They were found over 60 years ago and since then, the stalactites and the stalagmites of the caves of Campanet were the highlights of the area. Covering over 3200 square meters, with a length of over 500 meters and going deep into the ground for around 300 meters, the galleries and the soft calcareous rooms date from Mesolithic times. They were named after the small village nearby and opened to public since 1948, few years after they were found.

Its small dimensions in comparison to other related sites of the island means it can be visited in thoroughly 40 minutes walk. It presents a plethora of amazing karst formations, grouped in a few chambers with meaningful names: Romantic Chamber, Lake Chamber of Castle Chamber, each showing a few water deposits. They were actually discovered whilst digging for water, trying to build a deeper fresh water well. The cave complex has its own recreational area, pretty well equipped and suited also to family trips.

To get there from Palma, if you like to drive, you should take the motorway going from the capital city to Alcudia and turn left nearby the town of Sa Pobla, on exit 37. It worth a stop even if you would like to take some great photos on your way around the island.

One of the best underground sights of Mallorca, even if it is not the largest of its kind, is the complex of caves located nearby Porto Cristo, the Hams Caves or, as the locals name it, Cuevas dels Hams. Discovered by Pedro Caldentey in 1905, the Hams Caves are famous for the underground lake, nicknamed Lake of Venice, for its splendid tree like formations lighten up by a diaphanous artificial lighting, giving them that particular secretive halo. The artistic touch of the lightning inside the caves was arranged by Lorezo Caldentey, the son of the speleology pioneer who discovered them.

Hams Caves is a true forest of short or long pillars made of limestone, in different odd shapes, just like an old Greek temple sustained by its strong magnificent marble columns. Placed in a great location, nearby Cala d’Or, Cala Millor or Cala Romantica, the caves of Hams could be a cooler alternative of spending quality time on Balearic grounds.
To get to Hams Caves, which is only few kilometers away from Porto Cristo, you need to follow the MA-4020 local road from Porto Cristo to Manacor and to stop 11,5 km away from the first. The cave system is well marked on the main road. Hams Caves remind us of another great cave system of Mallorca, Caves of Drach, offering wonderful classical music concerts, right below the Earth’s surface.

Some of the most important religious art pieces found once all around the island are now kept in the Museu Diocesa, downtown Palma de Mallorca, island capital. Statues, valuable crosses, amazing paintings, religious documents collected starting 1878 by the Bishop Mateu Jaume, are now put together and shown to public, to be kept safe and to remember us of the island’s monastic tradition and Christian inheritance. Recently renovated, the Museu Diocesa of Mallorca is chronologically organized, starting with the first signs of Christianity till the end of the twentieth century.

Placed inside the palace of the bishop (or Palau Episcopal de Mallorca), here you can see artefacts like the remains of the Roman walls, some artworks made by Gaudi himself and a series of priceless paintings with the gulf of Palma. One of the most emblematic elements is an altar dedicated to Sant Jordi and painted by Pere Nicard in the 15th century, notable for its amazing details and techniques. The opening of the Museu Diocesa exhibition is a part of the work that has been done in the recent years, to build a bridge between the present, based on true Christian values and real valuable art.

The Museu Diocesa could be easily reached by foot, in the southern part of the city of Palma, in the vicinity of Parc de la Mar and the mighty Cathedral, La Seu. It is an area of great historical value, few hundred meters containing, aside from the Museu Diocesa, Mallorca’s main museum, Palacio Ca Galesa and the memorial house J. Torrents Llado.

Part of an ancient monastery, still keeping some of the original buildings and the cloister, Basilica de Sant Francesc is conveniently located downtown Palma, only few minutes walk away from the main religious building of the city, La Seu. Its imposing façade designed by Francisco Herrera in the 17th century, attract visitors like a magnet, the architecture seen here, a pleasant mix of different styles, between Gothic and Baroque, enchant your eyes, as you approach it. The 13th century monastery dedicated to Sant Francesc has 74 meters in length and a wooden roof, the main building surrounded by eight chapels, each of them with its own story, added in time.

The main attraction of the Basilica de Sant Francesc is the grave of the 13th century humanist Ramon Llul, a local scholar, named “Doctor Iluminatus”, whose works in theology and philosophy, as well as its poetry were heard around the world, especially in Africa, where he preached. Another important item worth a visit is the cloister founded by Jaume III, recently declared a National Monument. The upper galleries and rooms were added later, in the 16th and the 17th centuries, as well as the fabulous courtyard, built in 1747, or the statue of Junípero Serra, added to the basilica of Sant Francesc in 1768.

Contemplating Basilica de Sant Francesc now, is like looking into the past, the modesty, nevertheless the elegance of its main elements seem to invite you to loiter. Staying in the same area, try to see more about Mallorca visiting the neighboring travel highlights, like the Palace of Almudaina or the omnipotent Cathedral.

On the way up to Possessió de Es Monjos, the last inhabited area, the land becomes red, home of hundreds of almonds and old vines, while the mountain starts to catch your eye. The altar sits in the middle of a lush vegetation of wild olives and pines, a nice visual experience, dominating the summit. The feeling is even more overwhelming during the dusk, when the sun hides behind the sanctuary and leaves beautiful amber-lie nuances over the trees and the limestone structure. The initial purpose of the Sanctuary of Monti Sion (or Montisión) was to offer shelter to the monks of order of Ignatius de Loyola. Later on, it hosted a classical languages school, with over 200 students, a close follower of the school founded by Ramon Llul close by, in Randa.

The actual chapel was built in the 15th century, but went through a series of further changes. Subsequently, the altar featuring the image of Virgin Mary was enclosed by the pentagonal shape of the cloister. In the last period of time, Monti Sion Sanctuary was offered to public visits, as the the accommodation cells and the restaurant were opened. Once there, tourists can enjoy the stunning views over the whole valley and area around Porreres.

The park of s’Albufera has modern facilities, to allow visitors to get to know better the fauna and flora present here. At the entrance, you will find an information point, where you can rent binoculars or bicycles and also find out important notices about the history of the park. Natural Parc de s’Albufera hosts over 200 species of birds, among them rare species as black-winged stilts and herons, seen especially from one of the observation points. Walking paths around it are properly maintained. You will be able to cross bridges, canals or go round the picturesque swamps, passing through the forest of elms and enjoy their natural shade.

The park of s’Albufera was declared natural reserve in 1988 (the first of this kind in Mallorca) and went through a process of restoration and preservation ever since. A special attention had the quality of the water found in its lakes, invaded by sea water initially but slowly, the affected section were isolated. During the winter, the park is a refuge for the birds coming from northern Europe, to survive the cold, in a well known annual migration process. Winter gives you the perfect opportunity to see black cormorants, tufted ducks, teals or pochards.

Entrance to the park of s’Albufera is allowed only for visitors coming by foot or on their bicycles. A strange detail – bicycles with more than two wheels are forbidden inside s’Albufera. The park is in easy reach from Alcudia, Platjes de Muro or Ses Fotges, but also close to the larger towns of Muro, Sa Pobla or Santa Margalida, coming from the western part of the island.

Like a true oasis of peacefulness in the heart of Tramuntana Mountains, although small, the Alfabia Gardens offer numerous elements to glare at, like the pergolas, the stone walls, the ponds, balustrades, statues, waterfalls and fountains, all mixed with a network of pillars and an assortment of strange trees. A special attraction is the large interior courtyard, featuring an immense pine tree. The facilities connecting to this courtyard, like the chapel, the stables and the oil mill, add more value to your stop to Jardins d’Alfabia. The paneled Almohade nicely set up right at the entrance in the house, dates back from 1220 was built by the viceroy Ben-Abet, the Moorish leader who built this tiny paradise to serve as his home.

The Arab Baths are assumed to be a part of an old Roman building, commanded here long before the arrival of the Moorish and building of the baths. They are now kept in a structure designed in pure Byzantine style, where you will find the 12 columns sustaining its large dome.

You can reach the Arab Baths of Palma in the vicinity of the main cathedral of La Seu, in the south-southeastern part of the city. They are in the same area with many other places of cultural interest, as the Museum of Mallorca or the memorial house of Torrents Llado, metres away from the beautiful coast.

Ermita de Bonany was initially built in the 17th Century and got struck by lightning. In the same spot was built the actual chapel, at the beginning of the 20th Century. It is a place of special spiritual significance, one of the most appreciated religious elements of the island of Mallorca. The surroundings are beautiful and peaceful. You may relax and have a picnic under the pine trees around the chapel and enjoy the panoramic views.

To get to the Museu del Fang from the capital city of Palma, you need to follow the motorway MA-13A going north towards Inca then turn right in the direction of Sa Cabaneta on MA-3010 (locally named Carrer de Sa Cabaneta). Continue on Camino de Olesa for few hundred metres. You will find the museum on your left hand side.