Donnerstag, 14. November 2013

Playa de la Rapita, Isle of Mallorca, Spain

On the south east coast of the Isle of Mallorca, there is a wonderful beach between Colonia Sant Jordi and S'Estanyol de Migjorn. The beach is known as a former landing site for smugglers. You can easily walk the distance via Sa Rapita in about 6 hours both ways. On your way, you may want to stop for a swim in the clear sea. The area behind the dunes is a protected natural reserve. Walking along the beach you have a view on the Cabrera archipelagos, which are conservation areas as well. Beyond the dunes are the salt works Salines de Llevant near the village Ses Salines. On your beach walk you will cross the saline's old salt water canal. During WW II General Franco found it necessary to fortify the island in order to keep up the neutrality of Spain. He had bunkers built, arranged in pairs and in such an angle that the defending soldiers would be able to shoot crossfire. Originally, the bunkers were built into the dunes. But gradually wind and water laid them open. In order to protect the dunes now, long ropes and rush mats are used.



Beach of Es Trenc between Colonia Sant Jordi Colonia and Sa Rapita

Beach between s'Estanyol de Migjorn and Sa Rapita

Light hours of Cape of  Salinas (left) and Isles of Cabrera (right)

Salt-works Salines de Llevant (seen from North)


old salt water canal of the company Salinas de Levante S.A.

old salt water canal to the Salines de Llevant

Marina of s'Estanyol de Migjorn with historic watchtower
two bunkers in pairwise arrangement

Sa Rapita

protection of dunes


beach restaurant at the Playa Es Trenc