Costitx Holidays

Travel Agent's View

This small residential village is situated about 33km from Palma. The village has been generally untouched by tourism so it still retains it's original charm.

There are not very many facilities or indeed any activities for tourists. There are a few shops ans restaurants but for a wider choice and any kind of nightlife you would need to venture further afield.

Having said that, there is the Astronomical Observatory of Majorca which is certainly worth a visit.

Insider's View

If you blinked you might miss Costitx, pronounced costitch. It's an unpretentious, rural village with rolling countryside all about and a laid back and tranquil atmosphere. Not many people associate the place with stars but Costitx itself is the name of an asteroid that was discovered by the nearby Mallorca Astronomical Observatory back in 1996.

In fact the observatory-cum-planetarium is the most famous landmark of the area attracting serious international scientists, school parties and island visitors all year round. To visit is an astonishing experience. On arrival one is faced with a multitude of white igloo type buildings and a large central zone in which are housed astronomical instruments and installations. This is a perfect trip to make with the family and after visiting all the interactive exhibitions and lying on the ground and studying the evening's stars, you can enjoy a delicious barbecue and wine, which comes in the price of the ticket if desired. I never expected to enjoy the experience as much as I did and would rate the observatory as one of the best and most fascinating attractions on the island.

Costitx itself has one main point of interest and that is the little house of Margalida Cativa who is imminently to be beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in Rome and lived in the village from 1888 until her death in 1919. You can walk around her home which has some interesting examples of 19th century rural furniture.

There's a nice little market held in Plaça de la Mare every Saturday and there are some prehistoric sites worth visiting around the area as well as the Sanctuary Son Corro where in 1895 some historical bronze bull heads were discovered. This is great countryside for cycling and hiking but always be sure to bring lots of water and sun cream on a hot summer's day.

For shopping and dining, it's probably best to head off to Sencelles or even Inca. One of my favourite haunts in Inca is the Celler Can Amer which is a very traditional place that serves up roast suckling pig and shoulder of lamb. It's definitely worth a visit. Insider Sig