LITMIR.BIZ

      Cala Lladó is the start and finish of the walk on sa Dragonera

      Buses serving Sant Elm stop on the Plaça de na Caragola, where a very short walk leads down to the ferry landing. The landing on sa Dragonera is at Cala Lladó. Walk up to the information centre and spare a few moments to learn about the natural history of the island, and to study maps showing the layout of the trails. These are numbered from 1 to 4 and are signposted at crucial junctions. This walk takes in all four trails, but it can be shortened, making a good excuse to return for another trip.

      Leave the information centre to reach a point where tracks intersect and signposts list all the trails and destinations. Turn left to follow itineraris 3 and 4 along an old tarmac road, later passing a gate, turning a sharp bend, then reaching a junction and another signpost. Turn right for itinerari 4 to Far Vell, walking up a stony track and passing through a gateway at es Tancat. The winding track climbs, passing a little house and eventually reaching the gap of Coll Roig; a viewpoint at 98m (322ft).

      Keep climbing and an amazing, tightly zigzagging path rises at a gentle gradient, despite the steepness of the bushy slope. It reaches the crumbling lighthouse of Far Vell, on the summit of na Pòpia, at 349m (1145ft).

      A watchtower was constructed on na Pòpia in 1581, and then demolished in 1850 to make way for the lighthouse of Far Vell, which was in a poor position as it was sometimes obscured by mist. In 1910 two more lighthouses, Far de Llebeig and Far de Tramuntana (see below), were built and Far Vell was allowed to fall into ruins.

      Admire the length of the island and the cliff coast of western Mallorca, then retrace steps all the way down to the old tarmac road. If time is limited, turn left to return to Calo Lladó.

      Turn right along the road, as signposted for itinerari 3 to Far de Llebeig. Simply follow the road as it rises gently, passing a small reservoir. Later, when a signpost indicates a path on the right, it is worth a very short diversion along it to see a ruined limekiln. The road later has a wall alongside, where a cliff drops to the sea, and a lighthouse can be seen ahead.

      The road is very bendy as it approaches the lighthouse, which is Far de Llebeig (the light is operational but the buildings are derelict), and there is also the option of taking a short path down to the left to look at a watchtower, Torre des Llebeig, which can be entered by those with the nerve to climb a 16-rung ladder.

      Retrace steps all the way back to Cala Lladó and consider if there is enough time to walk further. Turn left to follow itinerari 2 for Far de Tramuntana, passing toilets and rising along a stony track through woods. Pass a signpost, and note its position for the return. The track leaves the woods and descends to yet another lighthouse; Far de Tramuntana. This is also the closest of the three lighthouses to Mallorca.

      Once again, retrace steps, but when the signpost is reached that was noted on the outward journey, turn left down a path with steps on a wooded slope. A track continues, passing a crenellated tower. Reach a viewpoint and picnic area at na Miranda, then follow the track down past cultivated terraces to return to Calo Lladó. Any remaining time can be spent admiring a tiny botanic garden.

WALK 2

      Port d’Andratx and Pintal Vermell

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