
Nestled about forty minutes from Palma, in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains ,is the sleepy village of Caimari. Only the oil press in the main square indicates that there is more going on beneath the surface. Indeed Caimari is the centre of olive oil production in Mallorca and the surrounding countryside is home to some of the island's oldest olive trees. It is said some are more than a thousand years old.
Located in the mountains the beaches are a good distance away and take about an hour to reach. If you're staying in Caimari you're probably not in Mallorca for the beaches but if you do want to get sand between your toes the nearest are in Alcudia and Pollensa.
As the centre of olive oil production it is not surprising to find an olive oil press open to the public at Oli De Caimari. The centre has a small video presentation of the history of oil production and a large shop where a host of olive oil, and other Mallorca products are for sale including wine, olive wood crafts and beauty products. It is said that some of the olive trees are thousands of years old and their knots and gnarls stand testament to this. Caimari is popular with walkers as it is a good starting point to join the Cami Vell de Lluc, old road to Lluc monastery. This is no longer a road but a pathed way that leads into the mountains and ends up at the delightful Lluc monastery. This is also a popular training ground for road cyclists and mountain bikers. For other things to do in Mallorca visit the what's on guide Digame.
Caimari does not have many eating options. There are a couple of local bars, the cafe at the oil press, but for a full on meal head down to Selva and try one of its restaurants such as the beautiful Es Parc, or head up to Lluc monastery where there are three or four options. For more information about restaurants in the area please visit www.skybluemallorca.com
The a few options for staying in Caimari. For something unusual try one of the converted cells at Lluc monastery further up the hill. Not as basic as it sounds and very afordable.
Market - in the square on a Monday
Fiesta - As well as the summer festival Caimari hosts the Olive festival the second week in November where all things olive related are celebrated.
Golf – The nearest courses are the 9 hole course of Pollensa, and the 18 hole course of Alcanada are the closest courses.
Spa – The hotel Monnaber Nou in nearby Campanet offers treatments throughout the year.
Parking – the best place to park is in the main square or one of the side streets. There is a small car park just to the north of the village where you can park and walk up to Lluc.
Email: joanne@balearicdiscovery.com
Tel: +34 971 875 395