CA'N PICAFORT
Area: Majorca
Country: Spain


Location:
On the NE coast, 38 miles NE of Palma and airport, 6 miles S of Puerto de Alcudia.

Telephone code from UK:
34

Position:
NE-facing, on land that slopes gently down to the sea, with a vast, flat agricultural plain farther inland.

Description:
Little remains of the original fishing village that once was Ca'n Picafort. The main tourist centre of the resort is arranged in a grid of narrow streets behind the main beach. To the E of this is the port, village centre with public buildings and tourist office, and then a more recent sub-centre, that of Son Baulo. The resort stretches some 1» miles along the coast. Although it has its devotees, this cannot be called a pretty town, although it is relatively car-free and easy to navigate on foot.

Suitability:
Much quieter than nearby Puerto de Alcudia, this is a place for families and couples to enjoy a relaxing seaside break.

Accommodation:
A variety of hotels concentrated near, but generally not on, the two beaches, the better ones being at Son Baulo. Quality ranges from simple hostels to presentable 4-stars.

Shopping:
High spot is the street market, Friday mornings. The tourist zone is packed with shops and stalls offering quality goods. Passeig Colon running parallel to the sea front and the pedestrian street leading from it are the prime money-spending areas.

Beach:
The principal beach, a long, sandy one, is not overly wide, and although it has a pedestrian promenade it feels slightly confined and watched over by the resort buildings. Son Baulo is much the same, with darker sand.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach and some nearby archaeological remains; cycling. Nightlife: three or four discos. Shows organised by hotels. Something can be found on most evenings, usually at a low-key level.

Eating:
No shortage of restaurants and cafes, with the odd pizzeria and grill. Fast food. The most ethnic cuisine likely to be found is regional Spanish. Majority of eateries are found near the two beach areas or on the main road.

Public-transport:
Bus stops at intervals along the main road and in Son Baulo. Destinations include Inca, Palma, Alcudia, Puerto de Pollensa. Frequent service in summer including departures at approximately hourly intervals to Puerto de Alcudia. Reasonably priced taxis are easily encountered; fixed rates are posted at ranks.

Local-excursions:
Water park and lively nightlife in Puerto de Alcudia; the interesting old town of Alcudia lies just beyond. Arta (15 miles in lovely countryside) is another charming, old town, with a fortified church and medieval castle on a hill. Mountain touring including monastery at Lluc, Soller, Deya and Valldemosa. Drach caves. Inca market. Boat cruises; jeep safari; horse riding; evening shows.