Page 89 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Mallorca, Menorca & Ibiza

M ALL ORC A  87

m Ses Salines Sprawling across the flatlands,
the town’s central streets are
n Gabriel Roca, 971 656 073.
lined with old houses. The Neo­
Ses Salines is a modest little town Classical church of Sant Julià

that is sometimes overlooked (1858–73) features a painting,
by visitors. It owes its origin, Sant Crist de la Paciència, by the
economy and name to the 17th­century Spanish master
nearby saltworks. The Salines de Bartolomé Esteban Murillo; the
Llevant are large salt lakes and Gothic retable is the work of
marshes. This area is inhabited by Gabriel Mògera. The church has a
numerous species of birds such small parish museum. The former
as the spotted crane, marsh Torre de Can Cos, which once
harrier, kestrel, warbler and guarded the town against pirate
hoopoe. During the migration attacks, became incorporated
season the marshes are visited into the present town hall in Sa Ràpita beach, a favourite
by flocks of plover, avocet, 1649. Markets are held here with windsurfers
tattler, godwit and osprey. There every Thursday and Saturday.
are many paths through the Some 10 km (6 miles) to the sole purpose of catching
marshes, making them an north of Ses Salines is Ermita a boat to nearby Cabrera
excellent area for walking de Sant Blas, which has a Island (see pp88–9), which,
and cycling trips, particularly restored 13th­century chapel. according to Pliny, was the
for birdwatchers, though the birthplace of the famous
mosquitoes can be bothersome. Carthaginian leader, Hannibal.
The pleasure boats to Cabrera
Environs Island sail daily from May until
Cap de Ses Salines is 3 km mid­October.
(2 miles) south of Ses Salines. This The town’s other main
is the southernmost promontory attraction is the nearby salt
of Mallorca. The view from the lake, Salines de S’Avall, from
lighthouse is magnificent and which huge quantities of salt
encompasses the entire south are still extracted – the main
coast of the island. source of the town’s wealth.
Banys de Sant Joan de sa
Font Santa lies 4 km (2 miles) Environs
northeast of Ses Salines. The One of Mallorca’s most
local hot springs, with water Lighthouse at the Cap de Ses beautiful beaches is located
temperatures rising as high as Salines headland 7 km (4 miles) to the north,
38°C (100°F), have been known in Es Trenc. This small but
since the 15th century, when , Colònia de Sant constantly developing resort
they were used to treat a variety is very popular with visitors
of conditions, including leprosy. Jordi to the southern coast of
The local chapel dates from this 52 km (32 miles) east of Palma. n Mallorca. The 4­km (2­mile)
period. The present bathhouse Gabriel Roca, Ses Salines, 971 656 073. stretch of beach can easily
was built in 1845. Today, the accommo date the large
waters are still believed to be The town of Colònia de Sant numbers of holidaymakers,
beneficial and are used to treat Jordi lies on the southern end and is not generally too busy.
rheumatism and a variety of of the island. It has a handful of Sa Ràpita is a small place
respiratory ailments. modest hotels, a few rest­ near S’Estanyol de Migjorn.
Campos, probably founded aurants, a pretty beach and The local beach provides good
by the Romans, is situated an interesting harbour. Many conditions for windsurfing. In
12 km (7 miles) from Ses Salines. people come here with the summer, the marina is also a
popular place. The only historic
remains are of the defence
tower, which once guarded
the coast against pirates.
Equally beautiful beaches
can be found to the south of
Colònia de Sant Jordi. When
they get too busy, try Platja
des ses Roquetes.
g Excursions to Cabrera
C/Explanada del Port. Tel 971 649 034.
Beach and harbour in Sa Ràpita, near Colònia de Sant Jordi ∑ excursionsacabrera.es

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