Destinations in Mallorca far from the hustle and bustle.

Mallorca is such an enchanting vacation destination that many tourists come here again and again, and some even want to stay forever. On the one hand, this is due to the unique diversity of the island, which offers both nature lovers and party animals the ideal setting for an unforgettable vacation. On the other hand, the island is perfectly developed for tourism. In every corner there is the possibility to rent a nice vacation home or a comfortable hotel room. A wide variety of providers make it possible to travel to the island, whether planned for the long term or on short notice.

Those who have often stayed on the sunny island may wish to discover something new for their next stay. We present three fascinating destinations steeped in history that are far away from the tourist hustle and bustle. Have fun with our insider tips! But psst...don't tell anyone!

Sa Dragonera - the dragon island

Beauty of the island

Off the southwest coast of Mallorca lies the so-called Dragon Island. The uninhabited island got this name because of its shape. Seen from the side, it looks like a lying dragon with its tail scales sticking up in the air. There are no large trees here, only small vegetation. It's a good idea to wear sunscreen when you visit, because you won't find shade most of the time. On the other hand, the island is a paradise for numerous animals such as seagulls and hawks. At certain times you can also admire hundreds of trusting lizards in this nature reserve, which are not afraid of humans. They remind of small dragons and underline the name of this extraordinary island. By the way, this special kind of lizards can be admired only here.

It is no wonder that the animals feel so comfortable, because the island can only be visited in small groups. It is not allowed to spend the night here. Thus, its original beauty is permanently preserved. The island is only 4.2 kilometers long and about one kilometer wide. This makes it easy to explore on foot. The Far Vell lighthouse is located at the highest point of the island, 353 meters above sea level.

History

The history of the island is marked by rough characters, since it used to serve as a shelter for the numerous pirates who were active in the area. Later, lookout towers kept them from hiding on the island with their booty. In the 1970s, the island was to be developed, which was prevented by the efforts of conservationists. They persuaded the government to buy the island. In 1995 it and its smaller neighboring islands Pantaleu and Sa Mitjana were declared a nature reserve.

How to get there

There are guided boat tours to the island, but they are usually for a short period of time. You can also take a "boat cab" from Sant Elm to the island and stay there for a few hours. After docking, one has the choice between four different hiking trails, which offer the right tour for hikers of every fitness level. However, you can also take a wonderful swim in the secluded bay and let the water cab pick you up again after a few hours.

Necropolis of Son Real

The only above ground burial ground on the island

The necropolis is a fascinating and mysterious place that allows the visitor to dive deep into the history of times long past. It is a prehistoric burial site in a necropolis of 800 square meters, dating from the 7th to the 4th century BC. It was discovered only in 1957, after which intensive archaeological excavations were carried out. From the 7th century BC, round burial chambers were found. In the 5th century, on the other hand, people built in the form of horseshoes. The remains found from the 4th century were rectangular.

A large part of the tombs found had already been destroyed by the sea water, but more than 300 skeletons and grave goods were recovered in the burial niches. They are probably members of the Talayotic culture. Many of the finds can be seen today in the Museu monogràfic de Pollèntia in Alcúdia. However, it is not possible today to say exactly where the people who were buried there had lived. What was striking was that their remains had no traces of hard work on them, as would have been expected. Perhaps they were of a higher caste? It will probably remain a mystery.

Detour to the Finca Son Real

The Mallorcans are proud of this culturally rich part of their island, where the history of their ancestors can be experienced. A real insider's tip in the vicinity is Finca Son Real, which many visitors mistake for a private estate and therefore avoid. The 400-hectare estate is located between Son Serra and Can Picafort. It was purchased by the government in 2004 and turned into a museum. In the park of the finca there is a wildlife enclosure where you can observe, for example, the famous black pigs of Mallorca.

Serra de Tramuntana

Impressive mountain landscape

The Serra de Tramuntana is an impressive mountain range that stretches over a length of 90 kilometers. The area was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2011. It is bordered by Andratx to the southwest and Cap de Formentor to the north. In between are reservoirs, historic towns and villages and old dry stone buildings. Gnarled olive trees characterize the image of this landscape, which invites you to explore and linger. Especially the historic monastery of Lluc is highly valued by the locals. However, the monastery will probably be abandoned this year by the last monks. This will bring an important tradition to an end, as there are no new generations in sight.

Where cultures merge

The Tramuntana is an impressive example of human adaptability. Here, during the Moorish occupation of the island, Islamic and Western cultures merged and produced, for example, sophisticated irrigation methods. The dry-stone walls, along which one can still stroll today, created the space for the cultivation of agricultural products. The dry stone route between Andratx and Pollença is a living testimony of this time. Here the hiker plunges deep into times gone by, conquering the paved paths that once connected the different communities in the mountains.

Mallorca has countless faces, and those who take some time and plan will be able to discover many of them. This is exactly what makes the beautiful vacation island so fascinating and unique. You just have to have the courage to leave the beaten track and embark on a new experience.