If, as some say, the island’s shape suggests a billy-goat facing west, the southwestern coastline makes up his long face while he sniffs the flower petal of Illa Dragonera. In winter, the mountains of this region act as a buffer, shielding the central plain from the fierce tramuntana wind and absorbing most of the island’s rain and snow; in summer, they provide a cool retreat, mostly for well-heeled residents and visitors, from the heat of Palma and the south.
For more on the public gardens of the Southwest Coast see Parks and Gardens-
Morning
This drive takes a full day, setting out at 10am or so.
Start at Andratx and take the coast road, C710, north. At the point where the road encounters the coastline, you will find the Mirador de Ricardo Roca viewpoint and the Es Grau café (see Es Grau, Carretera Andratx-Estellencs). At Estellencs , you can also stop for shopping and refreshment.
As the road leaves the town and climbs, there’s a stopping point to the left where you can look back at the view. Next stop is the magnificent Mirador de ses Anímes .
At Banyalbufar , note the remarkable terraced hillsides. A little way on, you’ll see signs for Sa Granja . Head there for lunch and a good look around the mansion and grounds.
Afternoon
After lunch, there’s more historic sightseeing at Valldemossa , where you can check out the former monastery, museum and old town.
Carrying on north, pop into Son Marroig and then wind around into fantastic Deià, where you can stop for a stroll.
Continuing on, don’t blink or you’ll miss Mallorca’s smallest village, LlucAlcari; and finally, head for the main square in Sóller, to have a drink at one of the cafés, then take the quaint tram down to the Port de Sóller for dinner and the rich nightlife.
-
Surrounded by orange and almond trees, which blossom in February, Andratx is a sleepy place that only becomes animated on market day (Wednesday).
-
Built by the Moors using drystone walls, the town’s terraces speak of human ingenuity to create superb farmland out of inhospitable cliffs. There are a few nice hotels, cafés, restaurants, artisan shops and a small, shingly beach.
-
Full of fishermen exchanging tales in animated Mallorquin. Ask for una cana (a beer on tap).
-
A great place to stop for Irish coffee, iced coffee and even iced chocolate. Sit on the waterfront at one of the best locations on the main drag of the port for people-watching, day or night.
-
A little bit of Britain. You’ll find a friendly atmosphere, the usual beers, pub grub, ploughman’s lunch and full English breakfasts.
-
This is where the locals hang out. Inside, you’ll find the TV blaring, the usual gambling machines and Mallorcan pottery.
-
The main square in town is full of seating for several bars. This one is on the corner; others include Café Sa Plaça and Café Ca’n Benets. Locals and foreign visitors mingle till the early hours.
-
A wonderful place where Spanish flamenco music stirs the air. Order sangria, fresh orange juice or pa amb oli (see Pa amb Oli) in various guises, then sit back and enjoy the view.
-
Revellers of different ages come for the mix of soul, house, hiphop and Spanish music. Wednesday night is Club 21, mostly for German 20-somethings; Thursday is House Party, with guest DJs from Ibiza; Friday is Gay Night; Sunday is Flower Power, with music from the 1960s and 1970s.
Advertisement
-
-
A Tour of London (with Food)
Accide
-
Paris guide
rosale
-
Firstimers Las Vegas guide
erinen
-
Munich guide
KPotvi
-
heidik's Los Angeles guide
heidik
-
-
-
GiUrsI New York guide
Giusep
-
Las Vegas guide
paulba
-
Paris guide
guydic
-
Boston guide
victor
-
Barcelona guide
cjcowb
-
-
New Year's Eve (Festa de l'Estendard)The Festa de l'Estendard, held on New Year's Eve in Palma de Mallorca, commemorates King Jaume I's Christian conquest of the city in 1229. After an amazing street procession, locals attend a... Read more
-
Angel SundayThe Sunday after Easter is known as Domingo del Ángel (Angel Sunday) in Mallorca, a day celebrated in the capital, Palma de Mallorca, with a procession, blessings and plenty of traditional... Read more
-
AbraxasFormerly known as Pacha, Abraxas is one of Palma's biggest and best nightclubs, located on the buzzing Paseo Marítimo in Mallorca's capital. Welcoming top name DJs throughout the summer, it also... Read more
-
Nit de FocThe Nit de Foc, or Night of Fire, is one of the most popular festivals in Palma de Mallorca, held each year in the Parc de la Mer during the fiesta of Sant Joan. Read more
![[+]](/images/button-addtoguide.gif)
symbol, to start adding attractions to your
tailor-made travel guide.
