Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tourist office
(
971 67 13 00; Avinguda de Mateu Bosch;
9am-4pm Tue-Sat,
9.30am-2.30pm Sun)
Next to the bus stop.
Getting There & Away
Most of the 102 buses from Palma continue from Andratx to the port (€1.50, 10
minutes). Bus 100 runs seven or eight times a day between Andratx and Sant Elm (€2.10,
40 minutes), calling in at Port d'Andratx en route.
OFF THE BEATEN TRACK
PORTALS VELLS & CAP DE CALA FIGUERA
A short detour 20km south of Andratx, the Cap de Cala Figuera peninsula's east-
ern flank is one of the last remaining stretches of unspoilt coastline in this much-
developed corner of the southwest. It feels light years away from the crowds and
bustle in nearby Magaluf.
Three dreamlike inlets collectively known as Portals Vells reside in blissful seclu-
sion, backed by pine-clad sandstone cliffs and dazzlingly clear water.
Cala Mago
is
two narrow inlets. The one on the right has a restaurant and is frequented by nud-
ists, while the longer inlet with the narrow, shady beach to the right is prettier.
Fairest of all is
Cala Portals Vells
. Turquoise waters lap the beach, the sands of
which stretch back quite a distance beneath rows of straw umbrellas. To the south
of here a walking trail leads to caves that honeycomb the rock walls, one of them
containing the rudiments of a
chapel
, where the altar has been hewn from the rock.
According to local lore, Genoese sailors built it in the 15th century to give thanks
for their lives being spared in a shipwreck.
Factor around three hours for a 10km circuit walk from Cala Portals Vells to the
lighthouse-dotted Cap de Cala Figuera cape, which commands sweeping views
across the Badia de Palma. The gentle and mostly flat coastal hike takes you along
cliff tops and to small bays.
You'll need your own wheels to reach Portals Vells as there is no public transport.
Take exit 14 off the Ma1 towards Portals Vells, passing the Western Park water park
and golf club. About 2km through pine woods you reach a junction: turn left follow-
ing signs to Cala Mago and park above the bay, or head 1.8km south to reach Cala
Portals Vells.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Sant Elm
