Andratx, South West Mallorca

Traditional Rural Town

Like many towns around the coast, Andratx was built several kilometres inland from its port in a bid to deter pirate raids. Today the town is reaping an unexpected benefit - tourists pour into the port, spending money that the town collects in taxes, yet except on market day, Andratx sees little of the visitors and its people are left to get on with their lives.

Surrounded by orange groves and almond trees, which leave a 'snowfall' of blossom each February, Andratx is a sleepy town that only really gets animated on Wednesdays, when the streets are taken over by market stalls selling vegetables, cheeses and fish. When you have finished your shopping, climb to the top of the town to see the 13th-century church of Santa Maria.

Andratx is also home to the impressive CCA - Andratx Art Centre. It is one of the largest centres in the Balearics that is dedicated to the creation and exhibition of contemporary art. To the general public it offers a unique cultural experience, whereas the studio program is open to national and international artists.

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