Page 67 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

M ALL ORC A  65

6 Sa Dragonera as well as a var-
iety of interesting
A narrow rocky island, Sa rock formations.
Dragonera lies at an angle to Specially designated
the coast, about 1km (half a pathways lead through
mile) from Sant Elm. It has been the park. Notice boards
a nature reserve since 1988 explain the local
and is home to a wide variety flora, the origins of its
of birdlife and wild flowers. unusually shaped rocks
According to legend, the island and the habits of local
is visited nightly by dragons. Hiking trail in La Reserva Puig de Galatzó birds. There is much
However, its name has more else of interest, too,
to do with its shape than its as a warning against getting including bears, a falcon show,
popularity with mythical beasts. too close to the edge of the a 1,000-year-old olive tree,
This wild island is just 4 km precipice, which affords a carboneros (huts belonging
(2 miles) long and 700 m (765 fantastic view over the island to charcoal burners) and the
yards) wide. A rocky path runs of Sa Dragonera. Cova des Moro – Moor’s Cave.
between its two headlands, Real adventures, such as rock
both marked by lighthouses. 7 Northwestern climbing, abseiling and archery,
The only inhabitants of the Coast of Mallorca are also on offer.
island are wild goats and birds –
the island supports cormorants, See pp66–7. Environs
Cory’s shearwater and many Set amid lemon groves,
birds of prey including the 8 La Reserva Puig 2 km (1 mile) northeast, is
largest colony anywhere of the quiet little farming village
Eleonora’s falcon. de Galatzó of Puigpunyent, which has a
Sa Dragonera can be reached 18 km (11 miles) north of Palma, 17th-century church.
by a ferry from Sant Elm (Feb– 4 km (2 miles) west of Puigpunyent. Galilea, situated a little
Oct), which disembarks to allow Tel 971 616 622. Open Apr–Oct: way south of La Reserva, is
you several hours to wander 10am–6pm daily; Nov–Mar: a favourite haunt for artists
and explore the island. There are Fri–Sun only. & ∑ lareserva from all over Europe.
also cruises around the island, mallorca.com It affords a magni-
and these leave from both Sant ficent view of the
Elm and Port d’Andratx. This private nature southwestern
reserve is situated coast of Mallorca.
Environs on the eastern The founder of
Sant Elm (San Telmo) is a quiet slope of the the local church
resort with a good sandy beach, mighty Puig de of the Immaculate
a wide selection of cafés and Galatzó peak, in Conception was
restaurants and beautiful the southern region Captain Antonio
scenery. About 4 km (2 miles) of the Serra de Sign of La Reserva Barceló, a man with
northeast of Sant Elm, and Tramuntana. Here, in Puig de Galatzó a fierce reputation
accessible along a steep an area of 250 sq km who, in the 18th
footpath, is an abandoned (100 sq miles), you can sample century, defended Mallorca
monastery. Sa Trapa has a mill some of the splendours of against pirates. In nearby El
displaying some preserved nature, as the area features Capdella the same captain
agricultural equipment. A springs and streams, dozens Barceló founded the church
commemorative stone stands of scenic waterfalls and caves, of Virgen del Carmen.

Sa Dragonera, Dragon Island, viewed from Sant Elm

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