Susanne I also asked the restaurant owner about bicycle rentals in town and he recommended a store in town. So I started walking towards the harbour and inland to the intended rental shop, but it was all locked up. I could not believe that on a Saturday afternoon at 1 pm the shop would be closed, but that’s all part and parcel of Spain’s siesta tradition.
The turquoise waters of Cala Rajada
So I slowly strolled back to my vehicle to drive to the northern part of town that was supposed to hold another bicycle rental place. At the north end of town I ended up at Cala Argulla, a beach in a deep cove that was absolutely packed with people. I got a little idea what these beaches might look like in July and August when huge crowds of tourists descend on these beaches. It must be absolute mayhem, I thought. Finally on my way back from the beach I found the second bike rental place, but no luck here either, it was closed as well. Unfortunately I had to give up my dream of cycling on the island of Mallorca.
The fortification tower at the Fortress of Capdepera
In the mid-afternoon I decided to start my drive back and left Cala Rajada, but decided to make an inland stop in the town of Capdepera. I parked my vehicle in town and started walking up the hill to the mountain fortress which dates back to the 14th century. King James II (Jaume II) had ordered the construction of this structure to protect the village among other things from pirate attacks.
Even bees like it at the fortress in Capdepera
After paying the modest admission fee I explored the castle’s grounds which include a museum that demonstrates locally weaved products. The highest point of the castle is occupied by the Gothic church Nuestra Senyora d’Esperança. Next to the church I walked up a series of steps onto the fortification walls which offer excellent views out into the countryside.
Walking on the fortified walls of the fortress of Capdepera
I started walking about 2.5 metres up above the ground with no protective railing but started to feel a little queezy, so I decided to get back down from the fortress walls and walk a little more securely on the ground. The early medieval Castell de Capdepera was definitely worth a visit.
Fresh veggies for sale in Colonia de Sant Pere
One final stop on my back to Port d’Alcudia was Colonia de Sant Pere, a fishing village on the southern side of the Bay of Alcudia. I parked my car and walked to the waterfront promenade which is surrounded by a series of restaurants and cafes. From here I had an absolutely perfect view of the entire ridge of the Serra de Tramuntana, one of the most scenic vistas of this entire imposing mountain range. I sat down for a drink and just took in one of my last scenic moments during my stay on the gorgeous island of Mallorca that was coming to a rapid end.
Colonia de Sant Pere: a great view towards the Tramuntana Mountain Range
With a slight feeling of melancholy I left Colonia de Sant Pere to get back to my hotel to pack my luggage and get ready for my early morning departure tomorrow. I was thinking back over my last 10 days in Mallorca and how this small Mediterranean island had impressed me with its amazing combination of history, culture and scenic beauty. I will definitely remember this trip for a long time to come…
Goodbye, Mallorca…
