Puerto de Andraitx Holidays

Travel Agent's View

Puerto de Andraitx is situated on the western coast of Majorca, just 29km from Palma and 39km from the airport. There is a small scale fishing port and marina with several waterfront cafes and restaurants but not much else in the way of entertainment.

There is no beach in the resort which has helped to keep the number of tourists down, however, the resort can get quite busy in the summer months when people come to their holidays homes in the hills.

The nearest beach is 3km away in Camp de Mar where you will also find a golf course. Puerto de Andraitx is popular among walkers who come here for the peaceful environment and beautiful scenery.

Another popular pastime is a trip to the Sa Dragonera natural park which is accessible by boat and home to many different species of bird, lizards and geckos.

Insider's View

Perhaps unfairly Andratx has been labelled the chic retreat of moneyed Germans and British which is reflected in the prices of many of the restaurants around the port and the size of the enormous white chi chi villas nestled in the verdant and pine clad hills above the port.

As it happens, Puerto Andratx is not all about sizeable wallets. It was once a peaceful fishing village and although now a popular up market tourist resort, is still utterly charming and a fantastic base for a classy holiday in the sunny south west of the island. I often come here for lunch or a stroll around the harbour to admire the sleek yachts and watch the fishermen tending their nets.

There are an abundance of seriously good restaurants here but if you want good value don't gravitate to the ones directly on the harbourside. One of my family's favourite haunts is the Galicean fish restaurant, Marisqueria which is further along the main drag and offers delicious fresh fish combinations at good value.

Cappuccino, the excellent Mallorcan café chain, also has a lovely position along the front of the port and serves a wide selection of drinks and substantial snacks. At night good cocktails and snacks are served at Tim's and also at L'Habana and Majid's Bardel Mar.

There are shops and exclusive boutiques aplenty here but you might prefer the lively market on a Wednesday which sells crafts by local artisans. There's also Bedlington Books if you're looking for a thriller to read on the beach.

On the subject of beaches, you'll need to head off to one off along to the coast to Camp de Mar or one of the small calas because there is no sandy beach in Andratx port. If, however, you enjoy walking you can visit the ruins of La Trapa monastery on the road to Sant Elm, a bird watcher's haven-and take a dip in the peaceful Cala Basset. Be warned it's a long walk in the heat and takes about three hours to complete so make sure you're fit and able!

Andratx town is worth visiting, especially the fortified church of Santa Maria and the Tower, Castel Son Mas. Out of town you can pop by the contemporary art displays at the town's cultural centre and if you have a hire car, do visit Sant Elm at the farthest point, where you can take a boat across to the idyllic isle of Dragonera, a nature reserve and a paradise for bird watchers. Boats run all day long - Just remember that you have to check in at the visitor centre on the little island to agree your walking itinerary in the nature reserve. Insider Sig