You are here: Home / Archives for Mallorca Articles

Time to get moving on energy certificates

May 20, 2013 by ·

 

Controversy over the new legislation continues, but there’s no escaping the fact that as of 1st of June 2013, all existing homes for sale or rent in Spain will need an energy certificate.

A European directive on energy efficiency in buildings and homes was made applicable to developers in Spain in 2007. That it is now being applied to private individuals at a cost is causing many to rage about lucrative tax implications for the government, while others point out Spain is merely conforming to EU parliament.

The aim of the directive is to increase energy efficiency of homes and buildings, in order to protect the environment. All members of the EU are obliged to sit up and take note, and now, it’s Spain’s turn. Very soon, it will be compulsory for all homes that are for sale or rent to have an energy efficiency certificate, or EPC (energy performance certificate).

What will this mean for me as a homeowner?

If you already have a property advertised for sale or rent, obtaining and paying for the certificate will be your responsibility, and you will need to take action before 1st June to ensure you are in accordance with the law. If you don’t have property on the market at the moment but in the future you take steps to sell or rent, you will need to obtain an EPC.

Here at Balearic Properties Estate Agents  in Mallorca we are actively engaged in making the process of getting certificates as hassle-free as possible for our clients.

The certificate itself

Basically a report detailing how efficient a home is in terms of energy consumption, the certificate will grade homes on a scale ranging from ‘A’ (the best) to ‘G’ (the worst).
It will also include an objective evaluation of the energy characteristics of the building and give suggestions for improvements. A series of recommendations will be aimed at getting the home to go up at least one level on the energy efficiency scale.
Certificates will be valid for 10 years, although a new certificate will be required if renovations are made to the property which affect the criteria laid down in the original inspection.

Costs

Rates will be set by the local market and have not yet been established.
However as a guide, the following prices are being expected:
Up to 100m2 – 250€ + IVA
Between 100m2-200m2 – 375€ + IVA
Between 200m2 – 300m2 – 500€ + IVA
Over 300m2 – 630€ + IVA

Strict penalties

With fines for failing to have an EPC reportedly ranging from 3,000 euros all the way to 600,000 euros, the risk of not getting a certificate is just not worth taking.
Selling your property without a valid certificate could render the contract void, meaning you could be sued for compensation. Likewise, landlords drawing up a contracts with new tenants must produce certificates to avoid the same scenario.

Carrying out the inspection

According to official guidance,

“energy efficiency certificates should be issued by qualified professional technicians who are authorised to undertake building projects and thermal installations for buildings. The property owner may choose the technician of their choice.”

Architects and surveyors will be the main bods, though it’s expected more technicians will be trained in the business of issuing certificates.
The only way of obtaining the certificate is for the technician to visit the home, carry out a survey and then draw up the final report.

Poor energy ratings

At this point, you may be wondering how your own property will fare at the efficiency inspection. Many older Spanish homes are simply not built for insulation. A ‘D’ on the scale will not spell Disaster, and there will be no legal obligation to make improvements, but a better rating will score better with buyers.
A reassessment can take place if favourable changes have been made which will up the original score.

The subjects and information covered in this article are provided purely as a guide only.

Filed Under: Mallorca Articles, Selling your property · Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

Places to Visit in Ibiza

May 12, 2013 by ·

The Island of Eivissa, (commonly known as Ibiza), forms part of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean Sea and is the closest of the Balearic Islands to mainland Spain.    Ibiza is also known as ‘Islas Pitiusas’ or the Islands of Pine trees and its major towns include those of Sant Antoni de Portmany, Santa Eulària des Riu and Ibiza town.

The name ‘ Ibiza’ originally comes from the Arabic word ‘Yabisah’, meaning Land (or the Landward) and ‘Eivissa’ is the official Catalan pronunciation of the name. However, ‘Ibiza’ is the Spanish name, pronounced with the Castilian variation, and it is this name that has been adopted by most.

Ibiza is very famous for its summer parties held throughout the summer when thousands of pleasure-seeking clubbers find themselves among the masses in the super clubs and on the beaches.  The most well known night clubs in Ibiza include Pacha, Space, Amnesia, Privilege, Es Paradis and Eden.  These clubs regularly host equally as famous parties such as Manumission and Cream.   Ibiza is considered to be a rite of passage for most partygoers who tend to flock to the West End Party district in Sant Antoni.

Ibiza’s history dates back to 654 BC when the Phoenician settlement established a port on the island and named it Ibossim.  It was during the time of the Phoenicians that the visiting Greeks nicknamed the island Islas Pitiusas, referring to the abundance of pine trees on both Ibiza and Formentera.  Then with the invasion of the Assyrians, the Phoenician reign came to an end and passed under the rule of Carthage, also a Phoenician colony. Ibiza became a leading producer of dye, fish sauce or garum, salt and wool.

After 400 BC, Ibiza was transformed into a major trading port owing to its position on the Mediterranean trade route. In 209 BC, during the Second Punic War, the island of Ibiza was invaded by the Scipio brothers and the island is now famous for the remains of the Punic settlements.  This was followed by a short rule under the Roman Empire, (who renamed it Ebusus), the Vandal rule and then the Byzantine rule until it was conquered by the Moors. Finally, in 1235, the island passed under the rule of Catalan King Jamie I of Aragon and in the 18th century, Ibiza was announced a democracy and is now a part of the Balearic Autonomous Community.

The Island of Ibiza is also famous for its natural beauty.  It boasts large numbers of  magnificent caves and pristine beaches.   Our pick of the best begins with Aguas Blancas, a tiny beach with rocky cliffs and shallow inviting waters, providing a great haven or swimmers and nudists.  Benirras is one for those seeking a little more activity as it offers great snorkelling in the calm waters and hiking in the nearby hills.  Explore the rocky caves of Cala Bassa, (excursions to here begin in Sant Antonio), and enjoy it’s pristine white sandy beach lined by shady pine trees.  And make sure you visit Pou Des Lleo, a very serene and peaceful cove that provides you with the opportunity for a little exploration before hitting the beach for that all important R&R!

Ibiza Town

The historical Ibiza Old Town is another hot spot for tourists.  Founded by the Phoenicians in the 7th Century BC it boasts UNESCO World Heritage site, (The Puig de Molins Necropolis) a lively waterfront nightlife and the imposing Dalt Vila.  Best viewed from down at the harbour it sits perched above the labyrinth of cobbled streets and allies leading up to it.

At the most southerly tip of the Island of Ibiza is Ses Salines Natural Park.  Its natural salt pans provide a safe shelter to over 200 species of birds and other exotic flora and fauna and this Natural Park also provides the visitor with spectacular and colourful sunset vistas.

Explore away from the coastline and you’ll find hidden secrets such as the village of Santa Agnes de Corona, the wine cellars of Sant Mateu d’Aubarca and the archaeological site of Ses Torres d’en Lluc.

See which ferries go to Ibiza from Mallorca or the mainland.

Filed Under: Mallorca Articles · Tagged: , , , ,

Torrent De Pareis – a natural and unspoilt beauty

May 7, 2013 by ·

The beautiful beach at Sa Calobra

 

Torrent De Pareis is arguably one of the most untouched and pristine coves that you will find on the west coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Torrent De Pareis is set beautifully within the UNESCO listed Tramuntana mountain range in Mallorca, which serves as the perfect backdrop to this exotic cove.  Firmly on the sightseeing map it welcomes large numbers of tourists each summer (and some in the winter too) all coming to enjoy it’s beautiful valley and even a hidden beach!

You can begin enjoying the natural beauty even before arriving as the journey to Torrent De Pareis is just as remarkable.  The road on Puig Major leading to the bay twists, turns and plunges 800 meters in just 12 kilometres, before spinning 270 degrees and looping back on itself, this part if commonly known a the Knotted Tie.  Quite a ride!  For those on waves rather than wheels, you will set off from Port de Soller, passing isolated coves and enjoying the unspoilt views of Puig Major.

At your destination of Sa Calobra, a 200 meter tunnel brings you to Torrent De Pareis, (which roughly translates as ‘twin streams’). The river of Torrent De Pareis starts a couple of kilometres up the mountains where the rivers Lluc and Gorg Blau meet and flow as one. Approximately 400 meters high and just 30 meters wide, this spectacular gorge has sections that have never seen the light of the day. It finally ends at an exclusive pebble beach which regularly serves as host to many picnic lunches and lazy summer evening barbeques.

The Balearic Islands are well known for their vast array of hiking routes and adventurers will especially flock to Torrent De Pareis cove during the summers. This challenging and beautiful hike is not without risk however so hikers must always come fully prepared, in good health and have a good level of capability.    The weather in Torrent De Pareis is pretty unpredictable and therefore, dangerous for hiking. Flash downpours are not uncommon, even on an otherwise normal summers day.  The area can quickly turn into a dangerous place in such weather.   Make sure your backpack contains plenty of water, snacks, and your mobile phone.  It is also recommended to leave children at home and perhaps you might even take a change of clothes and a towel if the worst should happen and you have to stay through the night.

For non hikers Torrent de Pareis can still be very much enjoyed by visiting it’s pebbly beaches and enjoying the spectacular views from one of the bars or restaurants perched at the top.

Finally, don’t leave this area before taking a small detour from Sa Calobra to Cala Tuent.  This small (and less visited) sandy cove is hope to a 13th century church called Ermita de Sant Llorenc and the sea here is known to be a beautiful emerald green and azure blue.  This whole area easily ranks as one of the most picturesque places to visit on the island.

Filed Under: Mallorca Articles · Tagged: , , ,

Hidden Places: Hotel Formentor

April 8, 2013 by ·

One of the best places you can stay in Mallorca for a vacation is Hotel Barceló Formentor, nestled in the northern most point of Mallorca, situated right in the middle of 3000 acres of a protected natural reserve. It is also famous for the honeymoon famous couple Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier in 1956. The Hotel is situated in the midst of calmness and tranquillity of the forest, which makes it a haven for honeymooners and people who are looking for some quiet.

The northern part of  Mallorca  has a history of being formed very bizarrely by the action of the water and the winds which have created a natural scenario of beautiful mountain range next to the sea. Property for sale in this area is very desired as well.  On the Cap de Formentor, there are steps, paths, walls as well as a lighthouse, which had been made from the mountain cliffs in 1892. This was done under the orders of the poet Miquel i Llobera, who had the ownership of the peninsula. When the poet died, the cape was distributed into several parts and sold. It was later in 1928 that an Argentinian named Adan Diehl decided to construct the Hotel Barceló Formentor. Diehl was a patron of art and wanted to create this hotel as a striking work of art.

 

Since before the visit by Grace Kelly and her husband, until today, the Hotel Barceló Formentor still maintains its aura of beauty and luxury, which time apparently, had has no effect on. The exact location of the Hotel Barceló Formentor is in the exact middle of two mountain peaks and a beautiful sandy beach with a protected beach of bright blue waters all ready to greet you a very fresh, warm and coastal welcome.

The reception area is of pristine marble floor, which is an invitation in itself. But this is not what will take your breath away. It is the magnum glass window opening up to the Cap de Formentor beach and the magnificent gardens that will hold your attention.

Since the visit of Grace Kelly, the Hotel Barceló Formentor had opened a special suite and named it the Grace Kelly suite. This was probably the room in which the Hollywood actress had spent her honeymoon. This is indeed a colossal suite with very luxurious and elaborate decorations. It probably has the best view of all the other rooms. The windows of the rooms open up to the garden, then the mountains, moving on to the bright blue sky and beneath it, the clear turquoise sea, providing you with a mind blowing summary of the island itself.

 

Apart from the indoors of the Hotel Barceló Formentor, there are also many things that the authorities of the hotel will offer you. There are beautiful tennis courts for those who like to play. Here is also a small but excellent mini golf course, which promises to provide you with a morning full of entertainment.

The Hotel Barceló Formentor also provides you excellent opportunities for sun bathing. You are free to choose between the hotel’s pool and the beach. At the beach, you get to avail sun loungers, although they do not come for free. However, with a few bucks, you can really have a luxurious sun bath. You can end your sun bath with a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean Sea.

Another very major attraction of the Hotel Barceló Formentor was its food. The hotel has quite a few restaurants under it. On the beach, there is the Platja Mar as well as the al a carte El Pi. The central dining restaurant is the El Colomer. Here you will be served with meals all throughout the day. The El Colomer is situated on a terrace and provides you with an excellent vision of the beach and the mountains. The restaurant serves meals in buffet and the taste is awesome a well. One of the very well known delicacies of the El Colomer in Hotel Barceló Formentor is its desserts, especially the Chocolate Fountain. This is definitely a must for all chocolate lovers.

 

 

Filed Under: Mallorca Articles ·

Ferries around the Balearics

March 27, 2013 by ·

One the many pleasurable perks of living or holidaying in Mallorca is the ease of exploring the smaller siblings of the Balearic Island family – Menorca and Ibiza and Formentera.

Within an easy (island-)hop, skip and a jump you could be on their shores and taking in new sights, sounds and sandy beaches.

Generally, the best ‘island hopping’ method is by ferry and luckily there is substantial choice and value on offer.

Ferry companies such as Balearia, Iscomar and Acciona provide regular, convenient and comfortable crossings throughout the year, (with more frequent crossings during the summer season) all journeys range between 2 hrs 30 mins to 8/9hrs.   Balearia Ferries offers a Palma to Ibiza route in 2hrs 30mins, and you can also travel with them to Menorca from Alcudia in is as little as 1hr 30mins.

So you could be exploring Mahon’s remarkable harbour in Menorca or soaking up the salt pans of Ses Salines in Ibiza… both an easy sail away and of course with no hand baggage restrictions!

Fares do vary, two foot passengers can currently book a return journey from Palma to Ibiza for 173€ (300€ with a car) and a return ticket to Menorca will cost 158€ for two foot passengers (and 223€ with a car).  Spanish Residents also benefit from their residents discount, (subject to supply of the necessary documentation upon check in).  For those wanting a few extra square miles on which to explore, crossings are available to mainland destinations Barcelona, Denia and Valencia.    Ferry journeys from Mallorca to the Spanish mainland range between 5hrs 30mins (to Denia), and 7/9 hours (to Barcelona and Valencia) and will cost around 280€ for two foot passengers or 550€ with a car.

So consider including a little island hopping into your Balearic adventure and buy your tickets now!

Filed Under: Mallorca Articles · Tagged: , , , , ,

The real estate market in the Balearic Islands

February 27, 2013 by ·

For those of you who are still uncertain where the Balearic Islands are, we will provide you with a short introduction : Our marvellous islands are situated in Spain around the western side of the Mediterranean Sea near the Iberian Peninsula’s eastern coast. These islands are considered Spain’s archipelago. The largest of the Balearic Islands include Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.

Alcudia Beach – Mallorca North

 

This is a wonderful and quite popular holiday destination for tourists around the world. But along with the tourist attraction Balearic Islands have also experienced a rise in property and real estate too. It has been observed over past back that real estate market of Balearic Islands has been faring quite better than the rest of beautiful Spain, not only on yearly basis but on quarterly basis too.

There are many factors that have contributed in the immensely high raise in the real estate market.

First reason is the increasing popularity of Balearic Islands as holiday destination among people around the world. This factor has resulted in people entering into the Balearic Island’s real estate to enjoy benefits from the tourist attraction.

Secondly there are numerous nationalities that are eagerly participating in the real estate market of Ibiza and Mallorca. These nationalities are coming for professional as well personal purposes. From professional point of view,  buying properties in Mallorca, Ibiza or Menorca are a good investment entity on long term basis due to its demand in foreign tourism. On personal front, people with good capital who seek to look for a place for relaxation & enjoyment are turning towards Balearic Islands. If you are having enough capital and looking for one such elegant place which can be both beneficial in terms of investment as well as ardent way of enjoying life during free time then investing in the real estate of Balearic Islands is the best option to look for.

View to Pollensa Bay from Puig Tomir

You can opt from numerous options depending on your budget and your area of preferences. Balearic Islands have world’ most majestic villas that can make you feel like a king. If villa is out of budget then you can opt for simple apartments too. Balearic Islands have everything from majestic royal villas to simple apartments that won’t cut your pockets. There are numerous real estate associates who can help you in satisfying your requirements ardently. This is the right time to invest in the real estate properties as with the time this area will experience great development. Further this is the area of Balearic Islands that experts say will always raise and there are hardly any chances of future downfall.
Even it was observed that the Balearic Island’s real estate market did not get much affected with the downfall in the real estate market of Spain which was an indifferent event in itself. In that time of severe downfall in property, the  real estate market in Mallorca & Ibiza stood firm as an exception. The delightful enchanting climate, a unique blend of modernization & ancient beauty along with beautiful attractive places of Palma de Mallorca, Pollensa or Port Andratx make it a paradise for people around the globe. These factors have jointly led to the firing growth in the real estate market of Balearic Islands.

Balearic Properties – Nationality of Purchasers 2013

• British 60.71 %
• German 24.32 %
• Swedish 6.41 %
• Swiss 4.28 %
• Danish 2.60 %
• Spanish, French, Norwegian, Australian, South Africa 1.68 %
Nationality of Property Owners
• British 36.59 %
• German 18.30 %
• Spanish 35.38 %
• Swedish 2.45 %
• French, Swiss, American, Italian, Russian, Norwegian 7.28 %

Morning Sun Rise at Puerto Pollensa Beach

Filed Under: Mallorca Articles, Market Reports ·

Why holiday in Mallorca? Here is why!

January 24, 2013 by ·

We are nearly two months into the new year already and no doubt you’ll soon be booking that all important getaway in the summer, something to look forward to, a break from the normal routine and a chance to really relax and have some all important ‘you’ time.

So why pick Mallorca?

Apart from the obvious: close proximity to most countries in Europe, the bargain travel deals that can be snapped up and of course the stunning, natural and diverse scenery, there are many other fantastic reasons to head to the largest island in the Balearics -

A thriving capital city - Palma is exquisite.  A wonderful mixture of modern living and ancient history.  Palma Cathedral La Seu  is jawdroppingly beautiful and its Gothic angles can be seen from all over the city.  Make sure to visit on a sunny day so that once you’re inside you will witness the dazzling array of colours from the magnificent stain glass windows projected onto the inner walls of the cathedral.  Get lost in town, around every quiet corner is a leafy Plaça, behind every main street runs a deserted old passageway under eclectic balconies.  The wide sweeping Passeig Maritim is there for cyclists and walkers, the city beach for relaxing and winding down.

Paradise beaches –  cho0se from the many beaches and coves in Mallorca, each one with it’s own personality to suit you.   Family friendly Puerto de Pollença provides you with calm shallow waters perfect for young children, an abundance of coffee shops, lunch stops and boutique shopping.  For couples, indulge in the beach bar and restaurant on Formentor peninsular, a romantic stop far away from the masses.  Es Trenc, for those who have enjoyed Las Salinas Beach in Ibiza, this one is for you.  Groovy crowds gather to see and be seen on the thin rugged stretch of white sands.

A real sense of community – get talking to fellow holidaymakers and more than likely you will learn it is not their first time to Mallorca.  Many come here year on year because Mallorca has a real community that you can easily become apart of, even on a short stay.  There is a market on the island every day of the week, visit them to see every day life taking place.  The many fiestas in Mallorca, held over the summer bring together the local townspeople and they readily welcome visitors to  celebrate with them.  Many visitors have bought holiday homes on the island and are more than happy to give you some inside tips on what to see and where to go on the island.

A climate that will have you returning throughout the year – Summer is an extremely popular time to visit Mallorca and by now we don’t need to tell you why.  But Spring, Autumn and even Winter are all visitor friendly seasons on the island of Mallorca and are actually favoured over the summer by adventurists, cyclists, walkers and photographers.   Visit here in November for instance and enjoy warm temperatures and crystal clear blue skies, with the hazy summer heat and bustling crowds far behind you…

Balearic Properties is the leading Real Estate Network for  property for sale in Mallorca  with one of the largest portfolios of villas, apartments and penthouses with sea views, and a great selection of holiday villas . Contact our team of property experts.

 

building-a-home-in-mallorcaAbout Anouska
Over the years myself and my husband have loved exploring all over the world. After our first visit to Mallorca we knew we wanted to move here and make this beautiful island our home.
Filed Under: Holiday Villas Mallorca, Mallorca Articles · Tagged: , , , ,

Devilish fun: Sant Sebastián and Sant Antoni Abat Day – This week in Mallorca, January 2013

January 14, 2013 by ·

Make sure you are out and about this week celebrating two of Mallorca’s finest fiestas.

Sant Sebastián day is held on 20th January and many events, free concerts and activities are being held all over Palma on the lead up to this day. See here for a detailed schedule of all up coming events.

The biggest and most celebrated night of the week long festivities will be the Revetla de Sant Sebastián (eve of the saints day) on 19th January. First there will be procession of the Gegents y Capgrossos (Giants & Bigheads – papier mache figures of historical figures) which will start at Plaça de Cort and leads to Plaça Major where you can dance with them and the ‘xeremiers’. Make sure you stay in Plaça Major after this as at 8pm a huge bonfire will be lit and music will continue well into the night in various plaças and venues throughout Palma.

On Sant Sebastián day itself a mass will be held in Palma Cathedral, to which Saint the Cathedral is dedicated to.  Sant Sebastián has been the Patron Saint of Palma de Mallorca ever since 1524 when it is said that a bone from his arm arrived by boat from Rhodes and this marked an end to the Plague that had at the time besieged the city. It is on the 21st however, that you will need your wits, your courage and your running shoes as the famous Correfoc (devil run) is scheduled to begin at 7pm from Teatre Mar i Terra, Carrer de Sant Magi (map).  Expect smoke, deliciously scary masks and plenty of pyrotechnics throughout the streets during this run… will you be brave enough to dance with the devil or to resist him when he comes to dance with you?

The emphasis on devils however is more so linked with Sant Antoni Abat day, celebrated on 17th January, as it was Sant Antoni who resisted the devil who came, in the form of a woman, to visit him in the desert. The priest overcame this lustful temptation by walking over burning embers. Sant Antoni is well known for being the Patron Saint of Animals and so on his day throughout many towns and villages in Mallorca the locals bring their pets and animals to the local priest for blessing. Make sure to head to Pollença on the 17th as they mark St Antoni Abat’s day by hosting a parade in the morning, followed by a trip into the Ternelles Valley where they cut down a pine tree and, after a much earned feast of bread, oil and wine, they bring the pine back to town where it is erected in the main square, greased and presented as a challenge to any young Mallorquin local to climb to the top. Fun and frolics, and traditional hearty drinking of course, ensue.

Balearic Properties Real Estate wishes you a fun fiesta time this week!

 

building-a-home-in-mallorcaAbout Anouska
Over the years myself and my husband have loved exploring all over the world. After our first visit to Mallorca we knew we wanted to move here and make this beautiful island our home.
Filed Under: Mallorca Articles · Tagged: , , , ,

Top 5 luxury hotels to stay in Mallorca

January 6, 2013 by ·

Taking care of yourself and organizing a luxury holiday in Majorca is very simple: a wide range of hotels is offering highest quality services the island. But among them, only a few are on the Top 5 of luxury hotels in Mallorca.

With unique locations, surroundings, exclusive services, fine cuisine, personalized service, exquisite details surprising their guests, their history, customers or its complete facilities are some of the reasons why these hotels are at the top of luxury establishments in Mallorca.

Their names are famous throughout Spain and Europe and they gather some of the most significant personalities of the continent: politicians, actors, musicians, writers, great personalities of the European royalty and some of the largest fortunes of the world have spent their holidays in Mallorca in one of these luxury hotels.

The Hotel Barceló Formentor is one of those essential Top 5 luxury hotels in Mallorca, maybe the finest, given its track record hosting some of the most iconic visitors, and its gorgeous and unique location on the edge sea, on the peninsula of Formentor.

Another Top 5 luxury hotel in Mallorca is the Castillo Hotel Son Vida, located in one of the most demanded residential areas in Mallorca’s, surrounded by stunning luxury villas and a few step away from the lively center of Palma.

The third of these big hotels is the Hotel St Regis Mardavall Resort, on the beautiful coastline of Portal Nous. This is one of those charming places, where the best staff always complements luxury and tradition: a place where one would want to stay and live forever.

Very close to Palma stands the Hotel Melià de Mar, an adults-only hotel recently renovated with modern and contemporary style and offering one of the best spa centers in Mallorca, an upscale restaurant and gorgeous views over the bay of Palma.

The list of the Top 5 luxury hotels in Mallorca would not be complete without the New Hotel Font Santa  a small modern hotel, with the latest resting technologies but preserving the charm of the historic building, capping Palma’s south coast. Font Santa Hotel is a superior 4 star hotel located in Camposclose to the natural land is protected by the beautiful beach Es Trenc and Es Salobrar de Campos.

Any residence would be perfect for a getaway in Mallorca at any time of year, but if one looks besides luxury the greatest privacy, the best option would be holiday rentals and luxurious properties at Mallorca’s coastline, or beautiful farms inside the island.

Filed Under: Boutique Hotels, Mallorca Articles · Tagged: , ,

Peace, privacy and a little adventure at Cala Portals Vells

December 14, 2012 by ·

Portals Vells is found in the South West of Mallorca, a short trip out of Palma.  Ideally situated close to the Islands capital and with popular hotspots such as Port d’Andratx, Valldemossa and Soller sitting a short distance away, the secluded Portals Vells area has become a popular destination to live or simply call in on, for a relaxing afternoon.

Portals Vells is made up of three small inlets – Sa Caleta, El Mago and Cala Portals Vells, each with sandy beaches with shady pine trees perfect for picnicking under.

Take your pick from any of these three.  Sa Caleta and El Mago can be found first, as you turn off the pine tree lined narrow road running from Magaluf.   Lose your inhibitions on the nudist bay of El Mago, or enjoy the beach bar & restaurant social vibe of Sa Caleta, both of which look out of the sheltered bay and onto the small Island of  Illot del Sec (marking the wreck of a sunken Greek Ship) and Bay of Palma.   The low rock cliffs separating El Mago and Sa Caleta are perfect for kicking back with a book or propelling yourself off into the crystal clear waters below.

Cala Portals Vells is the larger of the three bays and a very pretty spot to settle on the beach or drop anchor for a few hours.  Most exciting however is the small footpath leading you to an alluring cave, containing a surprise within….   Venture in and you will discover an ancient chapel carved into the rock face with numerous religious inscriptions and drawings surrounding it.  Dating back to the 15th Century it was built by Genoese sailors, legend and folklore tell us, as they vowed to build the chapel if their lives were spared during a terrible hurricane that hit the Bay of Palma.  They safely arrived on shore, at Calla Portals Vells.  The chapel once contained the statue of the Madonna however this was moved to the Chapel of Portals Nous for safe keeping following the collapse of some of the rock face within the cave.

If you’re just visiting the area you might fancy staying at the nearby luxurious Port Adriano Spa Hotel and squeeze in 18 holes at the beautifully set Golf Poniente.  Or take advantage of this beautiful area by exploring the many countryside walking trails.

Joining its polished neighbouring residences Portals Nous and Bendinat, Portals Vells also has a lot to offer as a place to lay your (sun) hat, so pop into our Puerto Portals office to see what properties Balearic Properties Estate Agents currently have available for sale in the Portals Vells area.

building-a-home-in-mallorcaAbout Anouska
Over the years myself and my husband have loved exploring all over the world. After our first visit to Mallorca we knew we wanted to move here and make this beautiful island our home.
Filed Under: Mallorca Articles · Tagged: , , , ,