Torrent de Pareis

Parks and Nature | Escorca

Torrente de Pareis (Pareis Stream) is a karstic canyon more than three kilometres long located on the northern part of the Tramuntana mountain range. It has carved out an abrupt valley with almost vertical walls soaring over 200 metres tall. It starts at the confluence of the Albarca or Lluc stream and the Gorg Blau stream at a site called L’Entreforc, and it flows into the sea through a small, coarse-grained, white sand beach on the last stretch of the stream, a hollow surrounded by cliffs known as L’Olla, one of the most unique, inspiring landscapes on the island. Because of its climate and geography, the stream is rich in flora, with more than 300 species found to date – around 10% of them endemic species, such as the Mallorca violet, locally known as the viola roquera (Viola jaubertiana) and the plant locally known as cossiada de penyal (Globularia cambessedesii). Yet there is also a wide range of fauna here, including lizards, water snakes, wild pigeons and countless bird species. However, the star species is the minuscule amphibian endemic to this region, the Mallorcan midwife toad (Alytes muletensis). One of the most appealing outings around Mallorca is following Pareis downstream starting at its source at L’Entreforc. It can be dangerous, so before doing it, be sure to check with someone familiar with the area, or better yet go with an expert guide. This stream is one of Mallorca’s natural wonders. Along with the Gorg Blau and Lluc streams, it has been declared a natural monument.