Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Regular buses run from here to Alcúdia (€1.50, 15 minutes) and Port de Pollença (€1.50,
25 minutes).
BOAT
Boats leave for Ciutadella on the island of Menorca from the ferry port.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Cap des Pinar
From Alcúdia and Port d'Alcúdia, the phenomenally beautiful Cap des Pinar thrusts east-
ward into the deep blue, and together with Cap de Formentor away to the north, encloses
the Badia de Pollença within its embrace. The cape bristles with Aleppo pine woods at its
eastern end as it rises to precipitous cliffs. Its walking trails are hands down some of the
most spectacular on the island. The headland is military land and off-limits but the rest is
well worth it.
From Alcúdia head northeast through residential Mal Pas and Bonaire to a scenic route
that stretches to Cap des Pinar. After 1.5km of winding coastal road east of Bonaire you
reach the beach and bar- restaurant of S'Illot. A little further on, there are turn-offs to Al-
bergue La Victòria and Ermita de la Victòria (
Click here
).
From Ermita de la Victòria, it's about a 40-minute uphill, signposted walk to
Sa
Talaia
, a 16th-century lookout tower with views to the north, east and south. Back on the
main road, walk about 1.5km east from the junction to where the road is blocked. It's
worth the trip to continue savouring the changing views.
Another worthwhile ramble is to
Platja des Coll Baix
- oh, what a bay! Snug below
sheer, wooded cliffs, this shimmering crescent of pale pebbles and translucent water is a
soul-stirring sight. The catch (or not, depending on your point of view) is that it can only
be reached on foot or by boat. Come in early morning or evening to see it at its peaceful
best. From Alcúdia, it's about 8km to an open spot in the woods where you can park.
Follow the directions for the Fundación Yannick y Ben Jakober and keep on for another
2km. From this spot, you could climb the south trail to Sa Talaia. Then follow the signs
to Coll Baix, a fairly easy half-hour descent. The main trail will lead you to the rocks
south of the beach, from where you have to scramble back around to reach it.
A curtain of pines rises behind
Platja S'Illot
, a pretty cove beloved of locals. Crystal -
clear water and an islet makes it great for a spot of snorkelling. You'll need to bring a
towel to lay on as there are no sunbeds, but there is a cafe for beachside snacking and the
views reaching across to Cap de Formentor are something else. Just don't expect to have
them all to yourself on a summer's day.
