by pine trees, it’s formed by a string of three protected sandy beaches connected by rocky footpaths.
Birdwatchers have a ball with the varied species found in the area, which include falcons and turtledoves. Among those species that nest here are Peregrine falcons and Audouin’s gulls. Taking one of the walking trails that crisscross the park will give you plenty of birdwatching opportunities. Also keep an eye out for Algerian hedgehogs, Hermann’s tortoise and the Balearic toad.
Cala Mondragó is 2km south of Portopetro. Bus 507 links Mondragó with Cala d’Or (€1.85, 30 minutes, seven times daily Monday through Friday) and a few other seaside resorts.
