Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Ascend
Castell de Santueri
(
Click here
)
for views that reach over patchwork
fields to the sea.
THE CENTRAL CORRIDOR
Most travellers race quickly through the geographical heart of the island along the Ma13
motorway, although the older route (Ma13a) takes you through some interesting country.
Sophisticated rural retreats and some of Mallorca's best vineyards are the main attrac-
tions, but charming villages such as Binibona in the Serra de Tramuntana foothills and
Sineu further south are also compelling reasons to forsake the rush to the coast.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Santa Maria del Camí & Around
Santa Maria del Camí is a gateway to Mallorca's wine country and home to one of the is-
Camí de Coanegra; 9.30am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat)
, based just outside of central
Santa Maria. In addition to winery visits and free tastings, you can admire their labels, all
designed by renowned contemporary artists.
The village itself doesn't really catch the eye, but it does have a couple of pretty
squares. If you're coming from Palma, the Ma13a widens to become the bar-lined
Plaça
dels Hostals
as you roll into town. The original heart of Santa Maria del Camí is
Plaça
de la Vila
, a quiet medieval square presided over by the 17th-century Casa de la Vila
(Town Hall).
The centrepiece of Plaça dels Hostals is the 17th-century
Convent de Nostra Senyora
de la Soledat
(Plaça dels Hostals 30)
, aka Can Conrado. If the main doors happen to be
swung open, you can peer into the magnificent front courtyard, while a peek into the rear
gardens can be had around the corner from Carrer Llarg.
The
Festes de Santa Margalida
( Jul)
is held here over almost three weeks, though
the key day is 20 July. It involves concerts, traditional dances and communal meals.
Moli des Torrent
( 971 14 05 03;
www.molidestorrent.de
; Carretera de Bunyola 75; mains
€20-26; 1-3pm & 7.30-10.30pm Fri-Tue)
is the area's most atmospheric restaurant - when
you spot a stone windmill on the country road north of town that leads to Bunyola,
you've found it. Sit in the vaulted interior or on the pretty patio for solid home cooking
