Page 66 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

64  THE BALEARIC ISLANDS AREA B Y AREA M ALL ORC A  65

4 Calvià 6 Sa Dragonera as well as a var-
iety of interesting
@ n Passeig de la Mar 13,
Palmanova, 971 682 365. _ Sant A narrow rocky island, Sa rock formations.
Jaume (25 Jun). ( Mon. Dragonera lies at an angle to Specially designated
∑ visitcalvia.com the coast, about 1km (half a pathways lead through
mile) from Sant Elm. It has been the park. Notice boards
This quiet little town in the a nature reserve since 1988 explain the local
foothills of the Serra de and is home to a wide variety flora, the origins of its
Tramuntana mountains is of birdlife and wild flowers. unusually shaped rocks
the administrative centre of According to legend, the island and the habits of local
Calvià Province, which includes is visited nightly by dragons. Hiking trail in La Reserva Puig de Galatzó birds. There is much
the resorts from Ses Illetes to However, its name has more else of interest, too,
Santa Ponça. to do with its shape than its as a warning against getting including bears, a falcon show,
Standing on a hill in the Typical Mallorcan fishing boats in Port d’Andratx popularity with mythical beasts. too close to the edge of the a 1,000-year-old olive tree,
centre of Calvià is the church This wild island is just 4 km precipice, which affords a carboneros (huts belonging
of Sant Joan Baptista; its 5 Andratx setting on the slopes of the (2 miles) long and 700 m (765 fantastic view over the island to charcoal burners) and the
forecourt provides a fine view La Mola cape, and affording yards) wide. A rocky path runs of Sa Dragonera. Cova des Moro – Moor’s Cave.
over the surrounding farms @ n Av de la Cúria 1, 971 628 019. beautiful views of the harbour. between its two headlands, Real adventures, such as rock
and olive groves. The original _ Sant Pere (29 Jun), La Virgen del The coastal boulevard offers both marked by lighthouses. 7 Northwestern climbing, abseiling and archery,
church was built here in 1245; Carmen (16 Aug). ( Wed. the best place for viewing the The only inhabitants of the Coast of Mallorca are also on offer.
the present structure dates magnificent sunsets. island are wild goats and birds –
from the late 19th century. Andratx has ancient origins and About 5 km (3 miles) east of the island supports cormorants, See pp66–7. Environs
The ceramic tiles lining the was known as Andrachium by Port d’Andratx, in Camp de Mar, Cory’s shearwater and many Set amid lemon groves,
walls of the neighbouring the Romans. It lies in a valley of is a sandy beach and lovely birds of prey including the 8 La Reserva Puig 2 km (1 mile) northeast, is
public library provide a crash olive and almond groves, at bathing spot with large largest colony anywhere of the quiet little farming village
course in the town’s history. the foot of the Puig de hotels situated close to Eleonora’s falcon. de Galatzó of Puigpunyent, which has a
Few tourists make it to Calvià, Galatzó (1,028 m/ the sea. Neighbouring Sa Dragonera can be reached 18 km (11 miles) north of Palma, 17th-century church.
where life proceeds quietly. The 3,400 ft). The local Peguera has many by a ferry from Sant Elm (Feb– 4 km (2 miles) west of Puigpunyent. Galilea, situated a little
bars and restaurants here serve architecture is inexpensive hotels. Oct), which disembarks to allow Tel 971 616 622. Open Apr–Oct: way south of La Reserva, is
authentic Mallorcan cuisine. typical of the Its pleasant and you several hours to wander 10am–6pm daily; Nov–Mar: a favourite haunt for artists
inland settle­ safe beaches and explore the island. There are Fri–Sun only. & ∑ lareserva from all over Europe.
Environs ments that used Church tympanum in Andratx are particularly also cruises around the island, mallorca.com It affords a magni-
Santa Ponça is a small port, to defend the favoured by and these leave from both Sant ficent view of the
situated 7 km (4 miles) south­ island against raids by pirates. families with small children and Elm and Port d’Andratx. This private nature southwestern
west of Calvià. Nearby are golf Old ochre­colour houses with by older visitors. Cap Andritxol, reserve is situated coast of Mallorca.
courses, good beaches and colourful shutters blend well between Peguera and Camp de Environs on the eastern The founder of
opulent residences. It was here with the narrow cobblestone Mar, is a small peninsula with Sant Elm (San Telmo) is a quiet slope of the the local church
that Jaume I landed in 1229, streets. The main historic sight an observation tower at its tip resort with a good sandy beach, mighty Puig de of the Immaculate
freeing Mallorca from Arab is the fortified church of Santa dating back to 1580. It is an a wide selection of cafés and Galatzó peak, in Conception was
domination. The event María, towering over the town. excellent destination for walks restaurants and beautiful the southern region Captain Antonio
is marked by the Creu It was built in the 13th century and offers hikers the chance to scenery. About 4 km (2 miles) of the Serra de Sign of La Reserva Barceló, a man with
de la Conquesta. and remodelled in the early see some rare animals and northeast of Sant Elm, and Tramuntana. Here, in Puig de Galatzó a fierce reputation
18th century. The main tourist many species of native flora. accessible along a steep an area of 250 sq km who, in the 18th
attraction, however, is the Cala Fornells, a short way from footpath, is an abandoned (100 sq miles), you can sample century, defended Mallorca
local market, which is held Peguera, is a small, picturesque monastery. Sa Trapa has a mill some of the splendours of against pirates. In nearby El
on Wednesday mornings. village and beautiful cove. displaying some preserved nature, as the area features Capdella the same captain
A visit to the CCA Andraxt, Surrounded by pine trees, it has agricultural equipment. A springs and streams, dozens Barceló founded the church
an exhibition space devoted great views of the bay. It is also commemorative stone stands of scenic waterfalls and caves, of Virgen del Carmen.
to contemporary art, is a good place for swimming.
a must. A particularly scenic road
runs northwards, from Andratx
Environs to Estellencs. The Mirador de
Some 5 km (3 miles)south­ Ricardo Roca viewpoint and
west of Andratx is Port Es Grau restaurant provide
d’Andratx. The sheltered good stopping points for a
bay provides a mooring rest en route (see pp66–7).
ground for upmarket The delightful hillside village of
yachts. As recently as the S’Arracó lies 3 km (2 miles) west
1960s, this was just a small of Andratx, on the road leading
fishing village, which to Sant Elm. The local church
later transformed itself has a marble statue of Nostra
into a swanky resort with Senyora de Sa Trapa, brought
luxurious residences built to the Trappist monastery near
Neo-Gothic Sant Joan Baptista, Calvià within the woodland Sant Elm in the 18th century. Sa Dragonera, Dragon Island, viewed from Sant Elm
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp148–50 and pp155–9

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