Landscapes with History: Geology and Tourism in the Balearic Islands

The plan promotes a new tourism product tied to the island’s geological heritage

What does it consist of?

Balearic Geotourism (Geoturismo Balear) is a project that seeks to combine geology with tourism in the Balearic Islands. Through trails, signposting, training and informational material, the project aims to bring valuable geological heritage closer to visitors and the local population.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Balearic geotourism
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Conselleria de Medi Ambient i Territori
Project code
ITS2016-013
Total project amount
415.000 €
ITS granted amount
415.000 €
Executed amount
174.312 €
Call year
2016
Execution status
In execution
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 42%
Last data request
11.08.2025

The project

In contrast to the widespread recognition the islands’ plants and wildlife, their geological heritage remains largely unknown. Rock formations, deposits, underground structures and landscapes shaped over millions of years are yet another legacy that needs to be protected. For this reason, the Balearic Geotourism project has been launched to explore its potential as the core of a new tourism product.

The initiative, promoted by the Regional Ministry of the Environment with funding from sustainable tourism tax, aims to raise awareness of the catalogue of sites of geological interest available on the islands. This includes creating inland and coastal trails, installing signage and viewpoints at tactical points, publishing informational material and developing a special website with publicly accessible content.

A key aspect of the project is the possibility of publishing training guides specialised in geotourism, which serve to interpret and explain the landscape from a geological perspective. This would make it possible to structure guided tours around unique spots in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, providing a more complete experience connected to the region.

The programme is moving forward with the creation of a tourism product based on sustainability, knowledge and diversified tourism. Balearic Geotourism thus sits at the intersection of science, landscape appreciation and responsible tourism.