Serra de Tramuntana facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serra de Tramuntana |
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| Spanish: Sierra de Tramontana | |
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | Puig Major |
| Geography | |
 Location in Majorca
Location in Spain
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| Official name | Cultural Landscape of the Serra de Tramuntana |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii), (iv), (v) |
| Designated | 2011 (35th session) |
| Reference no. | 1371 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Area | 30,745 ha (75,970 acres) |
| Buffer zone | 78,617 ha (194,270 acres) |
The Serra de Tramuntana is a long mountain range on the Spanish island of Mallorca. It stretches from the southwest to the northeast, forming the northern "backbone" of the island. This name also refers to the area or comarca around these mountains. On June 27, 2011, UNESCO recognized the Tramuntana Range as a World Heritage Site. This means it's a very special place because of its amazing nature and rich history.
Contents
Exploring the Mountains: Geography
The Serra de Tramuntana is home to the tallest mountain in the Balearic Islands, called Puig Major. It stands tall at 1,436 meters (about 4,711 feet). The second highest peak is Penyal_des_Migdia, which is 1,398 meters (about 4,587 feet) high. Right after that is the Puig de Massanella, reaching 1,364 meters (about 4,475 feet).
Weather in the Mountains
The weather in the Tramuntana Range is much wetter than in other parts of Mallorca. It can get over 1,500 millimeters (about 59 inches) of rain each year. Other areas of the island might get less than 400 millimeters (about 15 inches). Because of its height, it's also cooler here. It's not unusual to see snow for a few days during winter!
Coll de Cal Reis: A Mountain Pass
Coll de Cal Reis is a mountain pass in the Serra de Tramuntana. To the west of this pass, a ridge goes up to the island's highest point, Puig Major. East of the pass, there's a smaller peak called Moleta de Cals Reis.
The highway Ma-2141 crosses this pass and leads down to the beach town of Sa Calobra. Many people say this is one of the most beautiful roads in Spain! It's also a very popular spot for people who love to ride bikes.
Towns in the Mountain Region
Many charming towns are located within the Serra de Tramuntana region. These towns are often nestled in valleys or perched on hillsides, offering stunning views of the mountains and the sea. Some of the well-known towns include Sóller, Valldemossa, and Deià. Each town has its own unique history and culture, often with old stone buildings and narrow streets.
Protecting the Environment
In June 2011, the entire Serra de Tramuntana mountain range was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This was done to protect its amazing natural beauty and cultural importance. The area has special geology and many forests. It's home to a wide variety of plants and animals, and it has been kept safe from too much building and development.
UNESCO recognized the area as a "Cultural Landscape." This means that for thousands of years, people have worked with the land. They built terraces for farming and created clever water systems, including water mills. These old stone structures and farms show how people lived and farmed in this challenging mountain environment.
Amazing Plants and Animals
The Serra de Tramuntana is bursting with different kinds of plants and animals, which is called biodiversity. There are 25 types of plants that are endemic here, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world! Plus, seven species are found only on Mallorca.
You can find strong Balearic oak trees and delicate rock violet flowers. Other plants include rosemary, broom, strawberry trees, maple trees, and lavender.
The animals are just as varied! You might spot a pine marten, a weasel, or a hedgehog. There are also unique amphibians and reptiles, like the Balearic midwife toad.
Many birds fly over the Serra de Tramuntana. Look for the impressive osprey, the booted eagle, or the black vulture. You might also hear the calls of the barn owl or the scops owl. Even seabirds like the common gull live here.
Sustainable Tourism: Visiting Responsibly
Many visitors come to the Serra de Tramuntana each year to see its unique nature and beautiful views. To make sure this special place stays healthy, a plan for sustainable tourism has been created. This plan aims to protect the environment and the region's unique character.
Hotels and rural guesthouses in the area work together to offer activities that support this kind of tourism. These include hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. They also offer cultural visits, always making sure to respect the natural and cultural environment. Learning about conservation is a big part of visiting the Serra, helping everyone understand why it's so important to protect this area.
Images for kids
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Mortitx.jpg
Mortitx, a beautiful area within the Serra de Tramuntana.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra de Tramontana para niños
