The Mallorca Guide
 

Activities and Places To See In Mallorca

Places of Natural Beauty

Cabrera Island

The National Park of Cabrera is made up of an archipelago of 19 small islands and includes Cabrera Island, the largest of the grouping. The crystal clear water surrounding these rugged rocky islands has created an area of outstanding natural beauty, as well as profound environmental importance.
In the past, this striking group of rocky islands was once a favourite haunt of pirates. On a sadder note, Cabrera Island was also used as a grim prisoner-of-war camp for French Napoleonic soldiers. Unfortunately, supplies were only sent to the Island sporadically, consequently many of the prisoners starved to death.

In 1991 this isolated grouping of isles was made a national park thereby safeguarding this region of outstanding natural beauty and exceptional wildlife. The easiest way to visit Cabrera Island is with one of the excursion boats that leaves Colònia de Sant Jordi (or Portopedro during the summer months). The 18 kilometre trip takes about an hour. You can also take your own boat to the Island, but you must first get permission to moor off Cabrera Island from the National Park administrators.
To preserve the unspoilt nature and beauty of Cabrera Island, visits are limited to 200 people per day. In August however, this is extended up to 300 people. The Island’s main areas of interest include the beach, the castle, the museum and the memorial to the French prisoners. On the return trip to Mallorca excursion boats enter the Sa Cova Blava (the Blue Cave), where you can swim in this spectacularly lit grotto.

The Cabrera Islands are a treasure-trove for birdwatchers, playing host to marine birds such as the Balearic shearwater, the Auldouin’s gull, the Cory’s shearwater and the Shag. Birds of prey, such as Osprey, Eleonora’s falcon and the Peregrine falcon can also be seen here. The Islands are also home to more than 130 migrating birds.

Interestingly, the isolation of these islands has meant that certain species have evolved differently than their counterparts on Mallorca. Consequently, there are several species of plants and animals that are endemic to this archipelago. A case in point is the lizard (podarcis lilfordi) which has at least ten endemic subspecies exclusive to the various islands.

Scuba divers are also drawn to Cabrera Island with its two reserved underwater areas: Cala Galiota and Es Dimoni. The Island is a National Park so no fishing or hunting is allowed.
The Park is open daily March to October.

Cala Varques

Situated between Portocolom and Porto Cristo is the beautiful and unspoilt Cala Varques beach. The beach is only about 70 meters long and 50 meters wide. The rock formations of the surrounding cliffs have created a secret little cove covered in fine white sand. The water here is crystal clear and quite deep in places, so you can jump from the rocks into the water if you are brave enough.

Off to one side of the beach, a large cave has been carved out of the cliff-face. This is a great place for exploring through the different cavities, but bring a lantern and a wet suit (the water inside the caves is very cold).

Cala Varques is a bit awkward to get to, but this is the price you pay to visit an unspoilt beach on Mallorca’s southern coast. To get to Cala Varques from Manacor, take the road MA 14 out of Manacor (in the direction of Felanitx). Take a left on Camino de Hospitalet, following the signs towards Cales de Mallorca. Continue on this road through Son Maria. When you get to the crossroads to Porto Cristo, continue towards Cales de Mallorca for around 150 meters before turning right down a small lane. Continue down this lane until you reach a barrier. This is where you can park your car. The rest of the journey (100 meters or so) needs to be done on foot and will only take about 10 minutes – just follow the path to the beach.

There are no services on Cala Varques, so you will need to bring your own food and drinks. Be warned that cows from a nearby farm have been known to join the sunbathers on the beach and to help themselves to a picnic.

Caves of s’Ermità (Caves of Artà)

Just a kilometre out of the small town of Canyamel, on Mallorca’s southern-eastern coast are the Caves of s’Ermità. As the caves used to be part of municipality of Artà, they are sometimes referred to as the Caves of Artà.

Extending some 450 metres into the rock face, the Caves of s’Ermità are truly fascinating. Inside the Caves are massive caverns studded with stalagmites and stalactites. The artificial lighting further enhances the incredible scenery in the caves.

A guided tour of the Caves (available in Spanish, French, English and German) will take up to 40 minutes. The tour starts in the ‘Vestibule’ with its impressive stalactites. From here you move on to the ‘Queen of Columns’ which reaches over 20 metres high. Next is the ‘Chamber of Hell’ (with its sound and light show) and on to the ‘Chamber of Purgatory’. You then visit several other caverns, including the ‘Chamber of Flags’ and the ‘Diamond Stone’ before reaching the exit - with its breath-taking views of the Bay of Canyamel.

Tours of the Caves are available every half hour daily from 10am to 7pm (May to October) and from 10am to 5pm (November – April). It costs €8 for adults and €4 for children aged 7 to 12. Children under the age of 6 are free. During the summer you can take a boat from Cala Rajada to the Caves.
For more information see www.cuevasdearta.com.

Es Trenc-Salobrar in Campos

On the southern coast of Mallorca, not far from Colònia de Sant Jordi, is the protected area of Es Trenc-Solobrar in Campos – known for its wealth of flora and fauna. Comprised of around 1,500 hectares (including the Es Trenc beach, sand dunes and salt lagoons) Es Trenc-Salobrar is well worth a visit for any nature lover.

The Es Trenc beach is 3 kilometres long and has fine white sand. Although it is a popular beach, its size means that it doesn’t suffer too much from overcrowding. And, because it is in a protect area of special natural interest; it hasn’t been spoilt by development. That said, the beach does have a restaurant and bar, as well as sun beds and parasols – but there are no hotels or high-rise apartments.

The sand dunes behind the beach have a dynamic eco-system. Plants such as the sea thistle, tamarind and the zamarilla bush, as well as pine trees thrive in this wind-blown salty area. The wetlands of the Salobrar area are made up of centuries old saltpans, and are a great place for bird watching – especially in the spring when migrating birds visit the area.

The best way to get to Es Trenc-Salobrar is via Campos. From Campos, head out of town on Calle de la Rápita (MA 6030). Follow this road for several kilometres. Go straight-over at the round with the MA 6014. Continue on the MA 6030 and turn left on a small lane signposted for Es Trenc-Salobrar. Continue on this country lane through the salt marches until you reach the unpaved car park. You will need to pay to park in this field, but it is less than 200 metres from the beach.

Peninsula de Formentor

At the northern most tip of Mallorca on the final spur of the Serra Tramuntana range is the spectacular Peninsula de Formentor. Shaped by the wind, the jagged rock formations of the Cap de Formentor are unforgettable. This area also has one of the nicest beaches in Mallorca - Plataja Formentor - which is near to the Hotel Formentor.

The northern cape of the peninsula is very wild, dotted with pine trees and scrub along with clumps of grass and the odd cactus. It is a great place to spot birds overhead and lizards sunning on the rocks.
One of the best ways to see the peninsula is the white-knuckle drive from the Port de Pollença up the peninsula road. With its hairpin turns snaking through the dramatic scenery, the narrow road clings to the edge of the sheer cliffs as it threads its way up to the cape. It definitely has some of the most striking views of the Mediterranean coastline on Mallorca. Certainly, it can be a harrowing 13.5 kilometre drive out to the lighthouse in Cap de Formentor, but you will be rewarded with some spectacular panoramic views. On a clear day you may even see Menorca.

The headlands of the cape have a number of viewpoints (miradors) that are well worth a visit. The best known of these is Mirador del mar Pas which has fine views of the small island Colomer, and it isn’t too far off the main peninsula road. From here the panoramic views of the sea cliffs below are dizzying. Also worth see is the Watchtower (the Talaia d’ Albercutx) with its breathtaking views of the Peninsula and the bays of both Pollença and Alcúdia. However, the spur road out to the Watchtower from the main Peninsula road isn’t very good and doesn’t have guardrails. You may want to consider renting a four-wheel drive car if you intend to visit the Watchtower.

Continuing on the main road up the peninsula you come to the tunnel through En Fumat - a 384 metre high mountain. Thrill-seekers may want to stop to climb the steep staircase up the cliff next to the tunnel’s western opening.

As you head further towards the cape the terrain becomes more rugged and rocky. Soon Cala Figuera beach comes into view. At the end of the road is the lighthouse for the Cap de Formentor. Set on a promontory with commanding views out to sea, you can see Cala Figuera in the west, the sandy beaches of Alcúdia in the south and if you are lucky Menorca to the east.

To avoid heavy traffic you should take the trip out to Cap de Formentor either early or late in the day. There is a small snack bar at the lighthouse where you can get a bite to eat. Be sure to sit on the terrace for a commanding panoramic view. On your way back you could stop at the Hotel Formentor’s beach restaurant for a meal. While there you may want to visit the Casa Velles, a well-preserved old Mallorcan house. If the restaurant at Hotel Formentor is too formal or expensive for you, you may want to try one of the eateries near the Plataja de Formentor.