Places in the surroundings

SES SALINES gets its name from the local salt deposits and lagoons at which many birdwatchers gather in spring to observe the migrant birds on their way from Africa to the north. The town has several good restaurants and on the outskirts of the town lies Botanicactus, a 15 hectar large botanical garden which specialises in cacti. The old part of the town is very interesting. It is the location of an important prehistoric excavation, a church, a tower and some buildings which have retained the typical style of the village.  The festivals of the town play an important role and attract thousands of people every year. The peak of Ses Salines is the most southerly point of the island with a fantastic view of Cabrera and provides an opportunity to go for relaxing walks on the cliffs which lead you to beautiful sandy beaches and coves.

CAMPOS Campos which is four kilometers away is a bustling market town which comes alive on market days (every Thursday and Saturday). It is a friendly place with a mixture of interesting shops, restaurants and supposedly the best bakery on the island. (Distance Colonia Sant Jordi – Campos 14 kms)

SANTANYI Ten kilometers away is Santanyi, a sleepy town which has become cosmopolitan because of the influence of foreign customers, and so offers a mixture of traditional shops, those with designer facilities and international restaurants. Santanyi’s markets take place twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, at the market place. The range varies between handmade jewellery, flowers, fresh local produce and leather goods. Come early to secure a place in one of the cafes or restaurants surrounding the market place, should you wish to see the hustle and bustle. (Distance Colonia Sant Jordi – Santanyi 14 kms)

RANDA The flattened top of the hill on the central plain is known as the holy mountain. There are three sanctuaries, the oldest of which, the convent of Our Lady of Cura, was founded in 1275. The library contains a collection of old music books and manuscripts from the Middle Ages. The museum is open to visitors who must draw attention to themselves by pulling a bell on the hour between 10.00 and 13.00, and then again between 16.00 and 18.00. A bar restaurant is open throughout the whole year. However, Monday is a day of rest. There is a panoramic view from the big terraces and it is said that, on a clear day, 32 villages and towns can be seen. (Distance Colonia Sant Jordi – Randa 32 kms)

PORTO PETRO
Many people cross Porto Petro on their way to other places, but it is worthwhile spending a little time here, even if it is only to have a cup of coffee in one of the cafes near the Marina. This was one of the first resorts on the east coast and has expanded very little since then. (Distance Colonia Sant Jordi – Porto Petro 24 kms)

PORTO COLOM
Porto Colom was called after Columbus who is supposed to have been born here. It is a quiet holiday resort which has retained the charm of a picturesque fishing village.  There are many restaurants and bars, especially at the central village square and a few small coves with beautiful clear water suitable for swimming.  (Distance Colonia Sant Jordi – Porto Colom 30 kms)

CALA D’OR This is one of the biggest towns on the east coast and one can find here nearly all the facilities and water sport amenities one could wish for. There is a magnificent marina with expensive yachts and excellent restaurants to sample seafood. The sandy coves are very nice but in high summer very crowded. (Distance Colonia Sant Jordi – Cala D’Or 27 kms)

PALMA – The capital
The town of Palma became the capital of the Balearic Islands in 1983. It is said that it was named after the dozens of palm trees imported from North Africa by the Moroccans. The town has approx. 300,000 inhabitants, almost half of the total population of the island. Palma is a lively cosmopolitan capital full of culture. It is sometimes referred to as “little Barcelona” because of the historic buildings, the cathedral, the seafront, the harbour and the abundance of excellent restaurants and bars. There is a number of  famous art galleries and museums as well as places where open-air concerts can take place. The shopping centre offers something for everyone, from fashionable designer brands to Rastrillo, the flea market on Sundays. The night life of the town begins late and lasts till the early hours of the morning. (Distance Colonia Sant Jordi – Palma 50 kms)

Public Bus information:

TIB (Public busses in Palma)
(http://www.palmademallorca.es/IMI/PORTAL/PRD/floc_d4_v1.jsp?
tipo=1&codMenu=812&agrupacion=2&contenido=4293&nivel=1400&language=de
)

EMT Palma (busses in Mallorca)
(http://www.emtpalma.es)