Culture and nature

For centuries, men and nature have shaped the dreamlike landscape of the Salines d’Es Trenc in the south of Majorca. The Levante salt lakes were renovated in the 1940s and 1950s, and since then traditional techniques have continued to be used, feeding on the Mediterranean waters that flow from the natural area of the Es Trenc beach. It is one of the best preserved areas of the island, thanks to its declaration of Natural Area of Special Landscape and Rural Interest.

Inaugurated in 1863 as part of the installation of various light signaling points in Majorca, the Formentor Lighthouse was the one that presented the most difficulties due to its location. Located in the north end of the island, it is found in one of the most wild and isolated places; which, on the other hand, offers you the highest focal plane in Majorca and impressive views.

The Majorca Cathedral or La Seu, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, is the quintessential jewel in the crown of Majorcan Gothic architecture. It is also home to important works of art from different periods (Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Contemporary).

The Cathedral has had many admirers. Amongst them, painter and writer Santiago Rusiñol, who often traveled to Majorca and admitted he was truly in love with the island. He ended up getting to know it well and, in 1912, he dedicated his book The Island of Calm to Majorca. In the book there is a chapter dedicated to the Cathedral of Majorca, of which the artist said that there was no other temple that had achieved such beauty with greater simplicity.

The Malgrats islands are made up of two islets: the largest is called Es Malgrat, with an approximate length of 2 kilometres and cliffs over 60 metres high, and the other one, considerably smaller –less than half a kilometre long and 30 metres high– but no less important, receives different names by locals: Ses Rates, des Conills or d’Enmig. The islands are located in the municipality of Calvià, in front of the Santa Ponça bay.

You must go south to discover another of the island’s unmissable spots. We are talking about Es Pontàs, a large natural rock shaped like a bridge (or an arch, depending on how you look at it) located in the municipality of Santanyí, between Cala Santanyí and Caló des Macs. This photogenic geological formation is located in a pleasant coastal area with pine trees and cliffs facing the Mediterranean Sea. This natural monument is the result of hundreds of years of wave pounding, which has given us one of the most beautiful natural arches in the Mediterranean. So, if you are visiting the south of Majorca, don’t miss the chance  to make a stop in Es Pontàs.

Port des Canonge and its beach is located next to the town of Banyalbufar, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana, on the north coast of Majorca. For decades, this small pebble cove was used as a dry dock for small fishing boats.

It has really lovely surroundings, as in the nearby Port de Valldemosa cove. The high mountains that surround the beach stand out. Local residents usually visit this cove. It is a perfect place for diving lovers due to its rocky bottom. Nearby are the towns of Banyalbufar, Esporles and Valldemosa.