Ermita de Betlem, Arta
The Ermita de Betlem was founded in 1805 by the monks of Saint Honoratus, Randa and the Holy Trinity of Valldemossa. The church has a solar clock and a rose window, and lies at the end of a cypress tree-lined driveway.
Mountain Biking in the Llevant National Park
An intermediate level ride requiring previous biking experience
This ride takes place in the beautiful Llevant National Park, north of Arta. The ride is of medium difficulty and will require some previous mountain bike fitness and a good quality bike with suspension. At the present time mountain biking is permitted within the park, but please keep to designated trails. Walkers have right of way over bikers.
The ride visits a very secluded beach only accessible on foot or by bike. This is a great area to explore with numerous options for rides extending as far as Cala Mesquida and Cala Ratjada on the east coast. It is helpful to have a bike computer in order to know how far you have travelled for navigation purposes.
To reach the start follow signs from Arta to Ermita de Betlem and then Park Natural. The ride starts from the car park at the visitor centre. Good maps of the area are freely available from the visitor centre.
Start: (All distances are measured from the car park and are approximate). From the car park turn right and follow the road uphill past the visitor centre. Continue on this road / track for 4.5km until a path on the right (signed GR222 Arenalet des verger). We will return to this point later but for now continue straight ahead towards the transmitters and a great view of the Alcudia bay. Return to the junction 7.2km (signed GR222 Arenalet des verger) take this and follow until the beach is reached after 11.5km. Follow the track to the right, this shortly turns inland and climbs uphill. After 13.2km a small junction is reached on the left signed, Torre de’Albarca. Take this and follow to the Torre (watch tower) 14.9km. From the Torre return to the junction with the main track and turn left.
After 17.4km another junction is reached, take the right hand fork. After 18.6km another junction is reached, signed mirador de Senyora, a short detour to a shaded picnic area. Returning to the main track, turn left and after 100m a major junction is reached, take the right fork, signed Es Verger al Barca. After 100m another junction is reached, take the right hand track leading downhill between gate posts.
Follow this track past Font des Verger and steeply uphill to Coll des Verger and finally back to the car park and visitor centre on the right.
Map: Please use this description with the map. The route is marked by black dots. The coloured trails are walking paths. A full size version of this map is available free of charge from the visitors centre but the MTB trail will not be marked, only the walking paths.
This is route No. 16 in the MTB guidebook written for Mallorca and is available to download. GPX tracks are also included with this downloadable guide. A GPS receiver is recommended for using in conjunction with this guidebook.
What to see
Sights in Mallorca
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Llevant Peninsula Nature Reserve
The Llevant Peninsula is found on the north east of Mallorca. This hilly terrain could almost pass for the Scottish highlands (on a good day!), with its covering of heathers and shrubs at the higher altitudes.
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Esglesia de la Transfiguracio del Senyor, Arta
Located on the hillside of Sant Salvador above Arta this building dominates the skyline over the town of Arta.
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Santuari de Sant Salvador, Arta
Much of this 4000 square metres complex has been restored so that you can now see the remnants of the medieval fortress that it once was.
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Ses Paisses, Arta
This Bronze-Age talaiotic settlement near Arta is a significant site and a link with Mallorcans of 3,000 years ago.
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Capdepera Castle, Capdepera
Capdepera was founded in 1300 and it was by royal decree that a fortress was built in which to house the residents, to protect them from pirates. This walled town became known as Capdepera Castle.
Where to lunch
Restaurants in Mallorca
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Noir Mallorca Café
Welcome to Noir, your go to food bar in the heart of Cala D'or, Mallorca. Open from 09:00 to 23:00, they offer all-day breakfast, brunch, and a great selection of coffee, tea and wine.
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SoY Asian Kitchen and Bar
The little Asia of Mallorca, where the spices of Asia meet the local products of the nearby surroundings.
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Diferent Restaurant
Restaurant Diferent truly stands out. Beyond its eccentric and fun decor, it offers a vast international menu, a wide selection of wines, cocktails and fantastic, friendly service.
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La Pappa Restaurant
Enjoy the taste of Italy at La Pappa. They serve delicious homemade pasta and Neapolitan pizzas, crafted with care and tradition. Their Italian desserts and ice creams are also made in-house, offering a true taste of Italy.
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La Bodega Restaurant
This traditional Spanish restaurant is situated within the heart of Cala d'Or and has a phenomenal reputation for providing fantastic food, service and a welcoming, friendly atmosphere.
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Barretes Restaurant at Ca's Xorc
Ca's Xorc Luxury Retreat is home to an abundance of delicious fresh and local food such as a selection of fruit and vegetables, fish, red shrimp, lamb and Iberico pork. The chef at Ca's Xorc interprets this local, Mediterranean cuisine in a modern and creative manner.
What to do
Things To Do in Mallorca
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Sunset Boat Trip
Enjoy an evening cruise along the northwest Mallorcan coastline aboard one of a selection of 50ft vessels, as the mountains transform from pink to orange to red.
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Adventure Trekking
A day of Adventure Trekking is full of stunning landscapes and action-packed activities.
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Miramar & Soller Valley Tour
This is a different way to enjoy a quality guided tour with your own car, and discover little-known hidden places hand in hand with a local guide using portable radios whilst you drive.
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Romantic Sunset Dinner Boat Trip
This exclusive sailing tour for two is the perfect way to enjoy a romantic evening watching the sunset over the Mediterranean with the one you love.
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Canyoning & dry canyoning
Whether you prefer plunging into crystal-clear pools or climbing sun-drenched rock faces, there’s an adventure waiting in the island’s stunning Sierra de Tramuntana mountains.
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Sailing Trip (Hanse 508)
Choose this exceptionally spacious luxury sailing yacht for a full-day or half-day trip around the Balearic Islands. With three lounging areas, it's the perfect place to rest, relax, and enjoy your time on the water.
Where to stay
Cycling Hotels in Mallorca
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Son Julia Country House Hotel
If you're looking for a perfect hideaway from your usual routine, then this lovely 15th century Mallorcan manor is the place to escape to.
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Monnaber Vell Hotel, Campanet
A country estate with watch tower, chapel, olive press, mill and typical courtyard with old cistern, located on the slopes of the Sierra de Tramuntana. All rooms with en suite facilities, central heating and air-conditioning. Guests can enjoy Spanish and Mallorcan wine tasting, served with specialities.
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El Encinar de Arta Hotel
Restored with love in every detail, the 18th century country house lies on a hill approximately 5 km from the picturesque village Artà. Beautiful landscape, close to 4 golf courses, lovely beaches and nature reserves.
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Feliz Boutique Hotel
Find peace and tranquillity in this chic, modern hotel just off the harbour promenade, with a bustling nightlife. With a friendly atmosphere that invites you to be happy.
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Son Palou Hotel, Orient
This hotel lies in the middle of a private estate of 150 hectares with large plantations of apple and cherry trees, cultivated fields and mountains. It is an ideal base for hiking, riding mountain-bikes or simply strolling around to watch the farmers pick cherries and apples.
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Son Pons Agroturismo Hotel
Situated in a magnificent country estate of 150.000 m² located in the North of Mallorca, the building dates from the 16th century.
