Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tread through citrus, almond and olive groves to cute-as-a-button
Biniaraix
(
Click
here
)
and
Fornalutx
(
Click here
).
Find vintage trains, Miró and Modernista flair in the island's zesty orange capital,
Sóller
(
Click here
)
.
Feel your heart do somersaults as you drive the snaking road down to
Sa Calo-
bra
(
Click here
)
.
Climb to the impregnable fortress ruins of
Castell d'Alaró
(
Click here
).
Dive the transparent depths off the
Illa de Sa Dragonera
(
Click here
)
.
Wander to
Sa Foradada
(
Click here
)
as the setting sun paints the Mediterranean
in aquarelles.
Disappear into timeless
Orient
(
Click here
) in Mallorca's quiet hinterland.
THE SOUTHWEST
Look beyond the occasional blip of tasteless development and you'll find a sprinkling of
little-known treasures in Mallorca's southwest crook. Use Andratx, Port d'Andratx or
Sant Elm as your springboard for day trips to the exquisite coves of Portals Vells or a
boat trip over to Illa de Sa Dragonera. Activities on this stretch abound, with crystal-clear
sea for all manner of water sports. The epic, multiday Ruta de Pedra en Sec, Mallorca's
greatest walk, begins here, too.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Andratx
POP 12,150 / ELEV 132M
Andratx is the largest town in the southwest. Typically for Mallorca, it lies well inland as
a defensive measure against pirate attack, while its harbour, Port d'Andratx, lies 4km
southwest. Andratx has a low-key, untouristy vibe and makes a relaxed base for explor-
ing the coast to the west and the mountains that spread to the northeast. Its most import-
ant buildings stand tall on two rises. The 16th-century
Castell de Son Mas
, on the hill at
the northern end of town, is an elegant defensive palace that now houses the
ajuntament
(town hall). From it you can see the hulk of the
Església de Santa María d'Andratx
,
built in the 18th century on the site of the original 1248 church.
