Wild Coast, Olive Groves and Wineries: A Greener Mallorca

The contrasting landscapes of Mallorca make it one of the most captivating islands in the Mediterranean. Cliffs and beaches, creeks and fruit plantations, centuries-old mills and tiny villages are all scattered among pine and oak forests teeming with wildlife. Nestled in the hollow of a fertile valley, Campanet is a sleepy rural town where you can soak up this intrinsic natural beauty. Aside from being surrounded by stunning scenery, Campanet is best known for its caves and passageways carved into the mountain of Sant Miquel, which are full of spectacular rock crystallisations. You’ll have today to visit the caves and explore this beautiful place at your leisure. If you like, we can arrange for you to visit an organic olive grove for a tasting followed by a traditional lunch.

Today you’ll have more time to spend in the enchanting town of Campanet and its surrounding area. If you’re a nature enthusiast, make your way along some of the many hiking trails that crisscross the north of the mountains and the S'Albufera nature preserve, full of birds and other wildlife. Es Pla de Mallorca is another great walking option. This plain covers the island’s centre, home to olive and almond groves along with plenty of famous vineyards and wine regions such as Binissalem, where you can sample delicious organic wines in a stunning setting. For something a little more relaxing, simply laze on the sandy beaches of the bays of Alcúdia and Pollença, punctuating the hours with dips in the crystal-clear water. In Pollença, you’ll also find roman ruins and a charming Sunday market. For unbeatable views across the sparkling sea, head to the Es Colomer viewpoint on Cape Formentor, which is also the starting point for many mountain hiking trails. The Son Marroig museum in Déia also offers stunning sea panoramas from its verandas, as well as an insight into the life of Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria. And finally, if you’re in the market for some culture, the 13th century Santuari de Lluc and its three chapels will transport you back in time.

Today we’ll arrange for you to visit the Black Vulture Conservation Foundation. These intriguing birds are endemic to Mallorca, and the centre aims to protect and reintroduce them on the island, as well as raise public awareness about environmental issues.

After your visit, you’ll drive towards the east of the island to spend three nights not far from the medieval village of Capdepera. The drive takes about an hour, after which you’ll find yourself in the midst of nature surrounded by olive, almond and carob trees. When you arrive, spend a few hours reading or daydreaming on your private terrace or in the garden, or laze around the tranquil swimming pool before a treatment at the spa. In the restaurant, enjoy creative dishes made with fresh market produce and ingredients grown on site.

This small town in the far north-east of Mallorca allows you to experience two facets of the island: coastal and medieval. Capdepera is known for its basket weaving tradition and, above all, for its striking fortress that’s perched on Puig de Capdepera. The Castell, which still houses a chapel, a watchtower and the former governor's house, is surrounded by fortifications that have long kept the pirates of the western Mediterranean at bay. When they deserted the area, Capdepera’s inhabitants came out of the walls and developed a new town and a small fishing port, known as Cala Rajada, which is today a lively resort.

Before you begin exploring all of this, however, we’ll arrange for you to take a guided hike in the Llevant Nature Reserve along paths that link pristine beaches and valleys planted with pines. At the gates of the park, you’ll discover the pretty coastal village of Betlem, and along the route you’ll weave through unspoilt natural landscapes that offer beautiful sea views.

You’ll spend your final day in Mallorca continuing to enjoy Capdepera, whether that means sunbathing alongside the turquoise water of Cala Mesquida beach or walking the coastal trails that lead to intimate coves. The medieval town of Artà and its caves are just a short drive from here, as is the prehistoric site of Ses Païsses. In thirty minutes, you can reach the archaeological site of Son Real. In Capdepera itself, you’ll find a castle that’s one of the most important in the Balearic Islands, complete with 14th-century fortifications. And while you’re here, don’t forget to visit a local basket maker to learn about traditional basket weaving and the traditional palmito plant.