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Attractions

Although not considered to be an Attraction in the truest sense of the word, the story of the Castle of The Evil Count is always a good one to recall to visitors to C'an Picafort, and had it survived to the present day, the castle would undoubtedly be one of the major visitor attractions on the island. The story goes that Ramon Safortesa, Count of Santa Maria de Formiguera was a cruel Feudal Count, whose thirst for power and outrageous taxes, made the lives of the peasants living under his control unbearable. During the 8 years between 1639 and 1647 there were countless assassination attempts made on his life, which were always followed by a violent and bloody revenge against the families of those involved. Finally in November 1647, the peasants united in their anger stormed the castle and burnt it to the ground, in so doing killing the Count. Although the castle was subsequently rebuilt, such was the strength of local feelings that ancestors of the Count finally ordered its complete destruction in 1922.

The S'Albufera Park is a treasure for nature lovers where birds from all over Europe return to nest every year. The whole of the park is open to visitors and is easy to explore along its well sign posted paths, and if you ever tire of the beach a stroll along some of its paths makes for a relaxing day out. Throughout the park there are hides where you can watch the birds at your leisure. The Reception Centre at the main entrance to the park, is adjacent to the Pont dels Anglesos or Englishmen's Bridge, and will provide you with all the necessary information. In fitting with the general surroundings, visitors to the park will need to follow a basic rules, which to most people is general common sense anyway. These include not shouting, staying on the recognised paths, and not disturbing the flora or fauna. What most visitors don't realise, is that the park actually extends over an area of 2,580 hectares with a perimeter of almost 32km, and covers parts of the municipalities of Alcúdia, Muro and sa Pobla. S'Albufera is open every day of the year from 9:00am to dusk, and entry is free.

A 20 minute walk from the Son Baulo beach will take you to the Son Real Necropolis, which is known locally as the "Cemetery of the Phoenicians". This is a prehistoric burial ground that was used from the Iron Age until Roman times, and has over one hundred underground tombs excavated into the rock. If cultural and historical sites are of interest, there are other fine examples of the islands medieval heritage to be found at the farmsteads of Son Real and la Alquiería, and the Rectory and Parish Church in Santa Margalida which was built during the 16th Century on the site of the original 13th Century Church.

Although a little outside the resort at nearby Playa de Muro, the Labyrinth Giant Wooden Maze is certainly "a must" to see and do during the day and evening for children of all ages. This massive wooden structure is about the size of a small football pitch, and I defy anyone to solve it in less than 45 minutes. During the day you have to solve the maze, collecting various coloured fish and stamp a game card with the letters M A Z E, whilst being "rained" upon by a sprinkler system. During the late evening the "game" becomes a little more sinister by the threat of being chased by either a swamp monster or ghost. This may be perhaps a little too scary for the very young, but for anyone over the age of 8 a real must do! Certainly worth a look before you go is their web site at:
www.amazenlaberintos.com.

Perhaps more suited for an older child or adult, at the back of the resort is the local karting track. Free transport is available from most of the hotels in the town, however, from personal experience getting back may be a little harder. Contact details are:
Karting Picafort
Ctra. Alcudia-Artá, s/n
Ca'n Picafort
Telephone: +34 971 851 282

C'an Picafort has a small tourist street market that is held every Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings. As with all markets on the island, use common sense and be prepared to haggle to secure the best bargains, something the British hate to do.

The Easy Rider Rental Shop first opened in 1984, and over 20 years later is still owned and run by the same family. They are situated in the north of Mallorca in C'an Picafort, close to the resorts of Alcudia, Playa de Muro and Pollenca. Contact details are:
The Easy Rider Rental Shop
98 Isaac Peral
Son Baulo
07458
C'an Picafort
Telephone: +34 971 850 598
Email: dave@easyriders.eu
Web Site: www.easyriders.eu

Based on the Paseo Colon in C'an Picafort, Scuba Med Dive Centre are a British owned dive centre with English, German and Spanish speaking instructors. They offer a full range of PADI courses up to and including Instructor. Although based in C'an Picafort they also service the whole of the North East of Mallorca, including Pollensa Alcudia and Playa de Muro and are happy to arrange pick ups from either your hotel or villa. Contact details for more information and bookings are:
Scuba Med Divers SL
Paseo Colon 23
07458
C'an Picafort
Telephone: +34 971 852 700
Email: mail@scubamed.net
Web Site: www.scubamed.net

The people of Majorca are famed for their love of Fiesta's. The annual event at Ca'n Picafort is somewhat usual even for Majorca and is known as the "Fiesta of the Ducks". Despite the threat of fines and sanctions for those involved, this illegal Fiesta is held around the 15th of August each year and attracts over 3,000 people to the town. Each year the Conselleria d'Agricultura y Pesca of the Government warns the local town hall of Santa Margalida that it is prohibited to celebrate this Fiesta. But every year the town hall goes ahead, prepared to pay any fines, which last year cost the municipal treasury 3,000 Euros. The format of the event is shortly after noon five boats, holding approximately 350 ducks, drops anchor in front of the Hotel Sol y Mar and releases the ducks. The idea then is that swimmers take to the sea and try to capture the ducks as trophies. The ducks are not harmed in this event, most are captured and then released at the Torrent de Son Baulo, some escape and fly away to freedom, although in all fairness some have also been known to finish up in a casserole. The origins of this Fiesta is unknown, but it apparently began as a game more than 80 years ago. Many elderly residents in the town can still remember taking part many years ago when they were small.

Although the "Fiesta of the Ducks" is the event most visitors to the area see and remember, the first fiesta of the calendar actually takes place on the two days around 16-17 of January each year in celebration of Sant Antoni, the patron saint of animals. The event begins with the lighting of small bonfires, which the local residents sit around and sing traditional songs and roast typical island products. The following day there is a colourful parade culminating in the blessing of the animals.

For those of you who believe that fiestas are only for the benefit of the tourist, the residential area of Son Serra hold their annual celebration in honour of la Mare de Déu del Carme on July 16 each year, and is completely missed by almost all of the visitors to the island.

Not to be outdone by C'an Picafort the municipal centre of the area Santa Margalida hold a magnificent 5 day event for their patron saint around July 20 each year. This is believed to be one of the oldest fiestas on Majorca, and can be traced back as far as 1405. Over the 5 days of celebrations, there's a wide range of games, sports and other popular activities, however, the main event involves the selection of "The Beatas" which are young girls who are chosen to represent the town.

The final fiesta of the year again takes place in Santa Margalida during the first weekend in September in honour of Sant Catalina Tomas. During the event, devils with bells run through the streets and wake up the villagers, to be followed by traditional parades and dancing to local bands.

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