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C'an Picafort © Rover75 ! |
Overview C'an Picafort is a relatively large holiday resort situated on
the north east coast of Mallorca on the lovely Bay of Alcudia,
about an hour away from Palma. Like El Arenal, C'an Picafort is
highly popular with German visitors, and due to those who have
returned to live, it retains a certain German flavour. The resort
grew from a tiny fishing village (remains of which can be seen in
the town's working harbour) and today, spreads along a grid of
small streets near the principal beach.
Pedestrian-friendly with a promenade perfect for evening
strolls, the resort has become popular with those seeking a quiet
beachside getaway, and hotels provide much of the resort's
entertainment. There are several bars, restaurants and nightclubs,
however, and plenty of shops and an excellent market on Fridays.
C'an Picafort is also right next to Son Baulo, which has its own
beach, shops and restaurants and is a popular holiday
destination.
There are several activities to indulge in during the day such
as cruises, horse riding, jeep safaris, go-karting, biking and
watersports, and excursions to neighbouring areas provide a more
local Spanish flavour. Santa Margalida has more than 150
archaeological sites, including the Son Real Necropolis (also known
as the Cemetery of the Phoenicians) that was used as a burial site
from the Iron Age to Roman times. The nearby S'Albufera Wetlands
Park offers excellent bird-watching opportunities, and a chance to
enjoy the local flora and fauna. Another great way to spend the day
is to take a bus trip to the busier resort of Puerto de Alcudia, or
to Palma or Pollensa.
Shopping Most shops face onto the paved road lining the beach. The
Caprabo shop on the Carreterra d'Arta-Port d'Alcudia road sells all
things British for those missing the luxuries of home. Market days
are Tuesday and Sunday, and while the market is small if visitors
are prepared to bargain hard they can pick up some great
souvenirs.
Restaurants There are numerous British-themed pubs and eateries, and an
equal number of German and Scandinavian restaurants catering to the
large number of visitors from those countries. For fine dining try
Es Turo which is housed in a centuries-old building. The most
popular style of eating for locals and visitors alike is tapas,
provided at any café in town.
- Loads of restaurants lining the beachfront promenade and down by the amrina and harbour area - try as many as you like! We did. : Frances Webb...See More Tips | Add Tip
Nightlife C'an Picafort's longest running nightclub is Skau which is open
every night during the summer season. Another nightlife hotspot in
C'an Picafort is the western-themed bar Charly's.
Activities The excellent beach is the main draw for most visitors to C'an
Picafort, but there some other distractions for those wanting some
variety. Driving skills can be tested at the Karting track; free
transfers are provided from the centre of town. The enormous
Hidropark in nearby Alcudia is a fun a refreshing day out. Nature
lovers should check out S'albufera wetland nature reserve on the
outskirts of town. A little further afield in Porto Cristo, are the
Caves of Drach, the most popular tourist attraction in Majorca.
Negatives There are few worthwhile attractions in town and for those
wanting more than a beach-based holiday C'an Picafort can be a bit
dull.
Activities
Wind and Water Sports in Mallorca
The island of Mallorca is famous for its wind and water sports,
with many resorts actually featuring windsurfing and kitesurfing
schools, where tourists can learn to master these tricky skills
while still enjoying the holiday of a lifetime. There are also
ample places to simply rent equipment, for tourists who don't
require tutelage.
Good beaches in Mallorca for windsurfing and kitesurfing include
Cala Millor, Cala d'Or, Can Picafort, Formentor, Magaluf, Palma
Nova, Peguera, Platja de Palma, Port d'Alcudia, Port de Pollensa,
Port de Soller, Portalss and Santa Ponsa - although the pick of the
bunch must be the little-known Son Serra de Marina, located on the
northeast coast of Mallorca, about five miles (8km) east of Can
Picafort. This unspoilt stretch of sand has favourable conditions
all year round, and features a spectacular mountain backdrop as
well as a few hip and happening beach bars and restaurants.
Pedal boats (pedalos) are also very popular -
especially for families with young children - and can be hired at
any of the major resorts on the island.
Finally, waterskiing is also an option: resorts that offer
equipment for hire (sometimes including boats) include Cala Millor,
Can Picafort, Formentor, Magaluf, Palma Nova, Peguera, Platja de
Palma, Port d'Alcudia and Santa Ponsa.
Snorkelling and Diving in Mallorca
The Mediterranean's calm, clear waters are ideally suited for
diving and snorkelling enthusiasts on holiday in Mallorca. The best
season for diving in Mallorca is between June and October, when the
weather is balmy and visibility can be as much as 130 feet
(40m).
Although not blessed with spectacular coral reefs, there is much
to admire in the depths surrounding Mallorca's coastline. The warm
water is home to a huge array of fish and other sea life, including
European barracuda, eels, rainbow wrasse, ornate wrasse, goatfish,
cardinal fish, damsel fish, octopus, sea slugs, squid, crabs and
lobsters - to name but a few of the myriad species that tourists
can expect to spot.
Many of Mallorca's resorts offer snorkelling and diving
equipment for hire, and a few of them have on-site dive schools
where tourists can have training and obtain diving licenses. Some
of the best resorts for snorkelling and diving in Mallorca include
Cala Millor, the isolated beaches of Cala Morlanda and Cala Varques
(both brilliant for snorkelling), Puerto Pollensa and Santa Ponsa,
which is the best resort for scuba divers in Mallorca, allowing
access to many dive sites, including very popular wreck diving
opportunities.