Majorca - Southern Coasts Attractions

The road returns from Capicorp Vey to the coast at Cala Pí, a fjord-like inlet with crystal-clear water. From here it is possible either to continue to Ses Salines or to turn back to Lluchmayor.

6km/4mi southeast of Felanitx, on the main ridge of the Serranía de Levante, is the Castillo de Santueri, one of the best preserved medieval castles on the island.

2km/1.5mi before Felanitx a road of great scenic beauty, particularly in the second half, goes off on the left to the Ermita de San Salvador, an important Majorcan pilgrimage center. At the sanctuary stands a 7m/23ft high figure of Christ, from the base of which there are magnificent views of the coast. The church (18th century) contains one of the "Bethlehem grottoes" commonly found in Majorcan churches.

From Santañy the route turns northeast. From this road there are many little side roads running down to picturesque calas on the southeast coast which have been developed in varying degree for tourism.

From Lluchmayor C 717 runs southeast to Campos del Puerto, which preserves something of its medieval atmosphere. The parish church of San Julián, on the main road, has a painting by Murillo.

Instead of taking the direct road from El Arenal to Lluchmayor it is possible to follow the coast road, which at Cabo Blanco turns inland and comes to Capicorp Vey (Majorcan Capocorp Vell), a site of the Pre-Talayot period (1000-800 B.C..), with remains which include five talayots.

Soon after the side road running down to the little port of Porto Colom another road turns inland and goes northwest to Felanitx. The most notable feature of the town, which is built on four hills, is the handsome parish church of San Miguel, which was begun in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 16th and 17th. Felanitx is also noted for its sausages.

From Palma the route follows the fine new road to the airport and then continues through the resorts on the Playa de Palma. At El Arenal the road turns inland and comes to the market town of Lluchmayor (Majorcan Llucmajor), which owes its prosperity to the shoemaking industry. Northeast of the town in 1349 was fought the battle in which the Majorcan king Jaime III was defeated by his cousin Pedro IV of Aragon; Jaime lost his life and Majorca lost its independence.

From Lluchmayor an excursion can be made to the Puig de Randa.

Beyond Lluchmayor, still on C 717, is Santañy (Majorcan Santanyi). From here a road runs southwest to Ses Salines, which takes its name from the large salt-pans to the west of the town. Round the village are numerous prehistoric remains.