Biodiversity of Ibiza

Landscapes that have remained alive and intact over the centuries. Enormous pine forests, almond tree plantations, carob trees and orange trees, plants and bushes such as asparagus, thyme, heather and rosemary impregnate the scenery with their colour and aroma.

All the inland is of great natural value, reaching a peak in the ses Salines Nature Reserve, a protected zone where you can observe all types of wading birds, including the well-known flamingos. The greatest virtue of the island is the strength of its nature, the mystery of its countryside lies in the absence of dangerous animals and harmful plants. Side by side with the pine trees are olive, almond, fig and orange trees, and, of course, the palm tree contributes its legendary siluette to the scenery.

Flowers

There are 20 different species of orchids. Some of them have only been discovered in recent years, with no prior reference to them in specialised literature. The inexhaustible variety of vegetation and landscape is surprising on such a small island, so far away from the mainland, with almost 1000 different wild plants on Ibiza. The salt pans have a surface area of 400 hectares. They were first exploited by the Phoenicians, and then by Romans and Muslims, and during years of hardship, they were the island's only source of income. They are of high faunistic value, as they provide a stopping place for migratory birds. 124 species have been counted.

Birds 

Rare birds are bred on the island, such as the Eleonor falcon and the Audouin gull. Avocets are bred on the salt pans and flamingos, gazettes and other birds. Wall lizards abound and have evolved, resulting in breeds with beautiful colours.

Submarine life

An environmental study demonstrated that the Pitiusa water is the cleanest in the whole of the Mediterranean. Underwater life is particularly unspoilt and varied, making underwater diving really fascinating.

Just go a few kilometres into the island, and it can be like going back several centuries in time. On the inland the remains left by ancient civilisations lie almost unchanged.

Protection of the enviroment

Ibiza has the most progressive Law on Natural Spaces in Europe, protecting over 40% of its area. All local councils are equipped with sewage plants and so not even one drop of sewage water invades the clear seawater along the coasts.