By Wendy Scarlett

Welcome to Mallorca . I have been very lucky and privileged to spend the last 35 years living and working in Mallorca. During this time I have to come to love the island and its people. I have set myself the project of this mini guidebook for friends and family who come to visit with us. I hope this gives you a taste of life here and will inspire you to be a little adventures and explore the good things Malllorca has to offer. The influence of the Romans, Arabs and Europeans have all left their mark on Mallorca's landscape and culture. But what have not changes the values of the Mallorcan people who are courteous, proud and self-sufficient. I have started our adventure near to home, then extending further a field to Palma City,where to go shopping and last of all what to eat and drink. I’m sure you will discover a whole new world and corners of the Island, which I too would like to share with you.

Best Wishes, Wendy Scarlett

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HISTORY OF CAPDEPERA

Capdepera, by its strategic situation and the existence of fresh water springs has always been an attractive place for the pirate’s and navigators.In XIII century, Jaume I the Conqueridor, founder of the kingdom of Majorca, negotiated and signed the Treaty of Capdepera with the Muslims .He was succeeded by the Christian King Jaume II who founded the village of Capdepera in1300 and ordered the construction of the castle to protect the population from the pirates.The successor to Jaime II, King Sancho, decided to renovate and strengthen the castle and in 1386 build sixty houses within the walls.The Castle is worth the climb of 147 steps for its panoramic view of the countryside. On a clear day you can see Minorca.The magnificent walled in castle of Capdepera,is the crown of our village and was the scene of the most important date in the history of Capdepera. From here Jaume I, without shooting a single arrow and with only six horsemen and four horses, a shield and five escuderos, tricked the Muslims into surrendering by building fires along the coast line leading them to believe there was a huge army waiting to invade.Within the walls there is the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, the sculpture of the Virgin de Esperanca is inside the chapel and has been the patron saint of Capdepera since the 16th centery.The gothic crucifix is carved in orange wood dating form about the 14th century . the House of the Governor that is in the gothic style, and is now used as an exhibition hall. The 'sa Vetlla' watch towerAnother interesting construction is the palace of Palace of Can March constructed at the beginning of the 20th century on the site of the 15th century Torre Cega which defended the entrance to Cala Rajada.This belonged to Jaun March , one of most powerful, most eccentrics of Mallorqines .It has was always been rumored they made their money from gun running and smuggling for Franco. The entrance is on Carrer Joan March. Although the palace cannot be visited, you can visit its gardens, and admire many of the contemporary sculptures.Following the lighthouse roadpast the palace of Can March 58 metres above sea level, is the lighthouse, which was constructed in 1861 with views of the coast andlooking over to Menorca. Not far from the lighthouse, on the same hill, there is a defence tower from the 18th century which is known as Torre Esbucada (Demolished Tower) due to its current state of ruin, which is attributed to the English frigate in 1808.

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Other FactsPopulation approx 8.672Languages: Catalan and Castilian. :On Wednesday is market day in the square.This is our local village There is the town hall, tourist information office, theatre, post office, a couple of banks, the health center open 24 hrs, Nationals of EU can get medical treatment with the relevant documentation (E 11 Form for the U.K) Prescription and non-prescription drugs and medicines are available from pharmacies. Distinguished by a large a green cross. The newsagent who sells papers in English and other languages. The Daily Bulletin is our local rag in English and it’s worth buying as it gives you all the local news and events. The bar Orient is a must as it makes very good tapas and snacks. On Thursday evenings they have live music. The language that you hear on the streets is most likely to be Mallorquin, a version of Catalan, which itself shares features with both French and Spanish but sounds nothing like either and is a language, not a dialect. The Mallorquin character is shaped, above all, by it's climate. The people of the Mediterranean know how to take life slowly - They still have time to sit in the shade and chat, to take siestas rather than rushing back to work. Manana! manana! Tomorrow will do!

Mallorca National & Public Holidays (No Shops or banks are open on these days)

1st January - Año Nuevo / New Year's Day 5th January - Epifanía / Epiphany 19th March - Dia de San José / St. Joseph's Day Late March or early April - Jueves Santo / Maundy Thursday Late March or early April - Viernes Santo / Good Friday 1st May - Fiesta del Trabajo / Labour Day 15th August - La Asunción / Feast of the Assumption 12th October - Nacional de España / National Day 1st November - Todos los Santos / All Saints' Day 6th December - Dia de la Constitución / Constitution Day 8th December - La Inmaculada Concepción / Feast of the Immaculate Conception

25th December - Navidad / Christmas

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Feast Days and Holidays of Capdepera

Date: 5th January In the evening, every one goes down to the harbor to greet the three Kings who arrive by boat. There is lots of excitement as the Kings parade up the main street Cala Ratjada to the church where bags of sweets are given. The children put shoes outside their windows filled with beans or food for the horses of the three kings, in the morning they find that instead of the beans, they find a present

Date: 6thJanuar Three KingsOn this day the King riding on horse back distribute present to the children at their homes.Years ago, people used to put bread in front of the crib, and during mass this bread was blessed and then handed out, It was said that those who ate the bread would not suffer from hunger during the coming year.

Date: 16th of January & 17th January. This is the best celebration of the year in Capdepera Sant Antoni lived at some time around the 3rd and 4th centuries AD. St Antoni is the guardian of crops and livestock. On the eve of his saint's day which is linked to ancient fertility rites and the beginning of spring

The inhabitants celebrate it by going out and installing fogueron(huge fires in the middle of the street made up of large tree trunks) where they barbeque, over the embers

sobrasada ,butifarrones and belly of pork sandwiched between large slices of Mallorcan bread and accompanied by plenty of local red wine. The “devils” visit each of the fires. Music and dancing that lasts a good part of the night. The following day there is a very colorful procession around the village off farm tractors and trailers with scenes from Mallorcan life. The local priest gives all the animals from the pet budgie to the largest carthorses a blessing on the steps of the church.

Date: 16th July. Ntra Sra del Carmen. Like many other towns on the coast, Capdepera pays tribute to the Mare de Déu Carmen, patron of the sailors. The fiesta lasts one week and is share with Ratjada. Throughout the week there are various activities for the children, sports, music, championships, theater. There is a procession of boats which leave the harbor carrying the statue of The Virgin Mary out to sea followed by a spectacular show of fireworks and a Jazz festival which usually lasts way into the night

Date approx: 16th of August Festa de Sant RocDescription: Sant Roc is the patron saint of Cala Ratjada. During the week there are several activities for children .At night there is an open-air concert and other cultural event the week ends with fireworks and a verbena.

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Date: from 24th of August Festa de Sant Bartomeu: Sant Bartomeu is the patron saint of Capdepera. Celebrated at the end of August. This celebration lasts several days, with musical events, a dancing display by the local children, trotting and horse racing and shooting championship Fireworks and a verbena. Usually on the 18th August the high light of the celebration of Sant Bartomeu, is at approx 10 pm in the town square (below the ancient castle) all the cafes remove all their outdoor tables and chairs to save space for a stage Nit del foc....The town is plunged into sudden darkness, an eerie wailing begins, the arrival of the demons preceded by hundreds of young Mallorquines who fill the square. The demons run through the crowds. Loud, deafening explosions vibrate around the square while the incessant beat of drums continue as the dancers jumped up and down as the demons run through the crowd, this is a firework display with a difference and not for the faint hearted It is certainly a night to remember and one that you will be hardly forget. The production performed and created by Iguana Theater, first performed in 1988, is based on popular Mediterranean culture, mixing fire, demons, music, fireworks, drums, mechanical beasts and other devices that manage to integrate the public into a vibrating Dionysian fiesta.

TraditionsCapdepera works very hard to preserve their traditions not only in its religious festivities but also in its cultural. The children are taught from a young age to participate in Mallorquin folk dancing, dressing in their national costume. Music and singing too plays a large part of village life and there are many performances by the different groups during the year.Capdepera is famous for its. Baskets weaving,a tradition cottage industry believed to have originated from Moorish times; passed down the generations. The palm Chamaerops humilis grows in the area. The young palm leaves are harvested, bleached, dried in the sun and then woven into baskets, hats and other articles.

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Cala MesquidaIs the name of our area is Cala is a bay or cove. Mesquida after a mosque or temple that exist in a large finca in the valley.Cala Mesquida beach with fine, clean sand and surrounded by sand dunes and pine-groves, which can be reached by a walkway. The beach of Cala Mesquida is one of the most beautiful in Mallorca it is 580m long. At the far end it is popular with nude bathers so beware!! Always pay attention to the warning flags, as the sea current can be very dangerous on this beach Cala Mesquida was famous for The “English” Pontinenal Holiday Camp was bought by Sr.Pomar a Mallorquine who demolished the whole holiday village. Has rebuilt the holiday complex with 3 new Viva Hotels.The 1st caters for the Scandinavians, the 2nd for the Germans and the last is International.

Capdepera and Cala Ratjada.The Capdepera area includes Cala Ratjada, The origins of the town date back to the 19th century, with fishermen from Capdepera where they made their living from coral and sponges. Font de Sa Cala, Canyamel and Cala Mesquida. Overall the municipality of Capdepera covers almost 42km of coastline The tourist facilities have, over the years, been vastly modernized and improved, with street train, promenades, pedestrian zones and beautiful squares, all made possible thanks mainly to the financial help it received from the Government of the Balearic Islands. Many of the hotels have been completely renovated or entirely rebuilt. Before you start your holiday pass by the tourist office and pick up brochures in English on the activities for the month. The district of Capdepera has been designated a Protected Nature Area of Outstanding Importance by the Government of the Balearic Islands. A section of this area is between Gala Agulla and Cala Mesquida, can only be visited on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, as motorized vehicles are strictly prohibited. This stretch around Cala Mesquida and Cala Agulla is recognized for its special ecological and environment value and has been declared the area as a protected bird sanctuary. This stretch of the northeast coastline is one of the few places on the island where the pine forest still overlooks the beach. The European Union has awarded Blue Flag to the area .A symbols of clean sand and unpolluted seawater.Cala Agulla It is about 5 kilometres from the port or town centre.It is a picturesque beach bordered by pine groves and sand dunes with crystal clear water. This beach is very safe for children and has very good water sports The secluded bay of Cala Moltó can only be reached by a narrow pathway from the Gala Agulla beach. Not suitable for family outing as there are many nude bathers. Cala Lliteras bay is ideal for high diving, as Nature has sculpted it in the form of a swimming pool. 6

Cala Gat bay is about 1 kilometre from the town centre of Cala Ratjada. Starting from the harbor, there is a promenade, which follows the shoreline and leads to this bay with its picturesque beach. If you continue along this pathway, along and over the cliffs, you will arrive at the lighthouse. Son Moll is just a few metres from the centre of the Cala Ratjada and is quite a charming beach. In the summer months Font de Sa Cala is a really beautiful beach, which has a fresh-water spring. It is 3kms from the town of Cala Ratjada and can be reached by the local bus or “ train.”From Cala Ratjada you can get to Canyamel, which is about 12kms away, On the main road leading into Canymel is the Torre de Canyamel. Its is privately owned by the Morell family. Believed to be of Muslim origin built during the reconquest of Mallorca by King Jaume I in 1230, as refuge and defence for the inhabitants of Canyamel against attacks by pirates and invaders. After danger from invasion ended and during its 700 years of its history. It was transformed into a property dedicated to farming. In the second half of the fifteenth century, the cultivation of sugarcane was introduced Besides enjoying the very attractive beach, it is well worth paying a visit to the caves. Our north east corner of Mallorca has very good sporting facilities, with more than 100 tennis courts and 4 championship standard golf courses at Canyamel, Capdepera, Pula-Golf and Son Servera.

Cala Ratjada light house. Torre de Camyamel

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The Landscape of Mallorca Is very varied and one of the most beautiful you can find from mountain range to flat plains covered with ever changing wild flowers and blossoms. On the island of Mallorca there are approx 581,564 inhabitants and covering an area of 3,640 km2 is 120 km.long. This is the distance between Puerto de San Telm (Andratx) and Formentor lighthouse. The Tramuntana is a mountain range spreads diagonally from the town of Andratx to Formentor. The highest peak in this range is the Puig Major, that is 1,445 metres high. In this region are the beautiful mountain villages of Valldemossa, Deja, Banyalbufar and Soller and acres of citrus orchards and orange and lemon groves. The mountainsides are covered with ancient, gnarled olive trees and almond and fig trees

Es Raiguer is the area at the foothills of Tramuntana mountain range, made up of 11 towns that still maintain the character and atmosphere of years gone by. These are Alaro, Binissalem, Buger, Campanet, Consell, Inca, Lloseta, Manacor de la Vall, Marratxi, Santa Maria del Cami and Selva. Culturally and historically of great interest, these towns are working to preserve their traditions, cultural and historical heritage. Theses are villages with a history of traditional crafts - wine and food production, glass blowing, basket weaving, clay ceramics,

leatherworking, weaving and many others crafts.

Pla de Sant Jordi is a large plain covered with windmills near to the city of Palma and the airport.

El Migjorn, The southern side of the island, has a wonderful ochre coloured soil and some of the most spectacular beaches. There are pretty towns on the coast, fishing villages and harbours and many luxury resorts.

The Levante The northern side of the island is a combination of mountains, flat plains of heathland with wild olive trees, carob and pine woods and fine sandy beaches, a number of good quality resorts. From its coastline of beautiful beaches, one can travel into the interior of Mallorca, finding areas of extraordinary beauty and a large variety of scenery with widespread areas of traditional cultivation and typical Mediterranean woods, marshland areas with an spectacular variety of migratory birds and natural heath land. In the countryside, with working farms and vineyards where the harvesting of grapes, olives and almonds is still done in the tradition fashion

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NORTH EAST.Arta the town of Artá began more than three thousand years ago. There are still a lot of ruins and monuments that are evidence of ancient civilizations in the town. This medieval town dominated by the Santuari de Sant Salvador,it is well worth a visit. Throughout the history of Arta, Sant Salvador has served as a physical and spiritual refuge. Within the walls of Sant Salvador there are clear signs dating back to prehistoric times. Firstly, there are various caves facing southwest, on which the walls themselves are built. Secondly, there are the large rock formations that support the walls. All this leads

us to believe that a fortified village existed on this site in the Talaiotic era. It is a military structure dating back to before the conquest of Mallorca. In the church sanctuary there are vivid paintings of two Mallorcan heroes Jaume the Conqueror and Ramon Llull being stoned to death in Tunisia. There is also a painting of Sant Antoni, patron saint of Arta and of animals, seen here as always, with a small pig at his feet. Each January a fiesta is commemorated with a procession and a blessing of pets. Under the Muslim rule, Mallorca was divided into twelve districts and the peninsula of Artá was one of them. This district included also the current municipal districts of Capdepera and Son Servera and the whole district was named Artá. Up until the 15th century the town was called S’Almudaina, which means citadel, fortress, palace or castle. The Premonstratens monks take the credit of the foundation of the town. After the Catalan conquest, those monks founded the priory of Santa Maria de Bellpuig.In 1820 the bubonic plague hit the village causing more than 1200 victims. In 1880 Sa Devesa de Ferrutx was divided into plots of land and, as a result of it, a new town appeared in the coast called La Colonia de Sant Pere. In the 19th century the village of Son Servera and Capdepera split up. Ermita de Betlem Northwest of Arta. A remote sanctuary, with splendid views, can be reached via a tortuous track that winds for 10km.It was founded in 1805 and still remains the home to hermits. The caves of Artà Up to 1860 it was an adventure to visit. You would have to slide down a rope that hung down from the mountain into the entrance of the cave. It was only

when a member of the Spanish Royal family Isabel II. wanted to visit the cave, because of her extra kilos .It was necessary to extend the entrance and construct stairs. From then on everything was easier for visitors to the cave. Tel. 971 841 293 Open. Jul. a Sept.: 10 – 19 h. // Oct.a Jun.: 10 – 17h. //Daily./Adults 8 €. Children between 7-12, 4 €

Talayot de Ses Paises Located just 2km south of Arta is this Megalithic settlement. It is one of the most important monuments in Mallorca.

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Located on a low hill, in a wood of oak trees this Bronze-Age village dates back to 1000-800BC. Most impressive of all is the massive entrance portal, formed by three stone slabs weighing up to eight tones each. Inside there are several rooms and an atalaia (watchtower), the entire settlement is surrounded by a Cyclopean dry stone wall. This makes an interesting visit, however little information is available on site, so you have to use your imagination. There is a walkway round the site. Entry to Ses Paisses costs just 1.30 euros. Tickets are purchased at the kiosk at the site. Opening hours: (Vary according to season) November to March. 10am-6pm April to October. 10am-7.30pm Tel 619 070 010 or 971 835 017

Ca’n Picafort Its history is documented since 1860. A fishing port, turned resort with good family beach fringed with pines

Protected Areas of Son Real. Son Real is located between Ca´n Picafort and Son Serra de Marina in the municipality of Santa Margarita. Coming from Ca´n Picafort, the protected area begins where the developed area of Son Bauló ends at the beach of the same name.

Necròpolis de Son Real From the beach of Son Bauló on the eastern edge of Can Picafort, walk along the shore for about twenty minutes until you get to the Necropolis of Son Real, which was excavated in the 1960's and consists of a number of graves that resembles the form of the talayotic monuments in miniature - round and square talayots, Close by is the S'Illot des Porros, an islet that was joined to the mainland in prehistoric times, where burials were

carried out in three huge chambers cut out of the rock.The torrents of "Son Bauló" and "Son Real" cross this preserved area, forming small, flooded areas of great beauty where they converge. In this area two fragile ecosystems exist: The dunes and that of humid areas. Vegetation growing there, white marine iris, the marine thistle, sandbank reed, pines, "sabinas", bushes, buckthorn, oaks, arbutus (not very frequently), rosemary, marine fennel, "saladina", rush, hurdle, etc. You will find wild life, rabbits, hedgehogs, weasels, partridges, turtledove, ringdove, the Mediterranean turtle (protected species), small lizard, bush-snake.An excursions on foot or on horseback from Ca´n Picafort is a good idea.

Parc Natural de l'Albufera nature reserve nearby is excellent walking, cycling and bird watching country. It is an Area of special protection for the birds (ZEPA) Historically "La Albufera" was probably well known and used since prehistoric times. Until today more than 200 species of birds have been observed. The mammals are of small size. The vegetation is less varied, the most exceptional plant being the grass orchid. Look out for moorhens and coots in the grass, and herons and flamingos in the reeds. You can pick up a map and list of birds to spot at the reception center. Tel. 971 892 250./

Open: Abr.a Sept.: 9 – 18 h. // Oct.a Mar.: 9 – 17 h./Daily.

The Necropolis of Son Real is a group of tombs that reproduce in miniature the shapes of talaiotic monuments

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Alcudia Market day Sunday. Alcudia old town is surrounded by walls that date from the 14th century and consists of compact rows of narrow streets. Alcudia on the northern shore of Mallorca, it strategic importance is evident. Standing on a headland between the sweeping bays of Bahia de Alcudia and the Bahia de Pollença to the north, it was first singled out by the Phoenicians who built a settlement here in the seventh century BC. The Greeks arrived in the second century BC, who were in turn displaced by the Romans, who named the city Pollentia, making it the capital of the Island of Mallorca. When the Roman Empire crumbled in the fifth century AD, the city was Pillaged and ravaged by Vandals. Prosperity return after the arrival of the Moors who gave the city its present name Al Kudia, meaning the town on the hill. The history of the city's past can be seen, in the Roman ruins, Moorish cobbled streets, town is boxed in by defensive medieval fort walls was once a Roman settlement. It was rebuilt by the with the conquest of Mallorca by Jaume I in 1229, it again came under Christian rule. Roman ruins, Moorish cobbled Considerable effort has gone into restoring the city monuments. The most impressive entrance to the city is through the old gateway of Porta del Moll. Twin square towers lie stranded from what was once defensive walls encircling the medieval city. Once inside the gates, the old city is a maze of paved alleyways and crumbling palaces, laid out much as they were in medieval times. The church of Sant Jaume dates from the thirteenth century, but what is on view today is largely a nineteenth century reconstruction. The church has a museum with mainly religious art, and next door is the Museu Monografic de Pollentia, which exhibits Roman pottery, jewelry and other finds unearthed during excavations in the city.Just outside the walls are the remains of the Roman city of Pollètia, 1200 sq m (2150 sq ft). Excavation work in Pol·lèntia began around 1920 It neatly demonstrates the accreted layers of Mallorcan history, with ruins of the old Roman city of Pollentia. An amphitheater dating from the first century, the only one in Mallorca and the smallest in Spain, is the principal attraction. Elsewhere are the stubs of Roman columns and the remains of what were once civic buildings can be seen. Excavations continue to uncover artifacts buried for thousands of years The Pollentia Museum in Alcúdia exhibits archaeological finds from the site. Heading south, just outside town is the tiny gothic oratory of Santa Ana. Built at the beginning of the thirteenth century, it is said to be the oldest chapel in Mallorca. The plain facade is adorned by a solitary statue of the Virgin Mary.

Port D'alcudia. Home to a naval base and a busy fishing fleet. Lively resort with good beach and has won many tourist awards. The biggest of the resorts on Mallorca's northeast coast, it stands at the head of a 10-km stretch of sandy beach, which continues around the bay of Alcudia the promenade on Passeig Maritim faces a row of fish restaurants. Near here is the commercial port, where passenger ferries leave for the Menorcan city of Ciutadella.

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Puerto Pollenca Long palm-lined promenades either side of the harbor with its boats and yachts. It was said there are over 80 millionaires living there.

Pollenca Town This attractive town is a haven of Mallorcan traditions where life remains peaceful. The Pont Roma (Roman bridge) on the edge of town gives a clue to Pollenca's long history. The name Pollenca dates from the 14th century, when settlers from Alcudia named the town after their former Roman capital. Some of Pollensa's medieval centre remains around the Plaça Major, the main square, houses a cluster of bars and cafés, and on Sunday morning, Pollenca’s lively market takes place on Clothes and household goods are sold near the car park with fruit, flowers and vegetables in the Placa Major. Local cheeses and roasted almonds are good buys. a busy market. The church of Nostra Senyora dels Àngels. From the outside the church is fairly austere, the sheer stone façade is pierced only by a large rose window, but the interior is highly decorative. Among many historic buildings is a former Jesuit convent, now the town hall. From here you climb 365 steps, lined with cypress trees, to reach the Calvari church with its ancient wooden cross and views of Puig de Maria. The Calvari steps are the scenes of a moving procession every Good Friday, when a figure of Christ is removed from a cross and carried down the steps by torchlight.The municipal museum in the former Dominican convent contains the remains of prehistoric sculptures shaped like bulls, as well as a mandate (Tibetan sand painting) given by the Dalai Lama in 1990. The cloisters of the convent are the venue for Pollenca's celebrated classical music festival.

Cap de Formentor The most spectacular views Mallorca has to offer in the north of Mallorca, this rocky promontory is an out-of-the-way paradise. The road which runs from Port de Pollenca to Cap de Formentor was built by the Italian engineer Antonio Paretti, his other masterpiece on Mallorca, is the road which snakes down to Sa Calobra. On the northernmost point is the lighthouse of Cap de Formentor, built from the cliffs in 1892 and is out of bounds.A German radio operator built a private weather station there in 1996, which transmitted encoded radio transmissions This and other data was then sent all over the world . The area surrounding it is great for walking, lizard spotting and bird watching Hotel Formentor, In 1928 Adan Diehl, a native Argentinian, decided to build a home for himself and his wife, where he could also put up his friends, poets and painters from all over the Continent. Here he could lodge not only his friends but also a select clientele that would help to cover the costs In early 1936, burdened by debts and having lost the hotel to the Banco Credito Balear,In 1954 a Majorcan businessmen Juan Buadas and his sons Tomeu and Miquel bought over and restored the hotel .The Hotel Formentor whose previous guests include Winston Churchill , Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco and Charlie Chaplin,

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Muro This small town between Inca and the S'Albufera marshes. Few tourists venture into the heart of this likeable town. Its centerpiece is the Catalian-Gothic church, rebuilt in the 16th century of Sant Joan Baptista, looks almost Arabic, guarded by palm trees and a tall square bell-tower linked to the main church by a tiny bridge. Rebuilt in the 16th century, it has a colorful rose window over the west door. In Placa de Jose Antonio Primo de Rivera stand the Convent dels Minims and church of Santa Ana. Outside the latter is a fountain and a statue of a peasant woman holding a jar of water.  Fights between bulls and dogs were once staged between the ancient arcades and cloisters. Bullfights are still occasionally held in Muro’s Placa de Toros, built in 1910. The Museu Etnologic de Mallorca. This museum, housed in a former mansion, gives fascinating glimpses into Mallorca's past. The kitchen contains pottery similar to what you see in the markets today, the recreated pharmacy has a pair of scales in the shape of a crucifix. Upstairs there is a fine Collection of siurells (clay whistles) featuring men on horseback, carrying water and playing guitars. A courtyard with a well, a waterwheel and orange trees leads to more exhibits blacksmith and cobbler's workshops, a collection of carriages, and tools once used by silversmiths, sculptors and spoon makers.

Sa Pobla, 4km north of Muro, is Mallorca's vegetable basket; this fertile area of marshes reclaimed as farmland is referred to as 'the land of a thousand windmills' Sa Pobla is the major area for potato growing producing two crop of potatoes each year and also is able to farm strawberries through the whole year. This is great source of income for Mallorca. The potatoes are exported throughout Europe, including Britain.Sa Pobla is also the home of one of Mallorca's most unusual festivals, the Revelta de Sant

Antoni. For two days each January pets are led through the town to be blessed outside the church, dancers drive out the Devil for the coming year, and everyone eats pastries filled with spicy spinach and marsh eels.. On the village outskirts is the oratory of Santa Margalida de Crestatx, which dates back to the thirteenth century.

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Sa Colobra Previously remote and only accessible by boat, Sa Colobra near Escorca. is a tiny cove at the bottom of sheer cliffs. It can be reached via the narrow road PM-214-1, which

can be taken from either Sóller or Lluc and which goes down to the sea on a 14 km route full of tight turns, 12 of which curve round at 80 degrees and one of which - the Nus de Corbata (Tie Knot) - turns at a full 360 degrees. Once at the bottom, there is a car park and some restaurants next to the beach of Sa Calobra, the countless hairpins bends and in conjunction with the buses can make for a harrowing trip for the faint-hearted driver. A local legend has it that the parish priest and the local bus driver arrived at the Pearly Gates, and only the driver was admitted to heaven. The reason? He had led far more people to pray. Walk through a set of dimly lit tunnels cut in the rock to reach Torrent de Pareis. Formed over thousands of years by water rushing down from the Tramuntana Mountains, this gorge culminates in a small sandy beach. The gorge has two splendid waterfalls and is only 30m wide with walls rising to 600m. Because of flash floods it is unsafe to walk in the canyon except at the height of summer. Many concerts are held here in the summer month.

Lluc The name Lluc comes from the Latin word lucus, meaning sacred forest. The shrine to our Lady of Lluc and has been a center of pilgrimage since the 13th century when an Arab shepherd boy newly converted to Christianity, discovered

a dark wooden statue of the Virgin in a cleft in the rock on the bank of the stream that runs behind the present day sacristy. The image was placed in the local chapel of Sant Pere d´Escorca, which was in those days the parish.church but three times it returned miraculously to its cave, whereupon the villagers recognized it as a message from God and built a shrine to house her. The current church, built in the Renaissance style, was begun in 1622 The high altar was dedicated in 1684 with the statue of the Virgin in her central niche, by 1629. and finished in 1691 with the completion of the façade. The floor is laid out as a Latin cross with one central nave, and 3 chapels on each side, a barrel vault and a dome at the centre of the cross. The arches and cornices were made of local stone. The church measures 28.28m

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North West

in length, and is 6.70m wide across the nave and 13.45m across the widest part. At the start of the 20th century the whole church was decorated in the same Baroque style as the chancel, following the design of the Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí La Moreneta ('the Little Dark One') is now encrusted with precious stones, and sits in a chapel, Decorated with the coat of arms from every Mallorcan town. Pilgrims and tourists queue to pay homage, especially on Sundays and at 11am before Mass a concert is given by Es Blauets choir. The choir, named after their blue cassocks, was established in 1531

comprising 40 boys, 'natives of Mallorca chosen for their singing voices. Infront of the main chapel doors is a statue of Bishop Pere-Joan Campins, one of the great patrons of the monastery, which was erected in 1920 in front of the main door of the church.At the entrance to Lluc is the building of Ca s´Amitger, is now an interesting visitor centre providing information on the Serra de Tramuntana, with permanent exhibitions on the black vulture, the Mallorcan midwife toad, rock channels and plant life. The monastery complex includes Els Porxerets,built around 1586 the former pilgrims' quarters with stabling beneath the rooms, and the Way of the Rosary with touches by the famous artist Antoni Gaudi. From the hilltop cross you look down over an unexpected farm and valley and up into the pine covered mountains. There is also a museum - among the displays of ceramics,

chalices and coins is a collection of paintings by the 20th-century Mallorcan artist Josep Coll Bardolet, with scenes from Deia, Valldemossa and Fornalutx.Lluc is a favorite place for walkers and also the scene of many pilgrimages. Once teeming with monks, the enormous monastery now shelters visitors in its hostel accommodation, looked after by a small community of religious brothers. www.lluc.net

Soller The trip to Sóller is a "must" for every visitor run, from the Plaza España in Palma to Sóller. The train still uses old wooden carriages and the track runs over the Tramuntana Mountains through lovely scenery with spectacular views. Twisting and turning past orange and olive groves. The journey takes about an hour. In

Soller’s central square with its trees and fountains and it is not hard to imagine the excitement that must have prevailed when the railway line to Palma was opened in 1912. The Palma to Sóller train leaves daily at: 08.00h, 10.40h, 13.00h, 15.15h and at 19.40h. The 10.40h is called the "tourist-train", because it stops for 30 minutes at a beautiful scenic viewpoint. Another attraction of the town is an ex-San Francisco tram. It connects the center of Soller with the Port de Soller. At one time there was an active shipping trade of citrus fruit from Sóller harbor to Toulon. Boats run excursions to Sa Calobra, Deià, Sant Elm and Illa sa Dragonera.

Many people use the town as a base for walking in the surrounding area, but it's also a charming place to explore, with attractive old buildings, lush gardens and open plazas. Bars and restaurants border the main square - Plaça de la Constitució. The 16th-century Església Parroquial de San Bartolomé is also here, its modernist facade belying a beautiful Gothic interior. A manor house dating from the turn of the century is now home to Mallorca’s Museum of Natural Sciences, opened in 1992. Here cherished collections of fossils, animal skulls,

bones and rocks can be found dating back millions of years. The

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surrounding grounds contain the Botanical Gardens of Soller, with plots devoted to Balearic Islands shrubs. Both museums are free of charge and worth a visit. The municipal market was inaugurated in 1952. It is situated in in the town It is worth taking time to wander around, as the stalls inside offer a variety of high quality products Oranges & Lemons:  It is on the west coast of Mallorca where oranges and lemons groves are found in abundance. As two of nature’s favorite fruits, a lot of use is made of them, particularly in items of confectionery and drinks. The blossom exudes a heavenly scent Apart from its importance as a winter fruit crop. The blossoms are used for cosmetics and perfumes, as well as for soothing herb tea, with camomileThe Sóller tunnel The Sóller tunnel with its length of 3 km is indeed a very impressive work of engineering. It connects to the rest of Majorca. The Alfabia gardens are situated just before the entrance to the tunnel Jardins de Alfabia Ctra. Palma-Sóller, km. 14 – Tel. 971 613 The Alfàbia gardens can be found on the road from Palma to Sóller (Km. 17). Before the entrance to the Soller tunnel If you have just driven over the Coll de Soller and are in need of a rest, this would make a lovely spot. Some historians maintain that they used to belong to ‘Valí’ (Valid), a rich Arab. Probably designed by Benihabet, the Muslim governor of Inca who converted to Christianity following the Spanish invasion. It is a clear example of gardens found in the grand mansions on the island of Majorca. Water is an essential element throughout the gardens, found in the waterfalls and fountains.The main attraction is a pergola made up of seventy-two stone columns and twenty-four stone water jets. These Arabic characteristics live side by side with the mediaeval layout of fruit and vegetable growing traditions, which still exist in the grand mansions such as this one ‘Jardins d’Alfàbia’and ‘Raixa’ which is on the same road. www.jardinesdealfabia.com Open: Oct-Marz.: 9’30 – 17’30 h. Sat.: 9’30 – 13 h Sun. closed. Abr-Sept.: 9’30 –18’30 h.Sat.: 9’30 – 18’30 h. Sun. closed. 4’50 €.

Deia The idyllic town of Deià has a bohemian feel. The setting is stunning and it has attracted a large number of artists, writers and musicians over the years. Joaquim Mir, Arthur Byne , Lady Sheppard, William Waldren. Deia is always associated with the English writer Robert Graves The writer moved to the town in 1929 and lived there till his death in 1985. The Balearic Government, Deià Town Hall and poet's family have signed an agreement on 16th December 2003 making it possible for foundation to buy and convert the house; Can Alluny in Deià where he lived for more than fifty years into a museum. He is

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buried in the cemetery beside the parish church at the top of the town. Graves worked hard to stop Deia being ruined by tourist developments.The town's main street is lined with artists' workshops and galleries selling locally produced work. There are also many bars and cafes where you can sketch, write poetry, or just have a beer. A twisting road leads down to the sea at Cala Deia. In Deia is the famous Hotel La Residencia, an idyllic mansion turned hotel that is partly owned by Richard Branson. Princess Di was a regular visitor there.The cultivation of olives dates back from the periods of Muslim and Roman domination. Most of the terraces that shaped the valley are covered by olive trees dating many hundred of years

Archduke Ludwig Salvator was an Austrian aristocrat. born 4th of August1847 in Palazzo Pitti at Florence–died 1913 Ludwig Salvator has been suffering already for a longer time from Elefantiasis, which shows itself in a painful swelling of arms and legs. Most likely he contracted this disease on one of his journeys When World War I broke out, his family ordered him to leave Majorca and in 1915 he died in family castle of Brandýs nad Labem, On 12th of March 1915 Salvator's mortal remains were transferred to Vienna, and on 13 th of March at 11 o'clock at night, the burial took place in the Imperial Crypt of the Capuchin church in Vienna.

He was married to Princess Mathilde; who caught fire and accidentally burnt to death. died while smoking a secret cigarette. He never married again. In 1867 He arrived and settled here in Mallorca. buying up many properties in order to preserve and enjoy them.Archduke Ludwig Salvator was an anthropologist, botanist and archaeologist, as well as a writer, a good artist and a forerunner in the preservation of the natural scenery of Majorca. His work 'Die Balearen' (1884), is an essential contribution to the knowledge of the human geography of the Balearic Islands. Ludwig's main work, his 9 volume book on Mallorcan wildlife and traditions.of the Balearics took 22 years to complete, and is still an authority on its subject.The Archduke was so enamored with Mallorca he proceeded to buy up large chunks of it. This may have been so he could walk all over it he forged many paths through the surrounding mountains which hikers can enjoy today.

In 1887 Ludwig Salvator acquires the Finca Miramar as his first possession on Mallorca and decides to make Mallorca his main home. At that time the property extended as far as the top of the Teix mountain, and followed along the coast to the East to Son Marroig, in the municipality of Deià, a property that the Archduke also bought a few years later. The property also included to the West the land and vineyards of s'Estaca, where in 1878 the

Archduke built a singular Sicilian style house and promoted the growing of the vines On the Archduke's death, the Miramar property, together with that of Son Marroig, passed on to his secretary, the Mallorcan Antoni Vives, except for the Estaca land, that went to his official mistress,and housekeeper Catalina Homar, and since the nineties, it has belonged to the actor Michael Douglas and his ex-wife, Diandra. At present, Miramar is still owned by the Vives family and houses a museum where there are some objects, documents and works of art relating to the worlds of Llull and the Archduke. With his photographs, paintings and books and a museum devoted to his life. In the gardens is a white marble rotunda, made

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from Carrara marble and imported from Italy, where you can sit and gaze at the Na Foradada ('pierced rock') peninsula, jutting out to sea with a gaping 18-m hole at its center. Ask at the house for permission to walk onto the peninsula. The Archdukehad many lovers, most of them Mallorcan and he sired many illegitimate children. He treated them as honoured children and gave them land and wealth.The Archduke was also a worldly man, and the legend of his love affair with Majorcan Catalina

Homar has survived to this day in the folk memory of the Island's inhabitants. She convinced Ludwig to let her visit Jerusalem they set sail on his ship" Nixe II " from Mallorca to the Holy Country and it is believed that it was there that she contracted the leprosy On the 11th of April1905 Catalina Homar succumbs to her serious illness and died Years after she died, the Archduke wrote a small book, (Catalina Homar. From Archduke Ludwig Salvator)"thickly bedewed with tears", in honour and in memory of her celebrating her generosity, her success in cultivating grapes her love of animals and nature, and her universal goodness COSTA NORD de VALLDEMOSSA Centro cultural. Avda. de Palma, 6 -Tel. 971 612425. Open: Abril - Oct. 10 -17 h Mon. 10 - 15 h Nov.- Mar. 9 - 17 h .Mon. 9 - 15 h. Adults 7,50 € Children 4,50 €.

Valdemossa There are some interesting buildings to visit, and there’s a friendly atmosphere all over the village. The Museu Parroquial beside the church has an interesting collection of religious effects, icons and old coins. The Archaeological Museum & Research Centre displays artifacts found in the Valldemossa area.La Cartuja is the Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year. Although it was begun in the XIV century, the present complex dates from the XVIII century. Valldemossa cannot escape its connection with Frederic Chopin. .Born Zelazowa Wola, 1 March 1810; died Paris, 17 October 1849). His lover George Sand (Aurore Dudevant). Chopin the son of French father working in Poland as a schoolteacher and a educated Polish mother, he grew up in Warsaw, taking music lessons in Bach and the Viennese Classics from Wojciech Zywny and Jósef Elsner before entering the Conservatory (1826-9)

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They arrived 150 years ago, in 1838, having rented a monk’s cell, planning to carry on their affair away from the gossip of Paris and hoping that the climate would benefit Chopin's health (he had tuberculosis). Nothing worked out as planned. The weather was

wet and windy; the locals shunned the couple. Chopin's piano failed to arrive, and their relationship never recovered. No great composer has devoted himself as exclusively to the piano as Chopin an inspired improviser, he composed while playing, writing down his thoughts; He is admired above all for his great originality in exploiting the piano. Writing under the pen name of George Sand. Amandine-Aurore-Lucile Dupin later Baroness Dudevant (July 1, 1804 - June 8, 1876) was a French novelist and early feminist She was born in Paris. In 1822, she married Baron Casimir Dudevant, and they had two children, Maurice (b. 1823) and Solange (b. 1828). In 1835 after she parted from her husband, she made less and less a secret of preferring men's clothes to

women's. She was probably one of the first every-day transvestite’s .She was also linked romantically with both Franz Liszt and Frédéric Chopin whom she had met in Paris in 1831. Spening the winter 1838-1839 with Frédéric Chopin and her children, in the then abandoned carthusian monastery of Valldemossa.. Sand took out her anger on the the people of Valldemossa in a spiteful book Winter in Majorca.This is still gleefully sold to visitors, which describes the time she spent on the island with Frederic Chopin with references, all unflattering, to the Mallorcan Jews commonly known as the Xuetas. She compares them to the Jews of France; she comments on their dress, labeling the locals as thieves and savages. She left Chopin shortly before he died from tuberculosis. George Sand died at Nohant, near Chateauroux, in France on June 8, 1876 at the age of 72 and was buried in the grounds of her home at Nohant.

Most people come for the Chopin experience, but there is more to Valldemossa it is also the birthplace of Catalina Thomas, Mallorca's patron saint. A peasant girl born 1st May in 1531 at Carrer Rectoria 5, she became a nun at Saint Mary Magdalen convent in Palma She died 5th April 1574 at the convent in Palma of natural causes in 1574, Was renowned for her humility and gifts of visions and prophecy. Beatified in 1792 and Canonized 1930 by Pope Pius XI in 1935. Almost every home in

Valldemossa has a plaque in her comemmerationand. Her birthplace has been turned into a shrine. Catalina Thomas Feast day in Valdemossa is on the28th July.

Banyalbufar The seaside village of Banyalbufar rests on the southwest face of the Tramuntana mountains on Mallorca's north coast. People come to Banyalbufar to see one thing - its terraced hillsides, sloping down to the sea. Developed by the Moors and divided by dry stonewalls, these

terraces speak powerfully of man's ingenuity in creating farmland out of inhospitable cliffs. Until recently it was the custom for each generation to add a further tier. In Moorish times the town, whose Arabic name means 'vineyard by the sea', was famous for its Malvasia wine nowadays the terraces are mostly used to grow vegetables, though a few vines have been planted once again. In the centre of the area lies an old manor-house known as La Baronía. The Cafe Bellavista lives up to its name; one can enjoy a beautiful view of the coast from the café. In order to protect themselves from Moorish pirates, the inhabitants constructed a watchtower outside of the municipality. The watchtower, known as the Torre de ses Animes, overlooks the sea and is today the most-visited point of interest in Mallorca. The small bay-beach is accessible only by a steep stairway.

Esporles Two kilometers along the road north to Esporles is the 17th century mansion house of Son Forteza, a typical mallorcan country residence. LaGranja - This country house, just south of Banyalbufar, is on a site known since Roman times for its natural spring. When Jaume conquered Mallorca he divided the

island into four feudal estates, giving one to Count Nuno Sanc, who settled at La Granja. In 1239 the Count handed the estate to Cistercian monks to found Mallorca's first monastery. Since 1447 it has been a privatehouse owned by various noble families. A natural spring still spouts water some 9m into the air. A vast collection of antiques, furniture, ceramics, and art adorn the house and everyday life is recalled with displays of tools and household equipment in its kitchens, cellars and workshops. The visit includes: -3,000 m2 big historical mansion with its different halls, dining rooms, bedrooms, music rooms, etc .20,000 m2 big gardens with fountains, ponds, giant trees, and a great variety of flowers and plant many different wild and domestic animals and birds. Free tasting of mallorcan specialties such as jams, cheese, fig cake, "sobrasada", "bunelos", "moscatel", etc. Demonstration of ancient handicrafts, tools and machinery. Handicraft shops include perfumes, wax candles, pottery, etc http://www.lagranja.net

Puigpunyent is a pretty village you will inevitably pass through if you are touring the interior of the western Serra de Tramuntana. The splendid nature reserve This area has been inhabited for many thousands of years, and Puigpunyent is surrounded by 15 prehistoric sites, including the talayots at ses Casotes, Son Burguet and Son Serralta, and the necropolis at Son Bru. In recent years significant Roman remains have been discovered at es Collet.

La Reserva Puig de Galatzó. Puigpunyent – 18.5 km from Palma. The Reserve, with its 200,000 m2 open to the public, may be explored by 3km of accessible and easy paths so that visitors can enjoy more than 30 waterfalls and springs, rocky cliff formations and the biggest variety of indigenous classified plants. Tel.:971 616 622. Open: Sep -, Oct., Febr -May. 10 18’30. Nov-, Enero: 10 - 18. Jun., -Agosto: 10 - 19. Daily. /Adults 9’90 € ///Children 4’95 €.

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Orient Claiming to be the smallest village on the island and once a classic example of ‘hidden Mallorca’. Orient is now being discovered. The official population is about 30. Inaccessibility keeps Orient free of tourist coaches and its cluster of white houses snuggles beside the mountains of the Serra d’Alfabia. The village now has a luxury hotel, L’Hermitage, which occupies the countryseat of a 17th century Spanish.

Alaro is a small municipality in the district of Raiguer The town was the first to have an urban electricity network on the island; this event happened August 15th 1901. The Alaró Castle is situated on the top of the mountain of the same name, dating back to the Moors. The Castle, and the lands, belongs to the familly Ordinas Pou, From the mountain of Alaró the views over Mallorca extends as far as Palma and Alcúdia over Tramuntana mountain range To visit the

mountain you have to reach the Alaró town and then continue towards the Orient valley until you find the road leading up to Castle. Follow the path opposite L'Hermitage Hotel; the walk takes around two hours in total. The paths converge at Es Verger restaurant you can even bring a car this far if you don't mind the potholes and the hairpin bendsThe last stretch of the route must be done walking up the old stone path for twenty minutes further along brings you to the summit, with a small chapel and sanctuary, a restaurant and bar, where you can fill up with roast lamb to fortify you for the final steep climb.If you are inspired by the views, you can stay the night here in one of the simple rooms. the Mare de Déu del Refugi sanctuary and the hostelry, which are managed by the Fundació Castell d'Alaró, has stood since 1622 and a hostelry still offers sanctuary to pilgrims and visitors.The castle has stood on this site since Moorish times; it was so impregnable that the Arab commander was able to hold out for two years after the Christian conquest. Later, in 1285, two heroes of Mallorcan independence, Cabrit and Brassa, defended the castle against Alfonso III of Aragon defending King James II of Mallorca.and were burned alive on a spit when he finally took it by storm. Their punishment was a consequence of their impudent defiance of the king.

Binissalem - Wine producing area A lovely market town famous for its wine, name comes from the times the Arabs ruled Mallorca Banu Ssâlam' (‘House of Salem’ in Arabic) is the center of Mallorca’s winemaking industry. The Romans planted numerous vineyards around the area. Binissalem still remains at the heart of Mallorca the wine industry the wine region contains five small towns: Santa Maria del Cami, Consell, Binissalem, Sencelles and Santa Eugenia The bodegas range from the small and traditional, still producing wine using the same old but effective methods used by members of the family in years gone by..

History :In the first century BC, Pliny wrote about Balearic wines, comparing them with the best in Rome. The cultivation of vines and the growing of grape for the production of

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wine began on Mallorca in around 121BC, when Quintus Caecilius Metellus conquered the island; taking possession of the island When the Arabs conquered grape growing and wine production did not disappear despite the prohibitions of the Koran, When in 1230, King Jaume I conquered the island the Moor Beni Abet offered him grapes and wine of excellent quality as a peace offering.

Production reached its peak in the late 19th century there were about 27,000 ha under vines in Mallorca and exports were 300,000 hl of wine per year. Unfortunately Phylloxera reached Mallorca in 1891, destroying many vines and the island's main source of income. This crisis in wine production was one of the major causes of emigration in the late 19th century especially in rural areas where cultivation was the main source of employment.They were replaced by almond trees.By the late 20th century there was demand for quality wine by tourists.Mallocan wine acquired its denomination of origin status in 1991, Binissalem celerbrates the Fiesta of La

Vermada is celebrated every year at the end of Septembe at the end of the grape harvestBodegas Jose L.Ferrer In 1931 'José L. Ferrer Ramonell ' founded the bodega. The vineyard stretch over 70 hectares making their wines by the traditional method,with modern technologies The special personality of the Binissalem wines are specified through the various grapes,a combination of Manto Negro and Callet are .With grapes from neighbouring farmers they are ensure a production of

1.000.000 bottles per year. José L. Ferrer has a specialized knowledge in the growing of grapes from his studies in France With this a long tradition of families’ vineyards the late 'José L. Ferrer Ramonell won a medal on the 'Universal exhibition in Barcelona' for the extraordinary quality of their wines.

Santa Maria del Cami,Just off the main square you will find Ca'n Conrado, former Carmelite cloisters .Where the of manufacture of roba de llengues a very hardwearing cotton is woven into bright zigzag patterns and used in Mallorcan upholstery. In the village you will find Casa de la Vila, the seventeenth-century Town Hall,

the seventeenth century, convent of Los Mínims the eighteenth-century Baroque parish church, and Sa Sínia, an ancient well,

Bodega Macià BatleSince 1856 the 'Macià Batle' family has been cultivating their own wine from their vineyards traditional grapes grown on the island of Majorca – Using the grape 'Manto Negro' for red wine and 'Moll' or 'Prensal' for white wine. Construction began on the new Bodegas Macià Batle At the end of 1996 which are equipped with the very latest technology for producing quality wine.

Concell . On Sundays there is a very good flea market.

Inca An inland town more or less in the center of Mallorca3rd largest town and it's, most industrial , can be reached by train from Palma, and is the big center for the island's leather manufacturing industry. The area of Inca is famous for producing some of the best shoes in the world. Firms such as Camper and Yanko, which are internationally famous. Here you can visit large leather factories, or the smaller-scale, craft-orientated enterprises. You can spend time watching the actual process of making leather goods and then browse among the products in the attached showrooms, choosing from bags, belts, jackets and coats, as well as shoes and boots in all sorts of patterns and colors. There is a very good outdoor market on Thursdays, which spreads around the streets. If you enjoy Mallorcan cuisine then Inca's cellar restaurants have a wonderful range of local specialties .The Island’s top agricultural show is held in Inca on the third Thursday in November each year.

CampanetWeekly market: on Tuesdays The name of Campanet comes from the late-Latin word "capanna" and the Arab plural "kapanät", which means a collections of huts. This name probable indicates that there has been a settlement in this place since prehistoric times. Until the 1940's, the economy of the town was solely based on agriculture. In 1945, the

shoe manufacturing industry had a boom year, producing 422,000 pairs of shoes destined Cuba and the Army. Church of Sant Miquel. This church has been a parish church since 1248 The Christian settlers built the church of Sant Miguel, in old Gothic style, after the Catalan conquest of 1229., which bears an image of Sant Miquel , and a carving of the Holy Christ, La Sala Vella (old town hall) was built in the 16th century. Noteworthy is the round hall on the ground floor and the roofed-over staircase where the tiles are supported by an octagonal pillar.  ,The well of d'en Gatell, Pou d'en Gatel situated at the entrance to Campanet on the road from Selva, was already documented in the 13th century. It was used as a communal well until the 1960's.Caves of Campanet were discovered in 1945 by workers digging a well, an average depth of 50 m, an area of some 3,200 m² , opened to the public in 1948 They contain several tiny lakes, and it is renowned for the fineness and whiteness of its formations, The cave contain the longest stalactite in the world (3m).Tel. 971 516 130. Open Abr.a Sept.: 10 – 18 h. // Oct.a Mar.:10 – 17 h. // Daily. /Adults 9 € // Children 4 €.

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SOUTH WEST

Andratx is dominated by the huge 13th century church of Santa Maria, rebuilt in the 1720s, and further up the valley the castellated 16th century mansion of Son Mas Andratx was built inland from its harbour (Port d’Andratx) as a precaution against pirate attack, a measure that has also saved it from the tourist developments now ravaging the coast. During the 13th Century The Bishop of Barcelona controlled this area up until 1835. and The town appears still to be on the defensive with sturdy buildings lining its narrow streets.

Calvia Until recently an unassuming country town, Calvia hit the jackpot when tourists discovered the nearby beaches and it is now said to be the richest municipality in Spain.

Mostly life continues as before, with ochre-colored houses, a handful of shops and bars. The town is dominated by the church of Sant Joan Baptsta, built in the late 19th century .A ceramic mural tells the story of Calvia's history. Founded in 1249 with 80 inhabitants, the town had a population of 3,000 in 1960 and 11,560 in l980 all because of tourism. Standing on the terrace

looking out over almond and carob trees and it is hard to believe you are just a few kilometers from the teeming masses of Magulf

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The Beaches and resorts of Palma Bay The Bay of Palma is dotted with seaside resorts, ideal for sailing, sunbathing and having fun??Arenal - Welcome to Germany! You’ll find signs in German everywhere. Don’t waste your time trying to pronounce your first Spanish words here: many waiters don’t even understand Spanish. The Arenal typical tourist will find plenty of what he’s looking for, sun and beer (some will even be fortunate enough to find some sex). In summer a tourist train runs along the 7km seafront between S’Arenal and Can Pastilla.To the west, Cala Mayor. Home to The King and Queen who still come every year to their summer residence Marivent, where frequent guests include member of the British Royal Family.Mallorca's most important art collect is situated a few meters off Marivent Palace, this foundation is dedicated principally to the work off painter Joan Miro (see notes on Palma) an its neighbour Sant Agusti were two of Mallorca's earliest resorts; now they are virtually suburbs of Palma. The tourists have moved elsewhere and there is a definite feel of an area that has seen better days. Portale Nous , where you will find the rich and famous. Sitting in the cafes beside their multi million-dollar yates. If you prefer to see “The English” you should go to Magaluf, where it’s even more difficult to find a local citizen. In Summer Magalluf becomes the biggest open-air disco in Europe.Its noisy all the time.Cala d’en Blanes is home to one of the most popular family attractions. The stars of Marineland are its performing dolphins and sea lions, whose displays of ball balancing, hoop jumping, synchronized aquabatics attract appreciative crowds. In the Parrot Circus trained macaws exhibit their skills at arithmetic and ride a comic array of bicycles, jeeps and roller skates.

Llucmajor This ordinary country town, the largest in southern Mallorca, has a place in history - it was the site of the battle in 1349 where Pedro IV of Aragon killed his relative Jaume III to end Mallorca's brief spell as an independent kingdom. A statue at the end of Passeig Jaume III commemorates Jaume’s death. Near by, on Carrer Obispo Taxaquet, is another statue in honour of

Llucmajor's cobblers. Shoe making is still a significant industry here, Almonds and apricots grow around the town and make good buys at the market, held twice a week in Plaza d'Espanya..Capocorb vell These are the most significant remains of the Talaiotic culture, which flourished in Mallorca between around 1300 and 800 BC . The Capocorb Vell prehistoric complex, to the south of Llucmajor, is the best example of the Bronze Age. It consists of a core of three circular talaiots (burial chambers) and two square ones, built from massive, hewn stones without mortar to hold them together, surround each settlement.

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Campos Campos was founded by Jaume II in 1300 on the site of earlier Roman and Arab settlements The most interesting places are “ Nostre Senyora de Gracia “ the parrochial church, Renaissance style with a gothic alter from the XV century, built by Gabriel Móger known as the master builder of Campos, the Parrochial Museum founded in 1993 with paintings by Murillo, Móger, Borras, Nadal, Torres and others, the facade of the Town Hall building XVI century , Outside Campos you

will find the church called Poleo - Cristiania de Saint Fadrinet, the hermitage oratory of Saint Blai of the XVIII century finnished in the XVI century, first parrochial church in the village of Campos, of Es Trenc where a (Punico - ebusita excavation ) can be found affiliated to the Na Guardia factory in the Colonia.Campos has a busy market on Thursdays and Saturdays,

Santanyi in the municipal of Santanyí is the Mondragó Natural Park It was designated a Natural Park in 1992 and since 1995 it has been regarded as an 'Area of Special Protection for Birds' by the European governing body;Santanyi is famous for being the source of the warm-toned sandstone that adorns many of the islands important edifices,

including Palma Cathedral and Castell de Bellver this sandstone is used extensively in Mallorcan construction, this stone is finer and of a better quality than that from the rest of the island.Fortified walls enclosed the town in medieval times, Porta Murada still remains. The 18th Century Church of Sant Andreu in Santanyi,houses to one of the most impressive musical organs in Europe.The work of Mallorquin organ builder Jordi Bosch, its beautiful façade and its super rich sounds are unique, the organ was made by Jordi Bosch,but the façade was built by Fra Albert Borguny. Concerts are held in the church each year, organised by The Friends of Historical Organs SocietyThe Mondragó Natural Park,on the Palma to Santanyi road (PM-717). is near the town of Santanyí. Proclaimed a Natural Park on 18th August 1992, since 1995 it has been regarded as an 'Area of Special Protection for Birds' by the European governing body after popular demonstrations against the development of a tourist resort in this area. It has an area of 785 hectares, of which 95 are publicly owned and 690 hectares are in private hands these natural surroundings, which consist mainly of open ravines, streams, beaches and small dune systems. The Reserve by the Information Centre open Monday to Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm. Tel. +34 971 181 022.

Ses Salines When the Moors ruled, Ses Salines was a farmstead belonging to the Judge of Manacor, until 1230 when the Island was conquered by King Jame I and Mallorca became part of the Catalan-Aragonese Kingdom. The salt flats of Sa Vall or Colònia de Sant Jordi are the oldest in Mallorca and were the first used by Punic traders Salt is still extracted today, using traditional methods, during August. This small town between Santanyi and Colonia de Sant Jordi is named after the nearby saltpans, which act as a magnet for migrant waders 25

and wildfowl on their way from Africa to their breeding grounds in Europe each spring. Cap de Ses Salines, Mallorca's southernmost point, is another good spot for bird watching. The town itself makes a pleasant place to stroll, with an abundance of local Santanyi sandstone, which turns golden in the sun. Just outside Ses Salines, on the road to Santanyi, is Botanicactus, one of Europe's largest botanical gardens, with bamboo and palm trees and, extraordinarily diverse in form, dozens of varieties of cactus. Tel. 971 649 494. Open:Jun - Sept.: 9 – 19’30 h. // Oct.- May.: 9 – 17 h.Daily. Adults 6’20 € /Children 3’70 €

Algaida Algaida was first recorded in the year 1232. On the C715 stands a mock-medieval castle that contains one of Mallorca’s most popular tourist attractions. Here craftsmen can be seen blowing and fashioning glass, which has been made on the island by the Gordiola family since 1719.Next door to the workshop is a series of showrooms with a choice of glass, ceramics and souvenirs. Upstairs is a museum, which has glass from various countries and furniture and paintings belonging to the Gordiola family.

Puig de Randa This table mountain, rising 543m out of the plain, has been a place of pilgrimage ever since Ramon Llull founded Mallorca's first hermitage here in 1275. Aged 40, he came shaken by an incident, which caused him to review his life style. Bent on seduction - he chased a married woman through Palma on horseback; unable to shake him off, she lifted her blouse to reveal cancerous breasts. Llull retired in isolation to Puig de Randa to ponder a life of youthful excess. These days’ pilgrims to Puig de Randa are more likely to be weekend cyclists in search of a challenge. The winding road to the summit leads to three separate hermitages. The lowest, Oratori de Nostra Senyora de Gracia, is perched on a ledge in the cliff above a sheer 200m-drop. Funther up is the Santuari de Sant Honorat and finally Santuari de Cura which since 1275 has been the Francisgan hermitage where Llull lived. The sense of history is somewhat offset by the radio mast on the mountaintop and the electric candles in the church, but this is still a special place. Visit the Sala Gramatica to see Llull's original manuscripts and a bottle of 1934 Chartreuse made in the monastery. Simple rooms to let are available in a modern pilgrims' block.

On the main road to Manacor on the right hand side just before you reach Montuiri you will see is a 14 meters high black silhouetted image of a bull in semi-profile,which is the advert for Osborne sherry and brandy. The bull was created in 1956 by Manolo Prieto The only one in Mallorca. The bull is now protected throughout Spain as a "National Cultural Icon". In 1956, The Company erected large images of bulls in black with the maker's name, as advertising on sites near to major roads throughout Spain.

Montuiri Sits on a ridge, Es Molinar was the original name of the village and it was urbanised in the days of Jaime II. Its old stone windmills set against the sky. Windmills19 of the 24 accounted for windmills in Monturi are still standing. The town has a church dating from the 13th century and is liveliest on Mondays when the weekly market is held. Montuiri has been known for the high quality of the products cereals, almond

trees and carobs being the main crops .2km to the east, a 19th century chapel, Ermita de Sant Miquel, crowns the top of a small hill and offers excellent views over the central plains. In 1395 it was a hermitage; in 1523 it was an oratory dedicated to Sant Miquel. Since 1647, the figure of the Mare de Déu de la Bona Pau has been worshiped. (Partridge Fair) the first Sunday in December.-The Festa des Puig (San Miquel) (Mountain Party) is held on the Tuesday after Easter. Fornés Son Talaiot Dwelling This is one of the most complete talaiot dwellings on Mallorca, from 800 to 100 BC. It is 2.5 km from Montuiri and occupies an area of 2 hectares.

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SOUTH EAST

Villafranca de Bonany There is a new by pass so be

sure not to miss this village (between Palma and Manacor) is well known for its main street where there is an abundance of small shops colorfully displaying and selling a wide variety of Mallorcan products. Fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, huge pumpkins, mouth-watering melons, These are grown all over the island, but the village of Villafranca on the central plain is renowned for growing the best of all. This village also grows unusual fruits such as nisperos and carobs, used to make a local type liquorices drink. as well as chains of dried paprika’s, tomatoes, onions and garlic, are decoratively arranged. Island specialties ranging from walnuts in honey, homemade jams and liquors to all kinds of sausages (e.g. the famous Sobrasada) plus various cooked meats straight from the farmhouse can be purchased. Roadside stalls sell bite-sized doughnuts known as bunyelos .The vendors are very helpful and will allow you to sample their wares before you buy.

Els Calderers estate can be traced back to the year 1285 when the manor is mentioned in historic records as belonging to the Calderers family. The present main building was probably constructed from 1750 The main building is a typical example of a Majorcan country estate. It is a three-storied building with a plain face and an arched doorway. The building, which was reconstructed several times during the 18th and 19th centuries, has a nice courtyard

The estate lies in off the main road between Palma and Manacor. The entire estate includes the main building, farm buildings, and fields... Indigenous animals of Mallorca are kept, among them the well-known black pig from which "sobrasada" is made. Ctra. Manacor, km. 37 – Sant Joan.Tel. 971 526 069. Open: Abr.-Sept.:10 – 18 h. Oct.- Mar.:10 – 17h /Adults 7 € /Children 3’5 €

Manacor The Train runs from Palma - Plaza de España to Manacor. Market day is on Monday. Manacor is located 50 Km from Palma, with a surface area of 260.22 km2 and aprox

30,000 inhabitants. One of the largest municipalities on Mallorca. It is the county administrative centre and is home to different public bodies, which serve the region, such as the Inland Revenue office. It also the commercial centre for all the surrounding villages. Manacor is the largest town on the east side of the island and is the nearest thing the island has to an industrial town. The city of Manacor main industry is artificial pearl and furniture making, it’s so famous, that people from all over the island come to Manacor to buy their furniture. Despite the lack of obvious sights, the narrow streets behind the church make a pleasant place to stroll and soak up the atmosphere of everyday Mallorca. . Almost every visitor to Manacor ends up at a pear factory. Perlas Majorica The first factory was set up in 1902 by Eduard Frederic Hug Heusch, a German industrialist, and in 1952 this factory introduced a new pearl called Majorica, which was of a much higher quality than the rest and is the best-known Mallorca's artificial pearl industry produces 50 million pears a year, using the scales of a million fish. They are said to be indistinguishable from the real thing. Artificial pearls have been made in Manacor since 1890. Today there are several factories, which you can visit. The various painstaking stages in the birth of an artificial pearl can be watched from glassed-in corridors. The exact ingredients are a closely guarded secret. Their work is of very high quality and is exported all over the world.There is a big market in Plaça Ramon Llull every Monday, which are near the pedestrianised streets of the main shopping area, a daily vegetable market in Plaça de la Constitució, located behind the Church de la Mare de Déu dels Dolors (more popularly known as Plaça de les Verdures, which translates as the Vegetables Square because the vegetable market held here). Which, local smallholders come to sell their produce. The centre of the town does have a certain character, especially around Calle de n'Olesa and Plaça de la Constitució Manacor has a has a remarkable church.Esglesia dels Delors de Nostra Senyora, was built on the site of a mosque and its minaret-style tower can be seen for mile, with many beautiful stain glass windows, is a large church whose bell tower stands above the rest of the buildings in the town - it pertains to the Neo-Gothic style and its facade remains unfinished. There are some buildings in the town which stand out the Convent Sant Vicenç Ferrer which has an interesting cloister and rectory of Also noteworthy are the remains of the old Palacio de los Reyes de Mallorca (Palace of the Mallorcan Kings), which can be found amongst the buildings next to the church; and the Torre de ses Puntes, which used to be a country house, but now lies within the town. The Fartàritx neighborhood, which is out of the center as you head south, contains the remains of what was the biggest mill on Mallorca.

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Manacor is also famous for its traditional Trotting races. Trotting is a form of racing in which the jockey sits in a small cart behind the horse and must prevent the horse from breaking into a gallop. It has been popular in Mallorca at least 200 years. If you go to a race meeting, remember that betting is an essential part of the process Held on Saturdays Manacor has always been associated with crafts – furniture and tiles are other traditional products- and the local shops bulge with dark Mallorcan pottery, painted ceramics and items carved from olive wood. If you have time, you should spend a day there. Manacor hospital is our nearest.

Rafael Nadal Parera   Born: 03/06/1986 in Manacor, Mallorca, Spain    Residence: Manacor, Mallorca   Hand: left handed but can play both hands.   Sponsores : Nike

Petra This sleepy village would be completely off the tourist map if it were not the birthplace of Mallorca's most famous Fray Junipero Serra. Junípero Serra was born Miguel Serra y Abram

on November 24, 1713 in Petra. At the age of sixteen, Miguel entered the Franciscan friary and took the name Junípero .He became a priest in 1730 and worked as a missionary Serra's first assignment was the rugged, mountainous region of Sierra Gorda. Here he remained for nine years, preaching to the Indians and strengthening the two missions already established in the area...At the age of 54 he was sent to California; Serra's second assignment 1749 to 1763 was to journey out from Mexico City into coastal villages and mining camps. In those eight years, despite a leg chronically infected and ulcerated after an insect bite, he walked over 6,000 miles on foot, preaching retreats and administering the sacraments. The missions he established there grew into some of the USA's largest cities including San Diego and San Francisco.You can visit the house where Serra's parents lived, a museum devoted to his life and work, the font where he was baptised (in the church of Sant Pere) and a plaque outside the church describing him as 'explorer missionary hero civilize'. Anyone walking down the street leading to his birthplace decorated with Mallorcan tiles shows him baptizing Native Americans. Junípero Serra did not die a martyr as he had hoped. Instead he died a quiet, natural death at Monterey, California on August 28, 1784. Today, 200 years later, He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in September 1988. and is a candidate for canonization.

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Sineu is the geographical the bulls eye of Mallorca. Jaume II built a royal residence here in the 13th century, now a convent where the nuns are still known as monges del palau – the palace nuns .Get to Sineu early, before the tour buses arrive, to catch the flavor of a traditional country market. Good buys include dried figs and apricots, pottery from Portol and baskets from Sudan. Also in Sineu is S'Estacid, an unusual modern art gallery based in the old station. Outside the massive church in Placa de San Marcos is a popular statue of a winged lion, erected in honour of the town’s patron, St Mark. On

Wednesday mornings Sineu’s streets and squares are a stage for one of the best village markets on the island. It takes place on several levels. The sound of bleating leads you to the livestock market, where weather beaten farmers haggle over the price of sheep before heading for the town's cellar restaurants for an early brunch. Further up, on the way to the church, you pass the symbol of Sineu, a winged lion; near here are numerous stalls selling leather, lace and pearls. Eventually you reach Sa Placa, the church square, where the action is liveliest of all, as local housewives turn out to buy the week's food. Buckets of olives, strings of tomatoes, bags of squirming snails - they are all here, along with plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and flowers. It is particularly interesting to observe the locals bartering. Remember, never accept the price at a market, and always barter. The market in Sineu opens at 8:00 but get there early as it soon becomes very busy.

Sant Llorenc Rural town rich in archaeological sites

and old manor houses.

Son Severa Market day Friday In the area of Son Severa there are two Golf Courses –Pula Golf 18 holes This relatively flat course offers a variety of differently styles holes with spectacular views towards the mountains nearby. Son Severa Golf -A pretty 9-hole course It has narrow well-kept fairways set amid pine trees with fast greens. Auto Safari A popular half-day family outing, this safari park is more interesting than might be expected, particularly if you arrive early when the animals are feeding. Tours can be made in your

own vehicle or aboard a safari truck, following a one-way drive that takes about 45 minutes. The reserve’s collection includes lions, zebras, antelopes, ostriches, antelope and a Baby Zoo with young animals. Carretera Porto cristo - Son Servera, km 5 * Tel: 971810909 * Time: 9.00AM - 7.00PMPunta de N’Amer .This 200-hectare nature reserve on a headland jutting out from the east coast is an oasis of peace amid a desert of high-rise apartments and hotels. Once the whole coast was like this - thankfully, environmentalists have saved this small section from development. Walk south from Cala Millor, or north from Sa Coma, on a well-defined 1.5km track, Eventually you reach the Castell de n'Amer, a 17th-century watchtower.

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Porto Cristo. The harbour lies at the end of a long sheltered inlet, and is still an important fishing centre. Discoveries of objects found in Porto Cristo show that it was a much frequented Roman port. There is a small sandy beach is especially famous for its caves. The most famous of which are the "Coves dels Hams" and the "Coves del Drac” To get to Porto Cristo you have to go to Manacor and then follow the signs to Porto Cristo The Drac Caves This cave is one km South of Porto Cristo. They were first explored in 1896 .In 1934 Carles Buigas designed its lighting, since then it has been a major tourist attraction. There are many underground lakes, the biggest of which is the Martel Lake. It’s also surprising the quantity of its stalactites, which are very thin. Inside the cave there’s a big auditorium (more than 150 m long) where classical music is performed daily. Once the show is over you can take a boat inside the cave and admire the strange forms on the walls.

The Coves dels Hams is the third largest cove system on the island The name of the cave, Coves dels Hams is derived from the typical form of several formations, looking like fish-hooks. A wonderful subterranean display of stalactites and stalagmites The lake contains very small and completely blind crustaceans, which are true cave animals. The water in the subterranean lake contains an amount of 2% salt. This proofs connection to the sea. Via flooded underground chambers lakes are connected with those of the Coves del Drach. The caves were discovered by Pedro Caldentey in 1905 and the electric lighting was added by his sonAquarium de Mallorca Also close to the caves is the Aquarium An extensive range of fish displayed through 115 windows on two floors

Porto Colom One of the many villages in the Mediterranean claiming to be the birthplace of Christopher Colombus, Porto Colom served as the port for the nearby town of Felanitx and is now holiday resort. The tiny harbour still has its colourful old fishermen’s houses and sheds, today complemented by a few souvenir

shops, fish restaurants and a diving school.

Felanitxthe historic old town of Felanitx dates back to medieval times the monastery of Son Salavador and the Castel De Santueri, both situated on wooded hilltops outside the town. is a traditional market town on the west flank of the Serra de Llevant. Its name is thought to be derived from fiel a nit (‘faithful to the night’). Felanitx is at the centre of Mallorca's second wine producing area and it is also known for its capers, or 'green pearls'. You can buy them at the Sunday morning market, which spills out onto the streets around the church of Sant Miquel, with local pottery displayed on the church steps. The church facade contains a memorial to 414 people who died when a wall collapsed in 1844; further up, beneath the rose window, you can see the arch angel Michael standing on the Devil's head.Seven roads converge on the town, which can make parking in the narrow streets something of an endurance test.

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Ermita de Sant Salvador is approached by a series of hairpin bends that climb up Puig de Sant Salvador, the summit of the Serra de Llevant. During the ascent you pass a small chapel, was constructed in 1910 to remember the legend of the shepherd who found the statue of Our Lady. The 12 Stations of the Cross, a large stone cross and a 7mt high statue of Christ the King. . The foundation stone of the monastery was laid in 1348 The interior of the monastery is richly decorated the altarpiece of alabaster depicting the Last Supper and parts of the Passion and was created by Guillem Sagrera A well with ladle greets thirsty visitors to the monastery. Inside the huge gatehouse is a Gothic depiction of the Last Supper and offerings left by the pilgrims that include pictures of local cyclists

and their jerseys.

Castillo de Santueri. The fort dating from Arab times some 5 kilometers from Felanitx. Currently under private ownership.Castell de Santueri is strategically sited at the summit of a 408m peak in the Serra de Llevant. Protected by steep cliffs, it was rebuilt in the 14th century above the ruins of a Moorish stronghold. Only

parts of the outer walls and ramparts remain. Walking around the vast interior can become a scramble but the wild flowers and panoramic views make it worthwhile, not forgetting the goats. Admission charges

Cala D’Or The town boasts a modern marina packed with luxury yachts and pleasure boats. It is a favourite spot for a waterfront meal. Each of the various calas (bays) along the east coast has its own distinctive character; in the case of Cala d'or the word is 'chic'. Former fishing harbours have been turned into marinas; people come here to sail and drink champagne at waterfront bars. Nowadays Cala d'or is the collective name for a string of resorts, beaches and coves; they include Porto Petro, around a horseshoe bay 2km to the south, and Cala Mondrago, a further 4km south

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The Sun Sets over MallorcaThis is the end of our trip together around Mallorca .I hope my book has been of interest to you in discovering Mallorca and we will meet again very soon.

Majorca or Mallorca? Is it the same place? Yes and no?  Majorca, with a hard 'j', is a place

invented by foreigners, where the sun always shines, and the beach is the only place to be. The booze flows and the nearest you get to

local culture is an argument with a taxi-driver.  Mallorca, is the name for the island I have so love and come to call home is quite different and far more interesting.

Hasta la vista!