29/08/2014
Western Majorcas Hidden Gems
On Mallorca's west coast begins the famous mountain range Sierrra de Tramuntana, and along the dramatic coastline you find small hidden bays where you can enjoy the sun and sea, without the crowds. If you were to spend one day in this area you will be treated to many fun experiences such as stopping in small mountain villages and drinking oh so strong coffee, stop at the lookouts with views so beautiful that you completely lose your breath and swim in the crystal clear waters with the breathtaking steep rock walls that frame the small bay you have chosen as your own for the day. Important to remember! Do not leave your camera in your hotel room.
Cala Estellencs
Cala Estellencs is named after the nearby village Estellencs, a village that is half-an old fishing village and half a traditional mountain village, thanks to its unique position along the mountainous coastline of Mallorca's west side. This bay is one of the prettiest and most remote of the many small bays that are found along the mountain range of Sierra de la Tramuntana coastline. Estellencs is a perfect starting point for those who wish to enjoy hiking, but also for those who want to enjoy the sea.
Are you hungry for a beautiful walk you can park the car up in the village or you can also drive all the way down to the bay. However, one must be prepared for the road is narrow and curvy (but very beautiful) and a good idea can be to honk a bit light in the worst curves. It is relatively easy to find your way here. You follow MA-10 through Estellencs, and keep an extra eye on the side of the road that goes down towards the sea. When you see the sign towards the sea saying "Playa" you should turn down that road. Once you have arrived, there is a small free parking.
The beach is mostly gravel and stone, and here is a small café where you can buy a snack during the day. The café is open during the summer months.
Cala Banyalbufar
The village Banyalbufar is best known for its terraces, and especially for the cultivation of grapes of malvasia, which is used to produce the sweet and popular wine. The name of the village comes from "Bany al Buhar" which is Arabic for "vineyard built by the sea."
One suggestion is to start the day by drinking a strong cup of coffee at one of the cafés in the village which is located along the main street Carrer Bonany. If you want to bring lunch with you, we suggest that you head to the bakery Forn des Casino where you can buy homemade, fluffy ensaimadas with powdery sugar on top of (perfect with coffee) or buy with a pair coques de trempo (as a kind of Majorcan pizza that is served cold with tomato, onion, green pepper and olive oil - great taste!) or Mallorcan empanada - cocarrois. Cocarrois is typical food from Mallorca which you should try. They are small pies and you can choose any filling you want, and we heartily recommend the one with meat. Astonishingly tasty!
The road down to the beach is narrow and winding, and you will find the sign down to the beach while driving on the main street and scouting for a sign on the same side as the sea. When you find the sign "Playa" you turn to where the sign is pointing. Once there, there is a free-parking, where you leave your car. Of course you can also walk down to the beach from the village. The beach is mostly gravel, and on the beach there is also a small natural waterfall, which offers a welcome shower experience before going home, as you will be stiff from dried sea salt.
Port des Canonge
If you drive on the MA-10 you will see a sign for "Port des Canonge". It is a small fishing village that can be reached after 6 km of winding mountain road. When you arrive, you feel that the countless curves really been worth it, for this is incredibly beautiful and peaceful. Canonge is a small fishing village, and has a small gravel beach which is shared by sunbathers and fishermen. Along the beach is so traditional "escars" (sheds) where the fishermen keep their boats.
Residents of Canonge has mainly living from traditional fishing, but there have been years when the sea had not been so generous, and the smuggling of coffee, snuff and typewriters were the only way to save the village from starvation.
If you are here, and get hungry after a day of swimming in the sun, we recommend the restaurant Can Toni Moreno. A restaurant serving traditional food for the most noble of tourists who find their way here. If you do not understand what we mean now, you definitely understand when you get there and see the photo of Spain's King Felipe and Queen Leticia.
If after reading this you feel like coming to Majorca to enjoy the island and to play golf, have a look at our golf packages, or make your own flexible golf package!
And, if you still don’t find what you are looking for, just send us an email to sales@mallorcagolftours.com or give us a call on +44 (0)20 359 838 71 and we will be happy to help you!