The abc Country Guide
January is a good time to discover the Mallorcan countryside, the hidden treasures, quiet villages and natural beauty of the island.
It is now that you can experience Mallorca in its most authentic and endearing manner.
Clothes to brave any weather. There is a nice selection of shops around which provide anything from casual clothes for a relaxed day out to the appropriate gear for a real hiking trip. As they say, there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes.
Es RefugiThis shop is located in Calle Sindicat in Palma's old town (just off Plaza España) and is specialising in the professional equipment you need for a hiking trip, mountain climbing or camping.Calle Sindicat, 21, Palma, Tel: +34 971 716 731, www.esrefugi.es
Coronel Tapiocca. Anything from casual outdoor to trekking clothes and equipment can be found at the two stores in Porto Pi and Marratxi. Tel: +34 971 708 060 and Autopista Palma-Inca, km 7,100, Marratxinet, Tel: +34 971 226 626, www.coroneltapiocca.com
TimberlandThe all-time-classic for outdoor clothes has two branches in Palma's old town where you can find their current collections as well as their famous boots.Pas d'en Quint, 8, Calle Sant Nicolau, Palma, Tel: 971 71 91 30 and Calle Sant Miquel, 13, Palma, Tel: 971 722 572, www.timberland.com
Bestard BootsThis family enterprise based in Lloseta has managed to establish an international reputation for highest quality mountain boots. Their collection includes boots for every adventure, from high-mountain and advanced trekking boots to a walking and running line.Calle Estación 40-42, Lloseta, Tel: +34 971 514 044, www.bestard.com
Go out!Once Christmas season is over, most of us long for a bit of exercise and motion. Choose one of those crisp and sunny January days for a trip to the country side.
San Salvador – Felanitx. On a nice, sunny Sunday, Felanitx is a good choice for a daytrip as Sunday is market day and the whole village is on its feet. The small alleys are framed by stalls selling anything from traditional Mallorcan goods to the usual market gear. The market hall, however, is one of the most authentic on the island and the whole market is buzzing with live and locals. Once you have taken a stroll through Felanitx, it's certainly worthwhile driving up to the monastry of San Salvador which is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in Mallorca and enjoy the marvellous panoramic views over the whole island. Make sure you come hungry: the monastry's restaurant offers one of the best "Arroz Brut" (a hotpot of rice, different meats and vegetables) and "Frito Mallorquín" (potatoes roasted with vegetables and bowels) island wide.
The castle of Alaró. An outing to this castle which is dating back to Moorish heritage and which is just above the charming village of Alaró in the centre of the island is a real classic. The views over most of the island are spectacular. Calculate about 20 to 30 minutes walk up the steep steps if you dare to drive up the bumpy road from Alaró to the restaurant just below the castle or an hour if you start in the village itself (recommended if you drive a good car). On your way you can enjoy the views, the unique formations of the mountains and watch the sheeps, dotting the mountain sides. On your way back you should plan a stop at Es Verger restaurant, which is famous for the fabulous roasted lamb shoulder and many other Mallorcan specialities. On weekends make sure to reserve a table to avoid disappointments.Es Verger, Camí des Castell s/n, Alaró, Tel: +34 971 182 126
Orient. The small hamlet of Orient is located on the backside of the Puig de Alaró. The sheer beauty of the mountain scenery is reason enough to come here. Orient is also the starting point for a number of interesting hiking tours and a popular area for mountain bikers. The village itself has only 40 houses, around 20 regular inhabitants and three restaurants. Try Bar Restaurant Orient for the best suckling pig on the island or the French owned Mandala for excellent international cuisine in a very romantic setting. Bar Orient, Carretera Alaró-Orient-Bunyola, Tel: +34 971 615 153Mandala, Calle Nueva 1, Tel: +34 971 615 285
Algaida – Montuiri. If you want to join a typical Mallorcan Sunday lunch in the countryside, you should not miss the little villages of Algaida and Montuiri in the centre of the island. The numerous restaurants along the old country road connecting the two villages are a favourite of Mallorcan families. Don't expect a quiet lunch, the food served in any of the restaurants, however, is of very good quality and authentic. One of our personal favorites is the Puig de Sant Miquel, which is set on top of a small hill in a monastery and offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. The hill is a nature reserve and nice for a walk. Restaurant "Puig de Sant Miquel" , Carretera Palma-Manacor, km 31, Montuïri Tel: +34 971 646 314
Colonia Sant Jordi – Cap de Ses Salines. If you like to be by the sea rather than in the mountains, this is a nice walking tour along one of the most unspoiled coastlines in Mallorca. The tour passes the sandy beaches of Es Carbo and Es Caragol as well as rough and rocky terrain and takes about 4 to 5 hours. Starting point is the lighthouse at Cap de Ses Salines. Take the right and follow the trail along the sea until you reach Colonia de Sant Jordi.
Country markets.To get a real feeling for country life, there is nothing better than a visit to one of the markets in the centre of the island. Join the locals in bargaining for the freshest of fruit and produce or sip a café con leche on one of the terraces enjoying the spectacle.
The most typical markets:
Sineu, Wednesdays: busy, authentic and peculiar. Be prepared for the animals on sale, nothing for sensitive souls.
Santa Maria, Sundays: bustling, lively market square. Even though Santa Maria is popular with foreigners it has kept the typical charme.
Felanitx, Sundays: an option in the Southeast, the market hall is the place to meet and chat.
Pollensa, Sundays: even though this market is less traditional, it is worth a visit for the many artisans selling their goods, the unique atmosphere of the town and the pretty scenery and countryside surrounding the village.
Useful addresses. You would like to go for a mountain bike tour, but your bike is not as fit as you are, here is a selection of bike rentals around the island:Islandwide : Velo Sport Team Mallorca, Apartado 82, Primera Vuelta 108, Son Prohens/Felanitx, Tel: +34 626 272 909, info@velosportmallorca.com, www.velosportmallorca.com. This provider has an island wide delivery service and also offers guided tours.
S'Arenal: Ciclos Quintana, San Cristobal, Tel: +34 971 442 925
Manacor: Bicicletas Caldentey, Passeig Antoni Maura 52, Tel: +34 971 843 493
Binissalem: Ciclos Gomila, Conquistador 18, Tel: +34 971 511 932
Villafranca: Bicicletas Can Botellas, Ctra. De Palma 7, Tel: +34 971 560 619
Cala Millor: Bicicletas Sancho, C./Molins 30, Tel: 971 813 760
Cala d'Or: Mallorquin-Bikes, Avda. Fernando Tarrago 19, Tel: +34 971 648 679, www.mallorquin-bikes.de
Can Picafort: Fahrradverleih Mallorca, Ctra. Artà-Port d'Alcúdia 39, Tel: +34 971 852 303
Palma de Mallorca: Beloni Bike, C/. Marbella 22, Tel: +34 971 490 358,
Hiking:The network of trails is improving all the time, however, good maps are recommended, in the mountains you might even want to consider to hire a tour guide.
Maps: Alpina maps, available for Tramuntana South, Tramuntana Central and Tramuntana North. Kompass small scale hiking maps.Both on sale in selected bookshops and Casa del Mapa, C/ Sant Domingo, 11, Palma.Regularly updated information on changes, closed ways, recently opened ways, signage etc.http://idd02ucg.eresmas.net/index.htm (English, German, Spanish)
Guided tours:Escull aventura offers guided trekking and canyoning tours in the Tramuntana mountains with experienced tour guides and for different levels. They are also offering climbing tours and training. (English, German and Spanish spoken).Escull aventura, Hort de Torrella 34, Palma de Mallorca, Tel: +34 971 247 094, info@escullaventura.com, www.escullaventura.com
Agrogurtes del Bon Gust:Supported by the Mallorcan Government there are weekly tours organized to farms and vinyards on the island including a guided tour of individual establishments. Tours are in Mallorcan or Spanish. If you prefer to discover those gourmet routes yourself, you can get a map with the tours including the contact details and opening hours of the producers at the tourist information in Palma or check www.illesbalearsqualitat.com (available also in English, German, Italian and French).
