Andratx is a resort in Spain , in the southwestern part of Mallorca , part of the eponymous municipality (along with cities such as Sant'Elm and s'Araco, and the resorts of Sa Coma and Camp de Mar ). From Palma to Andracha about 30 km, the road can take up to 50 minutes.
Until the 60s of the last century, Andrach Port was an ordinary harbor, which was visited by fishing boats, but gradually turned into a comfortable popular resort. Andratx (Mallorca) is rarely offered by tour operators - more often "independent" tourists come here, many of whom stop not in hotels, but rent villas directly on the coast. In the resort area there are about 8 thousand inhabitants, but every month in the summer it takes about 6 thousand more tourists.
City
The city of Andratx is located at the foot of the mountain Puig de Galaco, in the hills. The history of the city has many centuries; he was erected to protect himself from pirates, and in the 13th century he played a very important role in the political and cultural life of the island. In the city were the residences of King Jaime I and Bishop of Barcelona. An indescribable coloring of the town is attached to the color of the houses - they are mostly white and light brown, - as well as almond groves surrounding it. The main attractions of the city are the Gothic church and the streets of the ancient quarter of As Pantaleu. On the hills to this day, watchtowers are located - more or less secure.
In the north-west of the city there is the Cultural Center - a building made in a minimalist style. This is one of the largest centers of contemporary art, not only in Mallorca, but also in all the Balearic Islands . The museum hosts exhibitions of contemporary art; working hours - all days except Monday, from 10.30 to 19.00, the cost of the visit is 5 euros.
An important landmark of the city is Castle Castle de Mos Mos, built in the 16th century. It is in the middle of a beautiful park. Today in the castle is the local police. From the terrace of the castle you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings and another interesting landmark - the church of Eglesia de Santa Maria d'Andratx. The latter was founded in the XIII century, and was completed until the XIX century (including the defensive tower was created in the XV century).
Weekly on Wednesdays in the city on Paceo Son Mas from 8.00 to 13.00 there is a market where you can buy fruits and vegetables, souvenirs, as well as clothes and shoes.
April Fair
In the beginning of April in Andracha for the past 30 years there has been an annual fair, which presents agricultural products, traditional craft items and culinary masterpieces. Within the framework of the fair, various conferences are held on the cultivation of traditional cultures for Mallorca, the procession of drummers, concerts and other interesting events.
Port Andratx
The port of Andratx is about 5 kilometers from the city. Closed from all sides, the bay has become a refuge for luxury yachts and fishing schooners - fishing here is thriving and to this day, and freshly caught fish and seafood can be sampled at the restaurants of Port Andratx. A unique feature is a severely rugged coastline, creating a lot of bays and coves, and, accordingly, a lot of beautiful beaches.
Beaches
The beaches of the resort are small in size, but very beautiful: the water here is surprisingly blue and transparent so that the bottom can be seen not only in shallow water. The beach of Sant Elm consists of 2 beaches, one of which is more rocky, and the second is covered with fine sand. On it you can rent a water bicycle. The waves here are moderate.
Another beach is Cala Fonnol, a small beach directly surrounded by rocks; Its length is about 60 meters, and its width is 15 meters. Other small beaches in the vicinity are Cala en Cucu, Cala Egos, Cala Blanca, Cala Molins, Cala Marmassen and others.
A lot of restaurants are located directly on the beaches, practically at the water's edge, so you can combine "pleasant with pleasant" - enjoying a refined cuisine and a beautiful sunset over the sea.
Where to live?
Many tourists, constantly vacationing in this resort, have their own housing here or rent it; here are villas of many world celebrities. However, of course, in the resort there are also hotels, which certainly deserve the best reviews from their visitors. This is 2 * hotel Hostal Catalina Vera, 3 * Hotel Brismar, 4 * Apartotel La Pergola, Hotel Villa Italia & SPA, Mon Port Hotel & SPA. In addition, you can stay not in the resort itself, but nearby - for example, in Sant'Elme, Puigpumente, Capdeia, Galilee, etc.
Dragonera and other nearby attractions
Not far from Port Andratx there are 4 small islets, the most famous and popular among tourists is Dragonera - a nature reserve where endemic lizards live; in addition, there is a small museum on the island.
Close to Andratx is the port of Sant'Elmo, where you can see the ruins of the monastery of Sa Trapa and the medieval fortress erected in the 16th century.
