Andratx

01Dream house in the municipality of Andratx

That's not unusual, as many an international Majorca fan has been so enamoured of Andratx or Port d'Andratx that they've decided to buy a villa or chic apartment to spend holidays or even the better part of the year here.

The CCA , a successful combination of minimalism and traditional Majorcan architecture , includes a patio complete with a colonnade and a spring as well as a bistro that has a terrace. It's a true oasis of calm in an art lover's paradise, and a lovely place to take a break and half-close your eyes contentedly in the Mediterranean sun.

02Authentic village, glamorous harbour

The village of Andratx, rural, quiet and traditional, with narrow streets and around 8,500 inhabitants, has preserved much of its original atmosphere. It lies about five kilometres from the sea and its glamorous harbour, Port d'Andratx. There was a good reason for this withdrawal into the interior of the island; in bygone days, the south-western tip of Majorca was repeatedly attacked by pirates during their raids.

03Journey back into the past

A stately building that belonged to the former possession Son Mas , a grand estate of Arabic origin , today houses the municipal administration. This is one of the most significant examples of architecture in the village, along with the church of Santa María de Andratx. Inside the church , the origins of which date back to the 13th century , you can admire altarpieces from the baroque period, which are dedicated to Saint Sebastian and the Virgin Mary, among others.

04The market , a rich supply

Every Wednesday is market day! All around Paseo de Son Mas, you'll find market traders' tables practically buckling under all the fresh fruit and vegetables, dried fruits, sausage and ham products, flowers and clothing. And apart from the market, Andratx has all the shopping facilities to supply everything you need for everyday life.

05All along the western coast

Andratx is unbeatable for anyone who loves nature and the Tramuntana mountains, especially since it's at the beginning of Majorca's only long-distance hiking trail, the GR-221. The Dry Stone Route , Ruta de Piedra en Seco , is more than 150 kilometres long and runs from Port d'Andratx to Pollença. Passing through forest and cultivated landscape, past old charcoal kilns, gnarled olive trees, forests of holm oak, almond groves and fragrant rosemary bushes, the trip is an amazing experience, not least due to the constantly changing views of the deep blue sea. Hikers can stay overnight in simple huts by the wayside called refugis. The first stage, for example, goes via Sant Elm and past a former Trappist monastery called La Trapa, complete with views of Dragonera island. Some legs of the GR-221 trail are even suitable for families with children! For golf enthusiasts, the 18-hole course at Golf de Andratx in Camp de Mar will meet all their needs and more.

06Red sheep, black pigs

It would be impossible to imagine Andratx without its open-air village festivals and fairs. The Feria de Andratx on the first weekend in April, for instance, draws exhibitors and visitors from all over the island. There's a potpourri of varied goods on offer, ranging from handicrafts to organic products like honey and wine. You can also see shows with local breeds of animal such as red sheep and black pigs. Speaking of animals, in the middle of January, you'll find half of Andratx out and about for the activities in honour of Sant Antoni, or Saint Anthony. On the streets, a priest in splendid regalia sprinkles holy water on livestock and pets, blessing horses, rabbits, sheep and turtles.