Traveling Europe: The northeast of Mallorca

Somehow it has never pulled me to Mallorca because the German mass tourism didn't make me curious for this island. But this year it was time.
A week in a finca, with friends, sounds good to me and since we were not in one of the "tourist area`s", I give it a try. As we were home somewhere on a mountain near Capdepera, a rental car was required. In this regard, I will write a separate article because there is a need for clarification, as I have stated. Today, however, it should go to the northeast of the island, because he is really beautiful.

Capdepera:

I love the Spanish cities on the mainland, with its small, narrow streets and the countless restaurants and shops. People are out in the streets, drinking a glass of wine, eating tapas while talking with each other. That's exactly what I was hoping for from Mallorca, even though I was rather skeptical. The island is supposed to be in "German hands" and indeed it is but Capdepera sprayed for me this charm! The small town on a mountain embodies exactly this idea. Stone houses, paving stones, flower boxes a small marketplace and not so overran by tourists but still worth a visit. The landmark of Capdepera is a 13th-century castle, very well kept and with fantastic views over the surrounding countryside. Originally built to protect against pirates, today it is the venue of the annual medieval festival (on the third weekend in May).

Cala Rajada:

Just a stone's throw away is Cala Ratjada. Located directly on the sea, here you can see the traces of tourism again clearly. Countless bars, beer gardens, and restaurants promote their services and advertise around customers. In the harbor of the city, you can stroll leisurely and watch the fishes in the crystal-clear water. If you want to go to the beach, you will find a place not far from the harbor to spread out your towel or to hog a sun lounger. If you have time and desire, you can make your way to the lighthouse "Far de Capdepera". Of course, driving is faster than walking but due to the narrow streets, this can be a bit of an adventure. For a small hike, this trip definitely offers itself. The lighthouse is still in operation and is located about 55 m above sea level. So you have a nice view over the whole region.

Arta:

A little further located in the west of the upland you will find the small town"Arta". Similar to Capdepera, it is not overcrowded and there is also a castle here. If you are in the vicinity, you can risk a look here. The surrounding area has been spared from mass tourism and so here is untreated nature. This can be seen on the approximately 12 km long road to the beach "Cala Torta". The small bay is not overcrowded, although it is enjoying ever-increasing popularity.

Cap de Formentor:

On a trip to the easternmost tip of the island, it went from "Arta" further north. Past Can Picafort, Port de Alcudia and Port de Pollenca, on the one hand, the proportion of road bike cyclists increased dramatically and, on the other hand, we saw a rather steep climb through the serpentines. That triggered some skepticism in combination with the cyclists and the narrow streets. Should we really sneak up there? Due to the fact that I'm a little adventurer and we had a nice little car, the concerns were quickly forgotten and I found myself walking at pace behind the next cyclist. Well, that may take some time until we have approximately 8 km to the lighthouse to go. Overtaking hardly possible, in oncoming traffic it drove me always the beads of sweat on the forehead, because there is hardly any space and partly you drive directly on the precipice, which was limited only by sporadically guardrails. Even the fellow passenger can get unwell with this view. So I am busy not to build an accident, to keep the cyclists alive and not to crash until I slowly get used to this situation and find more and more fun jumping from gap to gap. Sometimes I can risk a glimpse of this beautiful view. At least as long as no obstacle appears again. Such an obstacle can simply be a mountain goat that lays a pause in the middle of the street without being particularly disturbed by the traffic. And then it's done, the lighthouse is in sight. Already at the foot of the small mountain on which it is located parking cars are blocking the already much too narrow road. Still, some brave drivers try to get higher but as you can expect, these then have to drive back down again when oncoming traffic appears and of course that happens promptly. Since there are no other parking possibilities, I decide to turn and start the way back. Another 8 km adventure with beads of sweat on the forehead. When I then also learned that this long-drive coaches taking this route, I ask the universe immediately, that such a bus does not meet me, which fortunately does not happen. Thank you, dear universe. It probably sounds worse than it is, but with a large vehicle, I would avoid this trip. So it was a little adventure, for which you should already plan some time for.

Cala Sant Vicenc:

Next to "Port de Pollenca" is Cala Sant Vicenc. The coastal town has 4 small bays or should I better say beaches? Cala Sant Vicenç, Cala Clara, Cala Carbó and Cala Molins are all within walking distance and embedded in an imposing rock formation. The water is crystal clear and you can often find local anglers on the cliffs. Since I like to fish myself, I have of course paused here and watched the angler. You can always learn a lot from the locals, and it quickly became apparent that the old man understood his craft. With a twinkling of an eye, he had a meal together. The beaches are all pervaded by white powder sand, so there should be something for every taste. Also, snorkelers come to their costs due to the water quality.

I have only been able to give a little insight here and there are certainly many more of these little pearls in the northeast of the island if you look a bit off the beaten track. Take some time to explore this part of the island and experience little adventures.

source pictures: own photography
source pictures cap de Formentor - pixabay

sunny greetings - fromheart