CCA Andratx

The CCA Andratx Museum is the largest center of contemporary art in Mallorca. Is located on the south side of the Tramuntana Mountains, only 30 minutes away from Palma. The CCA Andratx was founded in 2001 by Jacob and Patricia Asbaek. The 4.000 m2 building has a minimalist but traditional style that is perfectly integrated with the breathtaking natural scenery of its surroundings. The grounds of CCA Andratx spread from the small village of Sa Coma up through the valley with the fertile terraces to the high pine-covered mountains that lead directly to the sign-posted nature walks for which Mallorca is so famous. Here you can walk for hours with breathtakingly beautiful scenery as your sole companion. The soil is fertile and has been cultivated for a millennium. The Centre is self-sufficient in oranges, lemons, almonds, figs, and olives. The property also has its own spring - a great rarity on this sun-drenched island. It provides sufficient water to cover the needs of the whole center and is an important contribution to the paradisiac quality of the place. Andratx is a small town situated in a beautiful valley with terraced crops stretching up the mountainside. A few kilometers away lies Port Andratx, a charming harbor town situated between steep mountain slopes.

On the southwestern tip of Mallorca is where you will find Port d'Andratx, a picturesque fishing village as well as one of Mallorca's classiest holiday destinations. Popular with the yachting fraternity and film stars whose Italian-style villas can be seen climbing up the hillsides, it also has a working fishing industry that supplies many of the port's restaurants. Located in a stunning coastal stretch, at the bottom of a funnel-shaped valley, lies Port d’Andratx, a harbor claimed by many as one of the prettiest in Mallorca. The main town, built in the mid 20th century, is located on the southern side of the port and retains its character thanks to the presence of fishermen. In the summer, this side of the harbor has a wonderfully bustling atmosphere thanks to the lively bars and restaurants that line the water's edge boasting wonderful sea views amplified by the many yachts mooring in the bay. The Club de Vela marina on the north side of the port has a distinguished cosmopolitan legacy. It is also the biggest attraction in the area for some of the most affluent individuals evident by the number of larger yachts dwelling here. Many of them also own a villa on the surrounding hillsides. Speaking of the area’s inhabitants there’s a mixture of local native Mallorca inhabitants, international expats who have retired to the area and, of course, some holiday home owners who come and go throughout the year. The town has some nice buildings solely dedicated to apartments, whilst villas dot every conceivable space on the surrounding hillsides from Port d’Andratx to the ancient rural town of Andratx about 5km away. This area of Mallorca is also blessed with the glorious countryside, which attracts many visitors keen to explore some of the island's natural beauty. History & Culture in Port d'Andratx Port d'Andratx has been an important coastal hotspot since the Renaissance when it was used as a base to transport people from the peninsula to Mallorca. It was mainly a fishing port at least since the late 18th century, although the current docks were built during the 19th century and have been continuously renovated throughout the 20th century. Nowadays, even if fishing is still a daily activity in Port d'Andratx, its marina is mainly occupied by yachts.

This uninhabited island off Mallorca's western tip was the focus for a turning point in Mallorcan history in 1977 when it was occupied by environmentalists protesting against a planned tourist development. The campaigners won, the island became a nature reserve instead, the seabirds survived, and for the first time, the authorities realized that mass tourism had reached its limit. Located just off the south-western coast of Mallorca, Sa Dragonera is separated from the main island by a small channel. Six kilometers long and crowned by an ancient watchtower, Sa Dragonera takes its name from its shape, said to resemble a dragon. Made up of three islets, Illot des Pantaleu, Sa Mitjana, and Sa Dragonera, it is home to 361 different plant species, 18 of which are endemic to the Balearics. The park’s fauna is another of its most interesting aspects. Particularly worthy of note is the wall lizard population, an endemic subspecies that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, as well as the particular snail species, which is also endemic to the Balearic Islands. The Park’s list of cataloged seafaring birds is extensive and includes the Audouin’s gull and the Balearic shearwater, one of the few birds that are endemic to the Balearic Islands. Sa Dragonera also boasts the largest Eleonora’s falcon population in the archipelago. The Park is open to visitors all year round, from 10:00 to 17:00 between 1st April and 30th September, and from 10:00 to 14:30 during the rest of the year.

Chic marina resort in Mallorca, on the south-west coast Puerto Portals is widely known as the most glamorous marina on the island. It has become an attractive destination for the rich and famous to moor their yachts and now caters for more than 600 yachts up to 60 meters in length. Unlike many other ports in Mallorca, there is a year-round buzz here. It’s the place to visit for designer shopping, people watching and first-class restaurants and bars. Located in the south-west of the island, just a 10-minute drive from Palma, Puerto Portals is connected to the more modest town of Portal Nous. There's a real cosmopolitan feel to the place, think of something between Monte Carlo and Puerto Banus and you're nearly there. Puerto Portals is not actually that big - you could walk from one end to the other in five minutes - but the point of being here is to sit and enjoy the world as it goes by. There are designer boutiques selling jewelry, watches, swimwear, clothing, accessories, and gifts. In between, you'll also find swanky estate agents and yacht charter and brokerages. A wide range of portside restaurants offers a good selection of cuisine. You can come here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and admire luxury yachts, Ferraris and Porsches (and of course, their owners!) parading up and down the front. It’s more than likely you will also spot a familiar face amongst the crowds as it has become quite the celebrity hotspot. The likes of Paris Hilton, Brad Pitt, Jamie, and Louise Redknapp or Jenson Button have all been spotted in the port. A lovely beach adjoins the port too, so you can easily make a day of it.

Palma is Mallorca's vibrant capital, stylish and intimate, yet bursting with life. Half of the island's population dwells in this city, lively all year round with luxury hotels, trendy restaurants, cafes, shops, and nightlife as well as a thriving art scene. It's often compared to Barcelona and, being within a 15-minute taxi ride from the airport, it makes for the perfect city break. Located in the south of the island, Palma looks out over the shimmering Mediterranean sea (take a look at our webcam to see it in real time). Whilst there are many enchanting parts of the city, the main attractions and shops are situated around the massive Gothic cathedral down by the seafront. This area, known as Palma’s old town, is full of ancient passages, historic monuments, and magnificent architecture. Here you will find no shortage of sights or refreshment stops within its many pedestrianized lanes, quirky cafes, galleries, and boutique shops. Thanks to these attractions all being packed within a square kilometer, the old town is easy to explore. The city boasts an enormous harbor which begins in front of the cathedral and borders the west. The cyclist and pedestrian-friendly promenade stretch all the way to the ferry port and cruise terminal (which is located about 3.5km from the old town), making it perfect for a stroll. History & Culture in Palma de Mallorca As an island, Mallorca has been subject to numerous invasions and conquests throughout its history. Palma was known to the Arabs as Medina Mayurqa (902 to 1229), and to Mallorcans thereafter simply as Ciutat (City). But the city was in fact named after the Roman city of Palmaria (founded around 120 BC), which still exists a meter or two beneath the ground; inhabitants of houses near the cathedral are still discovering Roman remains every once in a while. Palma's current image owes much to the last two hundred years. The two iconic roads of Passeig des Born and Las Ramblas was built in the 19th century on a dried-up river bed. The defensive city walls which once surrounded the city were pulled down to create the ring road of Las Avingudas and the waterfront highway and promenade Passeig Maritim were only reclaimed from the sea in the 1950s.

The capital city of Palma is the main shopping hot spot on the island, but there are pockets all over Mallorca where you can spend many hours of browsing. Here is our guide on where to go. Palma For the shopper, the compact size of Palma is of great advantage. The main shopping areas you should visit in the city are Passeig des Born, Avinguda Jaume III and the pedestrianized cobbled streets and ancient passageways around Plaça Major and Plaça Cort. Marinas & ports Marinas are usually great shopping destinations on the island. Puerto Portals, Port Adriano and Port d'Andratx are generally tailored towards designer shopping. Affordable fashion and gift boutiques can be found in Cala d’Or, Port d'Alcúdia and Port de Pollença. Holiday resorts The holiday resorts all have supermarkets and beachwear shops for your essentials and some will have weekly markets selling all sorts of souvenirs and local produce, including fruit and veg. Some markets are better than others, so check our Markets Page to find out which ones are worth going to. Luxury & Designer Shopping The island of Mallorca has shops for all tastes and price ranges including a good selection of luxury and designer boutiques. Most of them can be found in the capital, Palma. Passeig des Born The beautiful Passeig des Born is one of Palma's most well-known shopping streets within which you will find sophisticated men and women’s fashion designers like Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Mulberry and Spain’s popular Uterqüe boutique. Looking for lavish jewelry and watches in Mallorca? Make sure you visit Relojería Alemana located along the Passeig des Born and in some of the marinas. Numerous international interior design shops are popping up around the city, from Scandi brands like Hästens beds to boutique-style shops like Born Decoración bespoke furniture store. El Corte Inglés There are two El Corte Inglés department stores located in Palma, each encompassing a range of renowned international designers in store. One is located on Avinguda Jaume III (which branches off from Passeig des Born) and a bigger one is located near Plaça d'Espanya (Palma’s main transport hub).

To experience some of the traditional markets on the island, you need to get out of Palma. Mallorca is very well connected by bus and train services, so you should be able to easily find public transport from the capital to the nearby market towns. The biggest market is on Thursdays at Inca, which is halfway between Palma and Alcúdia. The most traditional is the Wednesday market at Sineu, right in the center of the island, which still offers traditional agricultural produce and livestock. The market at Santa María on a Sunday sells everything - think flea market combined with fresh fruit and vegetables. The smaller towns have markets that focus on local produce such as fruit and veg, and you'll find stalls of trinkets and jewelry at every market on the island. Markets tend to open at 08:00 and run until 13:00. Almost every town in Mallorca has a weekly market, each held on a different day of the week. This means there’s more than enough opportunity to visit a market on the island during your stay on the island. Popular Markets & Days in Mallorca Monday : Palma Olivar Market, Palma San Juan Gastronomic Market Tuesday: Alcúdia, Palma Olivar Market, Palma San Juan Gastronomic Market Wednesday: Andratx, Palma Olivar Market, Palma San Juan Gastronomic Market, Sineu Thursday: Inca, Palma Olivar Market, Palma San Juan Gastronomic Market Friday: Palma Olivar Market, Palma San Juan Gastronomic Market Saturday: Palma Olivar Market, Palma San Juan Gastronomic Market, Sóller Sunday: Alcúdia, Consell, Palma San Juan Gastronomic Market, Pollença, Santa Maria del Camí Markets thrive in Mallorca and are a great way to experience some true local culture. The larger markets all follow a similar pattern with fresh produce around the main square and, fanning out from there, specialist local produce. Be sure to check out the Spanish cheese, cured meats, olive oil, and salt offerings. Handmade jewelry, arts and crafts, inexpensive clothing and household goods can also usually be found. And worry not about the language barriers, the locals love it if they see that you are making an effort to blend in, no matter the quality of your Spanglish.

Most of the markets in Palma are held from Monday to Saturday, although there are also some weekly and even seasonal ones. Check out the description for more information. Llotja del Peix (Fish Market) - Get here early as the night's catch goes on sale and mullet, prawns, sardines and sea bass are hawked by women with operatic voices. At Es Moll de Pescadors, Monday-Saturday from 06:00. Mercat Artesanal, Plaça Major- Lively craft market on the Plaça Major with buskers and open-air cafes. At Plaça Major 31, every day from 10:00-14:00 in July, August, September and over Easter; Friday and Saturday only in January and February; extended hours (10:00-20:00) at Christmas (16th Dec - 6th Jan) and 10:00-14:00 on Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday for the dates not specified above. Mercat de l'Olivar - Palma's main market, in a hall near Plaça d'Espanya. Fresh produce on the ground floor, meat and cheese upstairs, plus cheap tapas stall and a public library. At Plaça Olivar, Monday-Saturday 07:00-14:00. Mercat de Santa Catalina - Specialised in fresh fish and seafood, at this market you'll also find local produce, as well as a couple of bars. In the gastronomic district of Santa Catalina. Pere Garau - Local farmers bring their produce, including live animals, to this lively market in the east of the city. At Plaça Pere Garau, Monday-Saturday 07:00-14:00. Rambla - It may not match its Barcelona namesake but Palma's Rambla is similarly lined with flower stalls. At Passeig de la Rambla, Monday-Friday 08:00-14:00 and 17:00-20:00, Saturday 08:00-14:00. Rastro (Flea Market) - A Palma institution which takes over part of the main ring road each Saturday morning. Plenty of bargains but lots of junk too. At Avinguda Gabriel Alomar i Villalonga, Saturday 08:00-14:00. Santa Catalina Market - Fresh fruit and vegetable market just west of the city centre. At Plaça Navegació, Monday-Saturday 07:00-14:00. Mercat Ecologic - Organic fruit, veg, cheese and meats every Saturday morning. At Plaça Bisbe Berenguer de Palou (just off Las Ramblas). San Juan Gastronomic Market - newest market in town, just north of Plaça Espanya. It's open every day and has bars and terraces as well as the usual food stalls. At Carrer de l'Emperadriu Eugenia 6.