A Desert and Tropical Paradise in Mallorca’s South
An Extraordinary Botanical Experience
Just outside Ses Salines lies one of Europe’s largest botanical gardens, spanning over 150,000 square metres of landscaped beauty. Designed to showcase plant life from arid, tropical, and Mediterranean climates, it’s a visual feast for nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. The site is best known for its vast collection of cacti and succulents, but also features lush palms, bamboo groves, and a shimmering artificial lake.
Origins and Concept
Opened in 1989, this vast botanical space was created to conserve rare and unusual plant species. Its design cleverly divides the grounds into distinct climate zones, allowing visitors to experience the contrasts between desert landscapes, tropical greenery, and native Balearic flora in a single visit. Over the decades, it has become a major ecological attraction in southern Mallorca.
Exploring the Gardens
The cactus section is the most striking, with more than 12,000 specimens representing around 400 species from across the globe. You’ll find towering saguaros, prickly pears, and barrel cacti set against sandy terrain and rocky outcrops. The tropical zone offers a refreshing change, with tall palm trees, colourful flowers, and shaded pathways leading to a 1,000m² artificial lake. In the Mediterranean section, traditional plants such as olive, almond, and citrus trees grow alongside aromatic herbs.
A Peaceful, Year-Round Attraction
Whether you’re a keen botanist, photographer, or simply looking for a calm escape, this is a great year-round destination. Spring and early summer bring bursts of blooms, while autumn offers cooler walking temperatures. The wide, accessible paths make it easy for families and older visitors to explore at a leisurely pace.
Address: Carretera Ses Salines–Campos, Km 1, 07640 Ses Salines, Illes Balears, Spain
Phone: +34 971 649 494