Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ing archaeological sites. The main resort backs on to
Platja de Santa Margalida
, a
crowded shallow beach with turquoise water.
For a wilder feel, swing southwest of town to
Platja de Son Real
. This almost 5km
stretch of coast, with snippets of sandy strands in among the rock points, is backed only
by low dunes, scrub and bushland dense with Aleppo pines.
Sights & Activities
Finca Pública de Son Real
FARM
(adult/child under 12yr €3/free; 10am-5pm)
Much of the area between the coast and the
Ma12 has been converted into the Finca Pública de Son Real. Its main entrance is just
south of the Km 18 milestone on the Ma12, and the former farm buildings host an in-
formation office for those who wish to walk the property's several coastal trails. There's
also a museum zooming in on traditional Mallorquin rural life.
Es Figueral de Son Real
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
From the Finca Pública de Son Real, one trail leads through a largely abandoned fig
plantation to the overgrown Talayotic ruins of Es Figueral de Son Real. This settlement
dates at least to 1000 BC and consists of several buildings that you'll need considerable
imagination to decipher.
Necròpolis de Son Real
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
On the sea about 10 minutes' walk southeast of Platja de Son Bauló, this impressive nec-
ropolis appears to have been a Talayotic cemetery with 110 tombs (in which the remains
of more than 300 people were found). The tombs have the shape of mini-
talayots
(an-
cient watchtowers) and date as far back as the 7th century BC. Some suggest this was a
commoners graveyard.
Illot dels Porros
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Just north of the Necròpolis de Son Real, the island called Illot dels Porros also contains
remains of an ancient necropolis. It's a fairly easy swim for the moderately fit.
Experience Mallorca
ADVENTURE SPORTS
( 687 358922;
www.experience-mallorca.com
;
Avinguda Josep Trias 1, Vent-i-Mar Apts; activities
€55-75; Mar-Nov)
If you want to crank up the thrill factor a notch or two, head for this
adventure specialist, who will raise your pulse with activities such as canyoning, cliff-
jumping, coasteering, caving, abseiling, trekking and rock climbing.
