Ses Salines
About a forty minute drive from Palma, situated at almost the southern most tip of the island the pretty and tranquil village of Ses Salines is a wonderful base to explore the southern and eastern coast of Mallorca. Contrasting with the verdant northern mountain range, this area received minimal rainfall and is famed for the marine salt flats that provide the now world famous Flor de Sal. The landscape is agricultural, populated with restored Mallorcan windmills providing water for the crops growing in the area. This area is one of the least developed in Mallorca so provides a good insight into the authentic Mallorcan way of life.
Beaches around Ses Salines
The closest beaches include the sandy Es Trenc, famed for its sand dunes which are protected as a natural habitat and the simply stunning Cala Mondrago which is part of the national marine park around the southern coast of Mallorca. The sandy bays, and numerous coves of the east coast are just a short car drive away.
Things to do in Ses Salines
Ses Salines is designed for relaxing and doing nothing. You can if you feel so inclined enjoy the landscape from bikes, or head to Es Trenc for some windsurfing and kite surfing. There are also some low level walks that take in cliff top trails, beach walks or country side walks allowing you to soak up the Mallorcan atmosphere. Otherwise Ses Salines is a destination for those that just want to kick back and relax.
Things to see in Ses Salines
On the outskirts of the village is the Botanicactus garden which hosts as the name suggests a superb collection of cacti some of which are 300 years old. For a day trip head to Colonia San Jordi where a daily ferry takes you to Cabrera. The island is part of the Parc Nacional de Cabrera and sits about 15 km from Mallorca's southern tip. The island features a 14th century castle built to protect the island from pirates, then in darker days held prisoners from the Napoleanic wars who were left to barely survive. Now the island is home to numerous bird species, and some unusual species of crustacean found only here. The island is also home to a significant population of the Balearic Lizard which is indigenous to the Balearics. Situated about twenty minutes away is Capocorb vell which is one of Mallorca's most important pre-historic sites thought to have been a small village dwelling area built 1000 years BC.
Places to eat in Soller
As a small village there is a limited choice of restaurants but Casai is a very good option serving a mixture of coffee and cakes in the mornings, to delicious fish and meat dishes in the evening. Set in a small converted house the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly and the food good. The Hotel Bonico has a restaurant that serves a daily menu, reservations definitely required. Seek out Casa Manolo which has superbly cooked taps and take a moment to look over the celebrity photos. There's also Llum de Sal, a new bar with wifi access serving snacks and drinks and offering clients the chance to buy locally harvested salt infused with wine flavours.
Places to stay in Ses Salines
The most central accommodation is offered in the beautifully converted mansion of Hotel Bonico which is right in the heart of the village and is a lovely hotel to either relax in or use as a base for exploration. On the outskirts of the village is the Hotel Migjorn offering spacious rooms in a countryside location.
Unique features of Ses Salines
The undeveloped nature and the quietness of the countryside make Ses Salines one of the last authentic areas of Mallorca that really gives you a feel for what Mallorcan life is like. Its worth visiting just for its peace and tranquillity.
Facts about Ses Salines
Market – Thursday sees a small market in Ses Salines and for something bigger head to Santanyi on a Saturday.
Fiesta – Saint Bartholomew is celebrated on 24 August
Golf – The golf courses of the Marriot hotels are just a twenty minute drive away.
Parking – the best place to park is down one of the many side streets off the main high street.
Email: jane@balearicdiscovery.com
Tel: +34 971 875 395
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