Great Things to Do Near Villa Mel
Explore Pollença
Spend an evening walking around the town of Pollença, making the effort to climb the 365 steps up to the Calvary church and browsing in the curious little shops, before sitting down to relax with a drink and dinner in one of the many popular restaurants in the pedestrianised squares.
Palma Aquarium
Experience one of the greatest aquariums in the world, discover the secrets of the underwater world from the shallow coral reefs to the mysterious deep blue, be surprised by the richness of the Mediterranean, the dazzling coral reefs and colourful fish that make this subacuatic oasis so spectacular. Discover a world stalked by sharks and rays and follow the misty river paths while reaching out to the water falls as you explore the exotic jungle.
Visit a local vineyard
There are several vineyards in Mallorca where you can visit and try the wine – on the road to Lluc from Pollença KM 10,9, you will find Vinyes Mortitx, in Santa Maria is Bodegues Macià Batle on the main road from Santa Maria towards Consell, and in Binissalem is the famous Bodega José L. Ferrer. No visits during the grape harvest in September although the wine festival in Binissalem is worth joining in.
A fun day at the waterpark
A fun time out for all the family is a visit to the waterparks in Mallorca. The nearest one to Búger is in Port d'Alcúdia, where mini-golf is also available.
Formentor lighthouse
A scenic drive will take you to Formentor lighthouse - the road is quite narrow in places. At the top of the hill out of Port de Pollença, it is worth stopping at the viewpoint to see the view of El Colomer rock. The beach at Formentor is not very large and has clear shallow water ideal for children and grown ups alike, it's good for snorkelling too. Go early and take a picnic.
Snorkelling at Mal Pas
If you are keen on snorkelling, go towards Alcúdia then turn off towards the La Victoria headland until you reach Mal Pas. Beside a fish restaurant serving lobster (choose your own), there is an excellent area off the rocks for snorkelling in deep clear water.
Birdwatching
Ornithologists will know about the birdwatching area at the Albufera and Albufereta, where you can see several different species of wading birds, amongst others.
Boat trips round the bays
Boats trips from the local coves and ports can make a lovely day or half day out from Port de Pollença or Port d'Alcúdia going to Formentor or around the headlands.
Scenic drive to the north-east
Going further afield, in an easterly direction, drive through Sa Pobla and take the road to Muro, through the agricultural lowlands to Ca'n Picafort and then towards Artà where one of the local trades is basket-making. Find a country lane to the hermitage of Betlem where the views overlook Colònia de Sant Pere in the Bay of Alcúdia. Back to Artà and if you are interested in prehistoric buildings, then visit the Poblat de Ses Païsses before carrying on to Capdepera to see the castle.
Visit Palma, the capital city
Don't worry about driving into Palma. There is a regular local electric train from Sa Pobla station which takes you into Plaça Espanya for a Palma shopping and cultural visit. There are so many places to see and you can join a sightseeing tour on an open-top double decker bus with commentaries in English.
Tramuntana Mountain scenery
Drive over the Tramuntana mountain roads taking in the spectacular scenery, stopping at the various viewpoints including the two lakes/reservoirs, and passing through several world-renowned towns like Deià and Valldemossa, home to famous writers, painters and musicians. Look out for the wild mountain goats on the way.
Beautiful drive to Lluc Monastery
Drive through the countryside via Campanet, Moscari, Selva and Caimari, then follow the mountain road to the Monastery at Lluc. Visit the museum and chapel where you may be fortunate to hear the Blauets choir singing. Don't miss the small botanic garden at the back of the monastery which takes about 15 minutes to stroll around, or the rock formation in the shape of a camel.
Nature Park at Santa Eugènia
The Nature Park for children at Santa Eugènia is an interesting zoo with small birds and animals, where they also help wounded creatures, as well trying to conserve fauna which is in danger of extinction.
Paella on the beach
Spend a day at the beach between Ca'n Picafort and the area east of Alcúdia, at Ses Casetes des Capellans, where you can enjoy a tasty paella or seafood dishes at one of the beach restaurants while enjoying the sea and sun on a long and sandy beach.
Mallorca in the olden days!
Visit one of the most representative manors of Mallorca's plains, Els Calderers de Sant Joan, where you will be able to imagine farming as it was 200 years ago - sample home-made local products. Or, in Esporles, La Granja is a large historical mansion with gardens, fountains, ancient trees and plants with wild and domestic animals. Also on view - a demonstration of ancient handicrafts, tools and machinery. Taste Mallorcan specialities such as jams, cheese, fig cake, sobrassada and moscatel.
Hilltop views across Mallorca
Head towards Inca on the Ma-13 and come off at Exit 30 and follow the signs for Puig de Sta Magdalena (puig = hillock, pronounced pooch) . Visit the little chapel at the top, enjoy a typical Mallorcan meal while admiring the most splendid views over the surrounding countryside. From there, go into Inca which is a good shopping centre and has several leather factory outlets including Camper shoes.
Sunday morning market
On Sunday morning, an interesting market is held in Alcúdia, where you can stock up with freshly picked fruit and vegetables, as well as buying presents and souvenirs. Stroll round the pedestrianised old Roman town within its thick stone walls and enjoy a real Mallorcan town.
Visit the Caves of Campanet
Sit in the square at Campanet and enjoy local life before a visit to the Caves of Campanet which are only about 7 kms from Búger in the countryside. These caves are particularly beautiful and interesting without being too commercialised. Entrance is on the hour and it takes about 40 minutes to go round. The caves are 400 metres long and were discovered by a shepherd just over 100 years ago.
Indulge yourselves!
Try the bakery in the village of Buger for fabulous locally-made pies, pastries and cakes!
Museum Alcudia
Visit the Sa Bassa Blanca museum of modern and contemporary art of which the Hollywood actor Michael Douglas is a patron
https://www.msbb.org/
