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Enjoy your time in the heart of Andratx, a fascinating destination on the west coast of Mallorca. An exclusive travel guide for an unforgettable holiday.
The port, charming town and spectacular coastline of Andratx, including the fantastic coast around Camp de Mar, are the most beautiful attractions in the southwest corner of Mallorca. This historic location is a perfect combination of the natural beauty of Mallorca at the foot of the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountains and the most sophisticated and exclusive atmosphere on the island.
Our 5-star Zafiro Palace Andratx Hotel has designed a special Andratx travel guide to help you explore the surrounding areas and enjoy them just as much as the locals do. Beautiful nearby beaches, hidden coves, motorbike routes, amazing sunsets accompanied by a stroll around the port... keep reading and discover some of the things you can see and do in Andratx during your holidays.
Index
- History of Andratx
- Camp de Mar
- Caló des Monjo
- Andratx from the sea
- Port d'Andratx
- Hiking in Andratx
- Cuisine in Andratx
- Lighthouses in Andratx
- The town of Andratx
History of Andratx
To get to know a place really well, it’s a good idea to learn more about its history. The name of Andratx comes from “antra”, which means cave, and it’s history is full of different events and eras that also had an impact on the whole of the island of Mallorca. Its strategic location on the coast that looks towards the Iberian Peninsula made it a target for both Romans and Arabs. Following the reconquest of the island by King Jaime I, Andratx became part of the kingdom of Mallorca, playing a key role in the defence of the island against attacks by pirates, helped by the constructions of several watchtowers all along its coast.
The people made their living from fishing and from the surrounding countryside. This has helped shaped both the form and the scenery of the port - still one of the most active ports on the island - and the centre of the town and its surroundings.
In the 19th century, tourism transformed Andratx, and particularly Port d'Andratx, which went from being a modest little fishing village to a highly coveted luxury holiday destination. The beautiful combination of mountainous scenery and crystal-clear waters, together with a very laid-back atmosphere, has attracted European artists, authors and celebrities for decades, making it an oasis of exclusivity and relaxation.
Camp de Mar
Camp de Mar is a perfect base for exploring Andratx and all its must-see attractions. It consists of a cove sheltered by rolling hills and pine forests, a natural valley that slopes down towards the Mediterranean Sea, creating the most picturesque landscapes and a quiet atmosphere, far from the most crowded tourist destinations.
When you first arrive at Camp de Mar and visit the beach, the first thing that grabs your attention is the turquoise sea and the fact that there are practically no waves. And in the middle of the beach, in the middle of the sea, there’s a beach bar which you can reach over a pier that seems to float on the water. This historical venue is a famous local restaurant which normally serves lunch and snacks.
The beach at Camp de Mar has lovely white sand, and although it’s not very big, it’s really nice for anyone who just wants to relax and bask in the sun.
Caló des Monjo
Another of the recommended beaches in the area, especially if you’re a nature lover, is Caló des Monjo. Located about 4 km from the hotel, you can get there on one of the electric scooters we offer to all our All Inclusive Redefined® guests at the Zafiro Palace Andratx, enjoying a fun ride on the scooter and then continuing on foot.
The path to the beach takes you through a Mediterranean pine forest and is quite an easy walk. Although it’s classified as a moderately difficult walk and takes about two and a half hours (there and back), the prize at the end of the walk is truly awesome, with this natural cove being one of the most beautiful on the southwest coast of Mallorca.
Andratx from the sea
To really enjoy all the beauty of the coast, the beaches and the most inaccessible coves, the best way to do it is from the sea. Sailing on the calm Mediterranean waters under the warm Mallorcan summer on a “llaüt”, a traditional Mallorcan boat, is one of the experiences that will become truly unforgettable during your stay in Andratx.
If you’re a guest at Zafiro Palace Andratx, our concierge team will provide you with everything you need to go sailing along the coast near Camp de Mar, discovering all the nearby coves and seeing the island from a very privileged viewpoint. This is definitely the perfect plan if you’re travelling as a couple and want to celebrate something really special.
Port d'Andratx
The lively Port d'Andratx is more than just a refuge for luxury-loving personalities and celebrities, it's also a place that offers outstanding cuisine and art. The modern art galleries always have something new on display, and the bars and restaurants that line the harbour are popular meeting points for a cocktail or dinner while admiring the sunset.
But Port d'Andratx is much more than just art and nightlife. It’s also, for example, one of the top departure ports for anyone who loves sailing or scuba diving. The El Toro marine reserve is nearby, and is one of the reserves with the greatest amount of wildlife in this part of the Mediterranean. There are several certified companies that organise scuba-diving outings that the hotel team can put you in contact with.
The Yacht Club is also a great place to visit if you want to try out activities on the water, offering everything from sailing trips to sailing and swimming classes for kids. It also has a great restaurant with a very local atmosphere and excellent fresh ingredients. The paellas are particularly delicious, and can also be enjoyed with stunning sea views.
Hiking in Andratx
The Serra de Tramuntana mountains begin in this area and make it an ideal base for hikers. Near the Zafiro Palace Andratx there are a number of different trails, some very easy and others more challenging, but all with spectacular views of the sea and the mountains.
- The La Trapa trail: This is one of the most iconic hiking trails in Andratx, taking you up to the old monastery of La Trapa, with truly spectacular views of the rocky coast towards the island of La Dragonera. The perfect opportunity to take stunning photos and enjoy all the peace of the mountains.
- Excursion to Cap Andritxol: An easy outing which is highly recommended and also close to the hotel. Ideal for keeping active during your holiday and enjoying all the charm of Mallorca without having to make too much effort, it involves an easy 5 km walk that takes about 90 minutes through beautiful scenery and with a chance to see the Torre de Cap Andritxol, one of the watchtowers used to look out for the pirates who used to attack the Andratx coast. Next to the tower there are also some remains of the barracks used by the inhabitants of the tower to defend themselves against Berbers and Turks.
Cuisine in Andratx
The cuisine in Andratx, and particularly in the port, reflects its environment and sophisticated ambience. Come and discover some of the best seafood restaurants in Mallorca and famous restaurants where both the service and ingredients are only of the highest quality.
In addition to the Yacht Club restaurant mentioned above, there are other great places to eat well in Port d'Andratx, including Trespais, with an intimate and sophisticated ambience, Oliu, serving delicious Mediterranean cuisine, or Sumailla, offering a combination of Asian and Peruvian cuisine alongside the sea.
The town of Andratx is home to iconic attractions such as Sa Societat de Ca Na Fornera, where you can try authentic Mallorcan dishes such as traditional roast suckling pig, lobster stew, the traditional “escaldums” stew or “sopa rellena”, literally meaning stuffed soup, but actually stuffed pasta in a delicious broth. Further inland in S'Arracó, you can also enjoy restaurants serving great seafood, such as Can Babiloni, which specialises in oysters.
Lighthouses and sunsets
For the most romantic visitors, a trip to the Sa Mola lighthouse is always a great idea. Located on a promontory just 2 km from Port d'Andratx, it’s the best place to watch the sun disappear slowly behind the horizon.
Another great place to watch the sunset is Sant Elm, a charming little coastal town about 13 km from the Zafiro Palace Andratx. In addition to visiting the beautiful beach at Cala Conills, you can also take a walk through the narrow streets and enjoy the best views of the island of Dragonera.
And if you’re looking for a more comprehensive sunset plan, we recommend a visit to Cala Llamp, where you can see a spectacular sunset with the La Mola lighthouse in the foreground. It’s also home the Gran Folies Beach Club, one of the most famous and exclusive beach clubs in Mallorca and the ideal place to enjoy a bottle of champagne or special cocktail accompanied by a fantastic atmosphere.
The town of Andratx
Peaceful, authentic and traditional. The town of Andratx is just 8 minutes by car from the hotel, and gives you the chance to really immerse yourself in the history of the town in a place that is far from the hectic pace and stress of modern life. Although it’s not that big, it’s big on charm thanks to the cobbled streets, houses made of stone and a lovely main square, a meeting point for both the locals and visitors.
The square is a great place to enjoy a coffee or aperitif on one of the café terraces, and it’s also the place where the patron saint festivities, live music concerts, folkloric dances and activities for kids also take place. Every Wednesday the square comes alive with the local market, where you can buy everything from olives and cheese to local handicrafts.
If you would like more recommendations about what you can see and do in Andratx during your stay, visit the reception desk where our Concierge team can offer you plenty of options to your liking so you can enjoy the island to the full.
