Tel: 01738 447449
MALLORCA INFO
BEACHES
The best: Es Trenc
This is the famous one, so often crowded. Es Trenc's two miles of sandy beach and lovely adjacent woodlands are one of the best-preserved areas of Mallorca, mainly thanks to several ecological groups that fought for its protection. It’s often very busy at weekends, especially near the car park, but the ends of the beach can be quiet unto deserted, so if you don’t mind walking for ten minutes you can usually find yourself a private area. Sparkling white sands and transparent waters make it a “must visit” for beach lovers. Sun beds, parasols and loos.
To get there: Take the Palma-Santanyí road, and when you get to Campos follow signs to Ses Covetes (parking lot), then it's to the left of the pine forest.
The best: Cala Mesquida
It had been famous as a smuggling centre, and nowadays it's the open secret of the northeast coast: 500m of sand dunes with a backdrop of softly undulating mountains; drinks are available from the urbanization nearby.
To get there: Via Manacor and Artà in direction of Cala Ratjada, take a left in Capdepera and follow the road until you come to the parking area in the pine forest.
Sa Coma
Wide bay with fine white sand and a generally wind-protected sea. It’s shorter, but deeper than Cala Millor. , Always gets an EU blue flag for quality. Well known but there’s usually space available. All services.
Playa de Muro
A favourite with guests of our townhouse hotel. It’s between Alcudia and the big tourist resort of C’an Picafort. I’m not sure why it’s called Muro Beach since Muro is a ways inland (but worth a visit for its Mallorca Ethnology Museum). The best thing about this Mallorca beach is that it’s protected by a swath of pine trees, and flanked on the left by the big S’Albufera wetlands nature park and by the fact that the tourists in C’an Picafort rarely walk the quarter mile from their crowded beach to this, often quiet, one. The water is shallow, clean, clear and turquoise, so good for kids. All services, drinking water and beach sports can be found by walking in the direction of C’an Picafort.
Recommended: Portals Vells
A small sandy beach with a little bar and a restaurant (which serves a good Majorcan style "cap roig"). Lots of yachts and some excursion boats.
To get there: Leave Palma towards Paguera and when the highway comes to an end turn left, go past Magalluf, about 3kms of the Golf Course Poniente and a pine forest. When you see the sign, turn left.
Recommended: Sa Canova
The north coast's version of Es Trenc: 1,5 km of sand beach, no bars or other services, it is completely untouched. The quietest part of the lively bay of Alcúdia.
To get there: Through Manacor and Artà in the direction of Can Picafort, after 10km turn right towards Son Serra Marina. The last bit is on foot.
Cala Mesquida
A long, wide beach with shallow water backed by high sand dunes stretching deep inland. It can be windy and attracts many visitors but isn’t usually over-crowded. All services.
Arenal
The first tourists to see this beach must have been gobsmacked with amazement. So long you can’t see the ends unless you’re close to them, and at least 90 metres deep, all gorgeous deep white sand. The water is shallow and varies in the light from sapphire to slate to deep blue. When unoccupied a beach to die for, a sea warm, luscious and shallow. One of Mallorca’s most popular beaches, so its one real drawback is that it can get very crowded, especially being as close to Palma as it is. All services and the German tourist town of Arenal just behind in case you want an authentic German beer and a bratwurst.
Cala de Sant Pere
Flat beach with good sand leading down to a shallow sloping shelfed seabed. Not long, but lesser tenanted and the landscape around looks like the bad paintings on sale along popular beachfronts – landscapes too pretty to be true (even though they are).
WEEKLY MARKETS
Much more than only souvenir hunting : the regular markets on Mallorca - haggling and wandering around, gossiping and just looking - enjoy the atmosphere.
MONDAY Caimari / Calvià / Lloret / Lluc / Manacor / Montuiri
TUESDAY Alcúdia / S'Arenal / Artà / Campanet / Can Picafort/Llubí/ Lluc / Porreres / Sta. Margalida
WEDNESDAY Andratx / Capdapera / Colónia de Sant Jordi / Llucmajor/ Lluc / Marratxi / Petra / Port de Pollença / Santanyí / Selva/ Sencelles / Sineu / Vilafranca
THURSDAY S'Arenal / Airany / Campos / Consell / Inca / Lluc / Ses Salines / Sant Joan / Sant Llorenç
FRIDAY Alaró / Algaida / S'Arenal / Binissalem / Can Picafort / Inca / Llucmajor / Lluc / Maria de la Salut / MarratxÌ / Sta. Eugénia /Son Ferrera
SATURDAY Búger / Bunyola / Campos / Cala Ratjada / Costitx / Esporles / Lloseta / Lluc / Muro / Sta. Margalida / Santanyí / Sóller
SUNDAY Alcúdia / Felanitx / Inca / Llucmajor / Lluc / Muro / Sa Pobla / Pollença / Porto Cristo / Sta. Maria / Valldemossa
RESTAURANTS
The best: Tristan
Super-luxury restaurant on the waterfront of the Portals Nous Yacht Club, a branch of "Tantris", in Munich. A haven of beautiful people. Menu, drinks included: approx. 75.- € / person.
Puerto Portals, Edificio Capitanía, 07015 Portals Nous, Tel.: (+34) 971.17.11.00.
The best: La Lubina
Palma's most traditional fish restaurant, located right on the harbour, serves a "sea bass in salt" worthy of the most demanding of gourmets. Menu, drinks included: approx. 50.- € / person.
Muelle Viejo, s/n, 07012 Palma, Tel.: 971.72.33.50.
Recommended: Ciro's
A large terrace overlooking the bay of Palma Nova, reasonable prices, popular with the Majorcans in summer. Menu, drinks included: approx: 40.- € / person.
Paseo del Mar, 3, 07181 Palmanova, Tel.: (+34) 971.68.10.52 - 68.14.15.
Recommended: Bona Taula
Small and elegant; serves Majorcan specialties; closed Tuesdays, open other days from 19.00. Menu, drinks included: approx. 40.- € / person
C/Rafael Adrover, 32, 07669 Calonge/Cala D'Or. Tel.: (+34) 971.16.71.47.
TAPA BARS
The best: La Bóveda
The best tapas bar in Palma (scrambled eggs with prawns and "pimientos de Padrón" are scrumptious). It's always packed, but especially popular with Majorcan's at noon; closed Sundays.
C/Botería, 3, 07012 Palma, Tel.: 971.71.48.63.
The best: Casa Manolo
This "bodega" is very popular among German residents of the southeastern part of the island. Manolo, the boss, has a gallery of celebrities hanging on the walls. His daughters are responsible for the super-fast service. Closed Mondays.
Plaza San Bartolomeu, 1, 07748 Ses SAlines, Tel.: (+34) 971.64.91.30.
Recommended: Celler Ca'n Amer
Typical Majorcan food and atmosphere; the "frito mallorquín" must be eaten with one of the excellent local wines from the Ferrer or Oliver wine cellars.
C/La Pau, 139, 07300 Inca, Tel.: (+34) 971.50.12.61.
Recommended: Sa Cova
Tapas and snacks in a cozy atmosphere, near the train station to Palma and trolley to the Port of Soller.
Plaça Constitució, 7, 07100 Sóller, Tel.: (971) 63.32.22.
BARS AND OTHER SPECIAL SPOTS
The best: Na Burguesa
A rustic atmosphere for hikers; a terrace that overlooks the residential neighbourhood of Genova and a panoramic view of Palma and the south coast that makes up for the rather mediocre food.
Génova, Tel.: (+34) 971.70.12.63.
The best: Café Parisienne
Coffee, drinks and cuisine based on fresh ingredients in an art deco atmosphere. The tiny gravel courtyard with old garden furniture was a favourite of love doves Babs and Boris Becker.
c/ Ciutat 18, 07570 Artà, Tel.: 971.83.54.40.
Recommended: Bar Barcelona
You walk up a narrow spiral staircase to this jazz club with subdued lighting and daily live shows (free entrance). It's located in Palma's most lively nightlife neighbourhood, La Lonja. In spite of this, there are more Majorcan's than tourists.
C/Apuntadores, 07012 Palma Tel.: (+34) 971.71.35.57.
Recommended: Bodeguida del Medio
Caribbean cocktails (an excellent "mojito), salsa and son. The owner, Pasqual, is a fabulous dancer. The atmosphere inside is rustic; outside, a lovely garden with Chinese lanterns, intimate corners and a view of the sea.
Paseo el Mar, 07590 Cala Ratjada.
Walks in Mallorca
Guided or Solo...
Walking has become very popular with winter visitors and many hotels now provide information about walking, and can sometimes organise a guide if one might be needed. At Scott’s Galilea, our association with Mallorca’s most prestigious and experienced hiking and climbing organisation means that professional advice and counsel can be obtained. Walking can be enjoyed pretty much all year round and is a great way to see much of the island’s beauty. Many of the prettiest and lesser known areas of outstanding natural beauty are virtually only accessible on foot.
For those visitors who wish to explore solo, a good selection of books and leaflets are available, the most famous British walker on the island, who has been researching walks on Mallorca for the past 20 years, is Valerie Crespie Green. Her book, Landscapes of Mallorca, is widely available in the UK and on the island.
Various municipalities have produced walking programmes with either suggestions of where to walk solo, or offer the opportunity to walk with a local guide. Below is a selection of guided walks and hiking routes to experience the real Mallorca.
Around Soller: the Soller Hotel Association has put together a comprehensive new programme of guided walks around some of the most interesting areas of the island. The programme operates 6 days a week from September onwards and features 9 different walks. Each varies in difficulty and length and costs between 15 euros and 35 euros per person. For more details check out their website: www.mallorcamuntanya.com.
Valledemossa is famous for playing host to the composer Chopin in 1838. The town hall decided that the best way to celebrate Chopin’s bicentennial was to provide a new guided tour to show visitors where he and his lover, George Sand, stayed during their time in Mallorca and the places that provided inspiration to the great composer. The walk costs 8 euros per person. For more information and reservations: Tel: + 34 636 430000, or go to the local tourist office.
Calvia, the most famous resort area of Mallorca, has put together a new book of walks with British resident, Valerie Green, who has been compiling books on walks around the island for the past 25 years. The book, entitled Landscapes of Calvia, is free to visitors and available from any one of the 6 tourist offices in the region. It features 15 different walks with easy to follow detail and advice, comprehensive maps and information on the local flora and fauna. In addition, Calvia features guided walks throughout the winter season as part of its Winter in Calvia programme for holiday visitors, which is specifically aimed at the over 55s market.
Santanyi , on the southeastern tip of the island, has put together 5 suggested excursions on foot or by bicycle. These excursions take in the coastline up to Cala D’or and the Mondrago Natural Conservation Park. Brochures are available in English from local tourist offices or email: MA.Mintour07@bitel.es
Alcudia, on the northeastern coast, is an ancient Roman town and its history can now be enjoyed on a special multi-lingual guided walk, which is provided free of charge by the local town hall every Wednesday. To participate, visitors must meet in front of the main church of St Jaime at 10am. For further details contact the local tourist offices.
The Bays of the Capdepera, on the east coast, offer a number of excellent walks. A brochure has been put together by the local area tourist office, with a selection of 15 different walks clearly graded from easy to very difficult. The brochure is available in English from local tourist offices, and includes a good map of the area.
Palma’s historic old town. The island’s capital now features a new guided tour of the city called Palma’s Monuments. The guided walk, which lasts 2 hours, is given in English every Monday and departs from the Plaza de la Reina, close to the cathedral, at 10.30 am and costs only 6 euros per person. Visitors are advised to reserve a place, which can be done through the local tourist offices or by calling: Tel: + 34 636 430000.
Tour Andratxol ~ Suitable for all seasons - Duration Aprox. 2 hr. - Highest point 180 meter - Distance 4 Km.
Coming from direction of Palma de Mallorca, you will be passing Paguera on the ring road. Here you will see a sign to Cala Fornels. Follow that road. Leave the car in Cala Fornels, then follow the route on the map.
Visit the old watch tower, and take a swim in Cala Monjo. It is a popular tour, and you are likely to meet several people. In Cala Fornels there are several places to get refreshments as well as restaurants. There is bus connection as well.
COLL DES VENT ~ Duration Aprox. 3.5 hr - Height difference. 150 meter. Distance 9 Km- Suitable for all seasons, but danger of forest fires during summer.
Coll des Vent is a trip into Na Bourguesa mountains. They are situated near Palma de Mallorca. This area is a Natural park. First you need to find the road leading into Na Burguesa maintains. It is numbered PMV 1043. It starts in the Son Dureta area, where you have the cross over at the motorway PM-20. Right at the corner you have a military camp. Read the yellow kilometer stones, and drive until you get to the one with marking: 6 Km. Here you can park the car, and on the south side of the road you see a track leading into the forest. 100 meters up the track you find a concrete mast. Here you follow the track to the right. After 1 km. on a small trail, you get to a forest road. There is a old ruin here. Turn right, and walk down this road. Further down it will join the road leading to the gate. Take the opposite direction. You now get to the next cross road. Follow it to the right. 300 meters further down, a track is leading left, ignore it and walk straight on. Then ignore the track leading right shortly after. You should now see a wreck of a car in the right side of the road (very little left). Also there are some red paint marks on the stones.
The small forest road you are on, is getting more and more narrow, ending as a track, however follow the route as drawn on the map to Mirador n'Alzamora. Here is a ruin and a view over the valley. A good place to have some lunch.
You can take the same way back, or make it a tour round Puig d'en Bou. Follow the track as made out on the map. You will at one time have to cross a dried out river. It is a bit steep here. At Coll des Pastors, you get on a proper forest road. Follow this as directed on the map, and return to where you started fro
FINCA GALATZO
Finca Galatzo is a public owned property. Situated in the South West part of Mallorca. Here you can select between 4 walking routes. Some easy, some quite demanding. Especially during a sunny period.
The access is from the Capdella Gallilea road. The parking area is limited, so during the weekend, be early. At the finca you can find the route plans and explanations. So you do not need to prepare yourself.
Also here you find sanitary installations, but no source for refreshments, so bring your self.
The best place to visit is during autumn, winter and spring time. The summer is very hot as the finca is situated in a valley.
As you follow your chosen path you will se that several of the places you are passing on your way are sign posted.
