Great Things to Do Near Son Monavi
Portopetro and Portocolom
The small fishing ports of Portopetro and Portocolom are congenial for a stroll around the quayside and a meal sitting on the terrace of one of the restaurants overlooking the picturesque harbours.There are also boat trips available during the day from these two harbours where you can appreciate the beauty of the east coastline.
Sunday market in Felanitx
The market in Felanitx on Sunday morning is a colourful, bustling event where you can buy your locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as souvenirs and presents.
Local beaches
The east coast of Mallorca has several coves and beaches which are safe for children, and others that are fun for snorkelling. The most popular beaches are Cala Sa Nau, S'Amarador, Cala Mondragó, Cala Llombards and a little further away Es Trenc.
Valldemossa and Deià
The Carthusian Monastery at Valldemossa, where Chopin spent a winter, is worth a visit and a stroll round the quiet back streets of Valldemossa, too. Then carry on to the beautiful village of Deià, home to many famous people, writers, painters and musicians.
Boat trip to the Island of Cabrera
A National Park and Marine Reserve, this makes a wonderful day trip by boat to the Island of Cabrera, a small Balearic island off Mallorca's south east corner. Daily trips from Colonia Sant Jordi, bring your own picnic or buy lunch onboard and the trip home includes a visit to the Blue Cave.
The nearby town of S'Alqueria Blanca
S'Alqueria Blanca is a small town with a good local bakery, tapas bar, restaurants and newsagents. Then drive up the hill to the Oratori de La Consolació, a small chapel at the top of the hill with sweeping views across the sea.
Glassworks and museum
There are 3 glassworks in Mallorca open to the public: Gordiola, established in 1719, is near Algaida on the Ma-15 near Exit 20 on the Manacor-Palma road; Lafiore is on the Palma-Valldemossa road; and Menestralia at Exit 35 on the Ma-13 near Campanet. You can watch craftsmen working, see the kilns, museum and shop.
Caves of Drach
The most spectacular caves on the island are the Caves of Drach in Portocristo, where one of the largest underground lakes is to be found. Also in the same area are the Caves of Hams. However, further north at Canyamel, are the Caves of Artà which are not quite so commercial. Visits are usually on the hour.
Going further north...
Spend a day visiting the towns of Artà, famous for its basket making, and Capdepera where there is an interesting old castle worth seeing. Also in the area is a small hermitage at Betlem, from which you can appreciate fantastic views towards Colònia de Sant Pere and the Bay of Alcúdia.
Friendly market in Santanyi
If you missed the market in Felanitx on Sunday, the local market is held in Santanyí on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The streets are lined with a variety of stalls and it is great to be able to stock up with fresh fruit and vegetables, cheeses and local produce.
Prehistoric settlements
There are several prehistoric settlements on the island. Near to Portocolom is the one known as Closos de Can Gaià, which has at least nine identifiable navetes, one of the most important best preserved in Mallorca
Waterparks and Marineland
For those who enjoy waterparks, try Aqualand at S'Arenal - it can get crowded especially at weekends! Marineland is at Costa den Blanes and has wonderful dolphin, sea lion and parrot shows.
Stock up at a local winery
here are several wineries open to the public in Mallorca. Jaume Mesquida de Mallorca is in the street C/ de la Vileta 7 in Porreres, a family-run business founded in 1945 which produces wines of the Pla and Llevant areas.
And some cheese to go with the wine ...
Campos was once a lively dairy farming area. On the road to Colònia de Sant Jordi from Campos, is a cheese factory, Formatges Burguera, a family-run business which is open to the public. (Check opening hours.) In the area of Campos, you will also see a variety of colourful renovated windmills.
Walk to the Castell de Santueri
If you are keen walkers, it is possible to walk from the Puig de Sant Salvador to the ruined Castell de Santueri, an Arab fortress. Or you can drive up a narrow winding road off the Felanitx-Cas Concos road. Magnificent views over the coastline from the top.
An historic manor house
Els Calderers is between Sant Joan and Vilafranca - journey back in time and imagine how Mallorca was 200 years ago. This fine manor house and farm is one of the most representative mansions on Mallorca's flatland - you can also see home-made products.
Palma de Mallorca, capital city
It would be a shame not to spend time in Palma - there are many interesting historical buildings to visit including the Cathedral, Almudaina Palace, Bellver Castle, as well as museums and art galleries. Palma is also an excellent shopping centre.
Ca's Concos
Ca's Concos is close to Son Monavi. This sleepy Mallorcan farming village has two or three very popular restaurants, a bakery, bank, chemist, bars and a couple of stalls on Wednesday morning beside the impressive church selling local fruit and vegetables.
A day trip to Sóller by train
For adults and children alike, it's fun to take the old-fashioned train from Palma (or Bunyola) to Sóller. From there you can get a tram to the Port de Sóller through the orange groves and back, to then relax in one of the popular cafés in the main square in Sóller and enjoy the atmosphere.
Golf courses in Mallorca
There are plenty of golf courses all over the island of Mallorca - the nearest to Son Monavi is the Vall d'Or golf course near S'Horta on the Ma-4012.
