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Llevant
has an extensive coastline of secluded coves and
sandy beaches where pine forests meet the sea and
the gentle rolling hills are dotted with medieval
villages. These hills stretch the length
of Llevant and reflect a more gentle and serene
landscape than those of their big brother across
the island. This makes for some really pleasant
walking territory and as most head for
the beaches you'll find the routes surprisingly
isolated.
But the obvious attraction to the east coast are
the beautiful white sandy beaches and coves that
sprinkle the coastline. Although many have fallen
victim to mass tourism there are still plenty of
small coves slightly off the beaten track for you
to enjoy. Just north of Artà are a string
of increasingly deserted beaches flanked
by sand dunes and pine woods.
You could not talk about the east coast without
mentioning the caves. The area
is dotted with them and although the better known
ones do attract hordes of visitors they are still
well worth a visit. And then there's golf.
The area has an array of international golf
courses all within a short distance of
each other. Although the east coast has become extremely
popular over the years simply move a kilometre inland
and discover the peace and solitude of the
ancient villages. |
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| places
of interest |
Manacor is the second largest city
on the island reknowned for its furniture making and
pearl factory. Although great for shopping it is mainly
an industrial town and much prettier towns of interest
are Artá and Capdepera,
both reflecting a strong medieval influence, Son
Servera an old market garden village and Porto
Cristo with its pretty harbour, shops and restaurants.
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Torre dels Enagistes:
Situated on the road Manacor-Calas de Mallorca,
this XIV century defensive fort and stately home
has become the museum of manacor.
Torre Canyamel: One of
the most outsanding watchtowers on the island. Of
arabic origin the tower was built to watch the coastline
and served as a refuge in defence against the frequent
attacks by pirates and invaders. |
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 Caves
of Drach: Extremely popular caves in Porto
Cristo, home to europes largest underground lake
where a weirdly beaurtiful concert is performed.
Close by are the Caves of Ham,
discovered in 1907. The Caves of Artà,
on the outskirts of Canyamel have enormous caverns
and were once a hideout for pirates. The main entrance
is dramatically set into the cliffs overlooking
the sea.
The medieval village of Artá is well worth
a visit, the crowning glory of which is the walled
area of Sant Salvador. Once a moorish fortress
the Sanctuary was rebuilt in the XIX century to
replace the chapel that was destroyed. The 180 stone
steps that lead up to the Sanctuary begin at the
Parish Church of Transfiguració. The Santuari
de Betlem a short drive from Artá
along a pleasant country lane offers fabulous views
over the northern coast line - it's also one of
the popular walks in the area.
Talayot of Artá: Less than
a kilometre from Artà, and set in a peaceful
holm oak woods is the talayot village Ses Païsses.
Believed to be over 3000 years old it has an impressive
portal, formed from three stone slabs weighing up
to eight tonnes each.
Cultural Centre Artà: Dedicated
to the mallorcan artist Miquel Barcelo who still
spends much of his time in the island. There's a
permanent exhibition of paintings and sculptures.
Castle of Capdepera: Dominating
the view over Capdepera, this watchtower and castle
dates from the XIII century. A wall was later built
around the castle and the villagers were ordered
to live within them for protection from invading
pirates. |
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| more info |
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Best
Beaches
Cala
Mesquida
Cala Torta
Cala Mitjana
Cala Gat
Cala Anguila
Cala Varques |
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Markets
Artá:
Tuesday morning
Cala Rajada: Saturday morning
Capdepera: Wednesday morning
Manacor: Monday morning
Sant Llorenç: Thursday morning
Son Servera: Friday morning
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Major
Festivals
Porto
Cristo: 16 July celebrating the patron saint of the
village.
Manacor: Spring festival last sunday in may.
Capdepera: 24 August summer festival.
Artá: 6 August Patron Saint Sant Salvador.
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