The Spanish are known for their impressive fiestas and wide variety of market
stalls, golf courses, churches and castles. The north east of the island, where
Cala Mesquida is located, is a prime destination to experience all the
attractions and thrills above.
The nearest golf courses to Cala Mesquida are the Canyamel Golf Course and the
Capdepera Golf Course. Both are said to be the most beautiful golf courses in
Mallorca, the two being 18 holes with Capdepera being one less overall par at
72. These golf courses are suitable for players of all levels; between them the
player can experience the thrills of the different terrains, from spacious open
greens, long, short and narrow fairways and manmade lakes. The pair have been
designed with the purpose of maintaining their stunning surroundings.
The Capdepera Castle is located outside Arta which is only a few minutes’ drive
from the resort of Cala Mesquida. Built in the 14th Century to protect the
mainland from pirates, the castle is the largest fortress on the small island of
Mallorca. This is an historic attraction, which gives you the opportunity to
view artefacts, from weaving, to baskets and hats; located in the museum within
the castle. In 1983 the castle was donated to the Capdepera Town Hall,
previously an army post until abandoned in 1854. The castle is open to visitors
all year round.
Mallorcans enjoy their display of fairs and for Capdepera this is no exception.
On the third weekend of May, Capdepera hold a medieval fair in order to
commemorate the encounter of the Capdepera Castle. The fair lasts for three days
where by the locals dress up in historical costumes and transform their local
town back to the 14th Century. The fair started in the year 2000 and has grown
extensively every year to the point where large groups of tourists and locals
socialize and celebrate the founding.
Concerts take place all around Cala Mesquida and the island, displaying the
local talent via jazz bands and artists, to name but a few. You will have to
keep an eye out for the latest concerts, the most likely time for concerts to be
held are in the month of March, they are usually free but you will need to book
in order to reserve your place.
If you drive along the Ma-15 for 15 minutes towards Arta, you will arrive at a
small town close to the coast. Arta is home to the Arta caves, located 46 metres
above sea level and a prime natural attraction to visit when travelling to Cala
Mesquida.
The entrance to the cave is set into a cliff face and has spectacular views over
the sea. Many famous people have visited in the past and left their signature in
the guest book in the entrance - these include the writers Jules Verne, Victor
Hugo, Alexander Dumas and the actress Sarah Bernhardt.
The most famous feature of the caves is the impressive 22m ‘Palm Trunk’
stalagmite - it was widely reported that in 1941 the British Museum was so
impressed by the stalagmite that it tried to buy it for £25,000!
The caves are open throughout the year from 10am each day, and a guided tour is
available, with commentaries in Spanish, French, English and German, which
normally last between 25 and 40 minutes. Admission prices are adults 12€ and
children under 6 free of charge. For more information and admission prices
contact details for the caves are:
Cuevas de Arta
Carretera de las Cuevas
Capdepera
Tel: +34 971 841 293
Web site:
www.cuevasdearta.com