Andratx travel information and video

Andratx

Andratx is located at the south-west tip of Mallorca, 26 kilometres west of Palma, in the lowest foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains. The municipality of Andratx borders the municipalities of Estellencs and Calvià to the east and the sea to the south, west and north.

The charming upmarket town sits amid hillsides covered in almond, orange pine and olive trees. Today the main tourist areas are to be found close by at Camp de Mar, Puerto Andratx and Sant Elm beach.

Classy boutiques, exclusive restaurants and a fashionable yachting harbour attract a host of international stars to the area. Claudia Schiffer and Michael Schumacher are two of the better-known residents.

History & Culture
The town is situated slightly inland and was built as a protection against pirate attacks.

During the 13th century, Andratx was the home of both the Bishop of Barcelona and King Jaume I. 


The upper part of town consists of old houses along cobbled streets; at the top is the fortress-like church of Santa Maria and from here you can see the Port of Andratx. 


The Son Mas Castle houses some very important paintings by Durer and Tintoretto. 
The new City Hall has an interesting botanical garden in the former Manor-house Son Mas.

Leisure & recreation
The port is a great place to people watch; where humble fishing vessels rub shoulders with luxury yachts.

There are facilities for most water sports locally and the hire of boats to go out fishing is also possible. Fishing along the rocky coast is also popular and there are diving schools where equipment and tuition is organized, single diving trips can also be arranged.

There are many golf courses within one hour’s drive, offering a variety of challenges and levels. Without exception they are of an extremely high standard.

The area is wonderful for cycling and bikes can easily be hired. Be warned, there are some quite hilly and difficult roads. For walkers and runners there are many paths, which boast stunning views at almost every turn.

There are riding stables close by with excellent hacking to be had.

Beaches
Cala Blanca is a quiet, rocky beach, which generally has nice calm waters for bathing.

Cala de Cranc is also a rocky beach with calm waters, which seldom gets very busy and makes for a wonderful getaway.

Cala d'Egos is a small isolated and quiet sandy bay with calm waters.

Cala en Fonoll is a beautiful sandy urban cove with calms to sea, close to the mouth of Puerto Andratx. This beach is usually quiet, but remember to take a picnic as there are no bars or restaurants close by.

Cala Conills is located at St Elm and is a small rocky beach with a restaurant close by. The views are lovely across the bay and overlooking the “dragon” rock. Ideal for divers.

Cala Llamp is a long, quiet rocky stretch, which sometimes has moderate swells.

Cala Marmassen is a long stretch of rocky beach that has some urban facilities close by. Calm seas and few visitors are highlights of this beach.

Cala s'Algar is a rocky beach with calm water, which has access for the disabled.

Camp de Mar is a popular, blue flag sandy beach, which benefits from a part-time lifeguard. The beach is accessible for the wheelchairs.

Playa Brismar is a quiet beach, with calm waters and benefits from wheelchair access.

The Playa de Sant Elm is a very popular, blue flag beach with many excellent facilities, including disabled access.

Cuisine
The traditional cuisine of the Balearic Islands stems from the cultivation of the rich farmland and from hunting and fishing that has taken place over centuries.

From the popular fried Mallorcan fish to shellfish with vegetables and lobster stew, fresh island lamb (either roast or in dishes such as Panadera, Freixurat, and Trunyelles); flavoursome pork sausages (Sobrassades,Botifarró blanc, Botifarró negre, Carn i xua, Cuixot) and goats cheese with herbs.

Many of the islands sweets and desserts make use of the lighter cheeses, herbs, honey and almonds.

Dining out in Andratx
There are many fine restaurants locally and being a regular haunt for the jet set, there is an excellent cuisine choice on offer.

Market

 Day
Wednesday morning is market day in Andratx, when the streets fill with stalls selling local produce: fantastic cheeses and fish, local and fresh; and the stalls awash with the color of crisp vegetables. The market place is located just below the church.

Climate
The Balearic Islands enjoy a mild Mediterranean climate, with often very warm temperatures even in the depths of winter.

The temperate nature of the climate and the fertile nature of the landscape indicate that through the autumn and winter months, it can have periods of rain, often heavy, mostly short lived.

However, the summer months are long and lazy, with plenty of sunshine to enjoy.