Explore Majorca
Majorca’s north-east coast is – spiritually at least – a million miles from the neon lights of Magaluf. Often branded as a purpose built tourist destination offering cheap package holidays and all inclusive hotels, Majorca has developed a reputation for attracting boozy Brits. However, there is more than meets the eye to this beautiful island and with plenty of cultural and historical sites it makes the perfect summer getaway.
Situated less than 70km from the Son Sant Joan International airport on the outskirts of the island capital Palma, is the serene resort of Ca’n Picafort.
This former fishing village, rich with culture and history, sits peacefully between the hillside getaways of the Majorca northern coast and the alluring beach resorts of the east. Its 17km coast is lined with palm trees, stunning beaches and natural tide pools as well as a diverse selection of bars and restaurants.
If you are a beach lover you will not be disappointed by the resort’s choice of golden sands which dissolve into the sparkling shallow waters. During the summer months, this peaceful water not only becomes a sanctuary for tourists but also home to schools of tropical fish, reflecting the natural tranquillity of the resort.
The range of eateries across the coast will also leave you spoilt for choice; from traditional Spanish Tapas bar sserving freshly made Paella and spicy Sangria, to Italian pizzerias and German sausage houses. During our stay we visited several restaurants around the resort all with freshly prepared food, authentic interior and helpful staff. When it comes to dining on the island, the attention to detail and atmosphere is second to none, with Mediterranean food served on traditional terracotta crockery while pizzerias create mouth-watering dishes on vast clay ovens in open plan kitchens – allowing diners to experience the appetizing smells while waiting with eager anticipation.
With temperatures exceeding 27°C in July we opted to sit outside, soaking up the sunshine as well as the slow-paced, leisurely lifestyle of the resort. Gazing out at the picturesque seafront it is easy to understand why Majorca has become a popular destination, not only to tourists but also to the rich and famous with Andrew Lloyd- Webber, Claudia Schiffer, Jeffrey Archer, Boris Becker and Rafael Nadal all owning luxurious holiday homes on this beautiful island.
Two mornings a week the peaceful old town is transformed into a bustling hub of activity as venders from across the country descend to set up stalls down the maze of side streets leading to the main town centre. The market mornings provide tourists the opportunity to browse local produce including, cuisine, gifts and clothes.
If you wish to escape the main tourist attractions, the original harbour site in Ca’n Picafort provides the perfect refuge towards the south of the resort. It is hard to imagine that it once stood alone - the main focus and income of a small fishing village populated by 200 inhabitants less than 60 years ago.
The gem of the resort and must see attraction however is the S’Albufera National Park, the largest and most important wetland area in the Balearics with origins tracing back around 18 million years. This preserved and protected nature reserve stretches over 6.5 square miles of dunes and marshland, allowing visitors to explore the Island’s wildlife. With clearly marked sign posts you can wonder through this Utopia at your own leisure, getting up close to rare species of birds, fish, fauna and flora. Even if you’re not a nature lover the pure white sands in this part of the resort would rival that of the Bahamas.
Of an evening the resort undergoes radical transformation, as the family beaches become peaceful and the sea deserted. Couples stroll hand-in-hand along the promenade watching the burning sunset as magnificent reds, oranges and purples paint the sky behind the hilly backdrop. The bar and restaurant scene changes as candles are placed on every table, the mood becomes euphoric and even in the dark you can still feel the cooling sea breeze and hear the lapping waves on the shore, a reminder of the beautiful beaches which lie just a stone’s throw away.
The beach bar venues buzz with lively chatter as acoustic singers take to makeshift stages and tourists drink wine and generously measured spirits. The colourful sounds of traditional Spanish guitar pours out onto the streets where it is still warm enough for guests to sit outside.
Wherever you travel within the resort the same welcoming atmosphere will follow you. It is impossible to escape the culture of this magical location and the memories I have will last a lifetime. Holidays to C’an Picfort are all about taking it easy, so if you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing get away to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of UK life then this is the place for you: a stunning location filled with plenty of calming and delightful sights as well as cultural and historical gems right on your doorstep.
Situated less than 70km from the Son Sant Joan International airport on the outskirts of the island capital Palma, is the serene resort of Ca’n Picafort.
This former fishing village, rich with culture and history, sits peacefully between the hillside getaways of the Majorca northern coast and the alluring beach resorts of the east. Its 17km coast is lined with palm trees, stunning beaches and natural tide pools as well as a diverse selection of bars and restaurants.
If you are a beach lover you will not be disappointed by the resort’s choice of golden sands which dissolve into the sparkling shallow waters. During the summer months, this peaceful water not only becomes a sanctuary for tourists but also home to schools of tropical fish, reflecting the natural tranquillity of the resort.
The range of eateries across the coast will also leave you spoilt for choice; from traditional Spanish Tapas bar sserving freshly made Paella and spicy Sangria, to Italian pizzerias and German sausage houses. During our stay we visited several restaurants around the resort all with freshly prepared food, authentic interior and helpful staff. When it comes to dining on the island, the attention to detail and atmosphere is second to none, with Mediterranean food served on traditional terracotta crockery while pizzerias create mouth-watering dishes on vast clay ovens in open plan kitchens – allowing diners to experience the appetizing smells while waiting with eager anticipation.
With temperatures exceeding 27°C in July we opted to sit outside, soaking up the sunshine as well as the slow-paced, leisurely lifestyle of the resort. Gazing out at the picturesque seafront it is easy to understand why Majorca has become a popular destination, not only to tourists but also to the rich and famous with Andrew Lloyd- Webber, Claudia Schiffer, Jeffrey Archer, Boris Becker and Rafael Nadal all owning luxurious holiday homes on this beautiful island.
Two mornings a week the peaceful old town is transformed into a bustling hub of activity as venders from across the country descend to set up stalls down the maze of side streets leading to the main town centre. The market mornings provide tourists the opportunity to browse local produce including, cuisine, gifts and clothes.
If you wish to escape the main tourist attractions, the original harbour site in Ca’n Picafort provides the perfect refuge towards the south of the resort. It is hard to imagine that it once stood alone - the main focus and income of a small fishing village populated by 200 inhabitants less than 60 years ago.
The gem of the resort and must see attraction however is the S’Albufera National Park, the largest and most important wetland area in the Balearics with origins tracing back around 18 million years. This preserved and protected nature reserve stretches over 6.5 square miles of dunes and marshland, allowing visitors to explore the Island’s wildlife. With clearly marked sign posts you can wonder through this Utopia at your own leisure, getting up close to rare species of birds, fish, fauna and flora. Even if you’re not a nature lover the pure white sands in this part of the resort would rival that of the Bahamas.
Of an evening the resort undergoes radical transformation, as the family beaches become peaceful and the sea deserted. Couples stroll hand-in-hand along the promenade watching the burning sunset as magnificent reds, oranges and purples paint the sky behind the hilly backdrop. The bar and restaurant scene changes as candles are placed on every table, the mood becomes euphoric and even in the dark you can still feel the cooling sea breeze and hear the lapping waves on the shore, a reminder of the beautiful beaches which lie just a stone’s throw away.
The beach bar venues buzz with lively chatter as acoustic singers take to makeshift stages and tourists drink wine and generously measured spirits. The colourful sounds of traditional Spanish guitar pours out onto the streets where it is still warm enough for guests to sit outside.
Wherever you travel within the resort the same welcoming atmosphere will follow you. It is impossible to escape the culture of this magical location and the memories I have will last a lifetime. Holidays to C’an Picfort are all about taking it easy, so if you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing get away to escape the hectic hustle and bustle of UK life then this is the place for you: a stunning location filled with plenty of calming and delightful sights as well as cultural and historical gems right on your doorstep.
[…] of a better excuse to get away, to go a see him for a few weeks. If you’ve already read my Explore Majorca blog post you’ll know that I love the place, it’s an absolutely beautiful island and I […]
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