Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza

Things to see in Mallorca

Colonia de Sant Jordi

Colonia Sant Jordi is found on the south-eastern coast of Mallorca and forms part of the Ses Salines district. It is also sometimes referred to as Port de Campos as the main town of the area, Campos, is a short 15 minute drive away.

Originally the town of Colonia Sant Jordi was an agricultural and fishing village with tourists only starting to choose this destination as a holiday spot in the 1950s. Colonia Sant Jordi and neighbouring Ses Salines are famous for their extraction of salt and both towns carry this symbol in their town coat of arms. Salt is still extracted using traditional methods each year during a festival in August.

Colonia de Sant Jordi is now a busy resort. The fishing harbour is still a major part of the town and its small beach looks out over several islets, with good views all the way to the Cabrera Archipelago. And this is the main reason to come here - boats run regularly to the National Maritime Park of Cabrera - an archipelago of islands about 10km to the south.

This part of the southeast of Mallorca has some of the most magnificent and unspoilt beaches on the island, boasting white sands and sheltered waters. In addition to the town's small beach, there are two further sandy beaches a short walk to the east, and the further you go, the better the beaches become. A 20 minute walk will take you to one of the islands best, Es Carbo - this is where the Spanish Royal family come if they want some beach time. To the west lies the more accessible and better know beach of Platja Es Trenc.

Colonia Sant Jordi celebrates it’s Patron Saint of Sant Jordi on the 23rd April every year. Other festivals celebrated in the
nearby area are the Spring Festival in Ses Salines on the 1st May and the Sant Bartomeu on the 24th August. The first
weekend of August sees Colonia Sant Jordi host a Summerfest.
Where to Stay in Colonia St Jordi

As Colonia Sant Jordi and neighbouring towns have established themselves as a popular tourist destinations, there are many
hotels in the area that cater for all budgets.

The Isla de Cabrera Aparthotel is ideal for family holidays and offers plenty activities to keep everyone entertained. With
three swimming pools there are enough places to make a splash and during the walking season there are organised walking
excursions around the nearby area. The aparthotels are a great no fuss accommodation and only a short walk from the
beach and the Carrer de Gabriel Roca which is lined with many restaurants.

The El Coto Hotel takes pride in their vast selection of over 400 wines and organise wine tasting to show off their bodega.
The hotel restaurant is located next to the pool and the chefs serve up gastronomic delights, all of which are beautifully
presented. This is a great hotel for couples on an active holiday as they offer a range of activities. The hotel has two tennis
courts, bike storage rooms and offer walking tours in April. There are also beauty treatments and massages available to
relax after burning all those calories.

If you are seeking peace and tranquillity on your break in Mallorca then the traditional and hidden away Sa Carrotja Finca
d’Agroturisme in rural Mallorca is located 500m from Ses Salines. The finca is a 10-15minute drive from the town of
Colonia Sant Jordi so if you’re thinking of staying here then it is best to hire a car for getting around. The hotel does have
a few bikes available for getting around the surrounding areas. The hotel does not accept guests under 15 years old so it’s
not suitable for families but ideal for couples.

Another hotel in the small town of Ses Salines is the C’an Bonico. This manor house is steeped in Mallorcan history and has
been restored into a luxurious hotel and still features some of the original architecture. Located right next to the towns
church, this was one of the first buildings built here and dates back to the 13th century to protect and shelter the townspeople.

Situated on the road between Campos and Colonia Sant Jordi, the Font Santa Hotel offers the only natural thermal springs
in Mallorca. This stunning and luxurious hotel is perfect for a romantic break and relax in the peaceful Mallorcan countryside.

Restaurants in Colonia St Jordi

Colonia Sant Jordi hold their Ruta de Tapas every Thursday evening with restaurants and bars offering tapas and a glass of
beer or wine for €2. Most establishments are located along the Avinguda de la Primavera and nearby Carrer Estanys. The
tapas night kicks off at 7pm and it’s your opportunity to sample as many tapas and restaurants as you can before ending
at 11.45pm.

Located along the D’es Port beach along the Carrer Gabriel Roca are many bars and restaurants with fantastic views across
the bay. The Marisol Restaurant has an extensive list of fresh fish and seafood on offer and during the summer season have
a set menu for around €22. Another restaurant along the same stretch called Port Blau has a vast selection of shellfish and
an extensive list of wines and cavas.

The Restaurant/Bar La Mallorquina also located along Carrer Gabriel Roca serves traditional Mallorcan cuisine such as gambas a la plancha and tuna salad with a base of trempó (a mix of onion, tomato and green peppers).

On the other side of marina is a the Carrer Major where the Grill-Asador-Argentino cooks up a BBQ each night and grill a feast of delicious steaks and other meats.
Things to do in Colonia St Jordi

The coast around Colonia Sant Jordi is covered with many beaches, some of the most spectacular in Mallorca. The beach of Es Trenc is the busiest of all the beaches in the area but is relatively sheltered and therefore has small waves and ideal for swimming or snorkelling. This stretch of beach is very long and at one side you’ll find nudist sunbathers. Next to the marina is the Platja d’Es Port which is another busy but sheltered beach in one of the most popular areas of the town. Both the beaches of Es Carbo and Ses Roquetes are very quiet beaches and are well sheltered from the wind and waves. From here you can see four small islands that lie just off the coast. Behind the beach are two cliffs with reefs and sandbanks - s’albarda and s’illot petit.

Local markets selling fresh fruit, vegetables and souvenirs are held in Colonia Sant Jordi on Wednesday, and in Campos on Thursday & Saturday, Ses Salines on Thursday, Santanyi on Wednesday & Saturday and Felanitx on Sunday.

BEST Centre
Colonia Sant Jordi is one of the most sporty resorts on the island and is home to the BEST Centre training facilities. The 50m outdoor swimming pool at the BEST centre is an outstanding training camp for amateur to professional racers. Colonia Sant Jordi hosts an Olympic distance triathlon each year and 2013s is due to take place on the 4th May. Here you can rub shoulders with the likes of Ironman champion Timo Bracht who won last years race. The BEST Centre is home to many swimming, waterpolo and synchronised swimming teams and is a popular destination for training camps.

If swimming in an Olympic pool doesn’t take your fancy then you can enjoy long walks along the coast. The hike to the lighthouse of Cap de Ses Salines offers tremendous views across the bay and over to the Isla de Cabrera. The unforgettable beaches of Es Caragol, Es Carbo and Es Dols are along a popular starting points for a 12 kilometer walk which ends at the lighthouse.

Kayak Rentals and Excursions operated by Piragias Mix SL in Colonia Sant Jordi offer full day and half day rental of kayaks. For a half day excursion it’ll cost €30.00 and an individual kayak rental costs €30 and a double costs €45.

Excurisions to Cabrera
There are many boat trips going to the Nature Reserve of Cabrera during the summer months. Marcabrera Speedboat excursions offer 4 different excursions to the island. Each costing around €40 they range in duration from 2 hours to 5 hours. This is a fantastic opportunity to see some of Mallorca’s untouched flora and fauna and swim amongst some of the protected ecosystems in the waters below.
Nightlife in Colonia St Jordi

Colonia Sant Jordi offers a few bars that are open late night but for a busier nightlife head to the nearby resort of Cala D’Or. Most of Colonia Sant Jordi’s bars are located along the Carrer de Gabriel Roca or along the tapas route on Avinguda de la Primavera and nearby Carrer Estanys. On Carrer de Gabriel Roca is the Bar Tambuco that serves up a range of fruity cocktails while overlooking the beach.

Nightlife in small towns in Mallorca is a far cry from the likes of Magaluf but Chic Palace Discoteca in Cala D’Or is one of the busiest clubs in the area and attracts a local and international crowd. La Cueva in Porto Petro (Passeig d’es Port 49) is literally in a cave high above the sea level. Here there is music played from international DJs and a friendly vibe as locals and tourists mingle.

Source: SeeMallorca