ARTA

The small medieval town of Arta is set on the foot of a hill near Mallorca’s most easterly point at the end of the Serrania de Levante mountain chain, and 22km from Mallorca’s second largest city, Manacor. Alcudia’s and Puerto Pollensa’s beaches are just 35km to the west and Portocristo, the cosy harbour of Manacor, is a 20 minute drive south.

Arta, which has a population of 6,000, is a maze of narrow medieval streets, and the surrounding countryside is beautifully green and tranquil.
The coastline here is also quite different from other sides of the island, with idyllic and remote bays, often with deserted islands.

Also a short drive from Arta is the picturesque harbour of Cala Rajada, which has seen great investment in recent years and now boasts designer boutiques, good restaurants and a new promenade. The nearby beaches at Cala Aguila and Cala Mesquida have perfect crystal clear water and low-rise buildings. Heading further around the coast in the Alcudia direction, Cala Estreta, Cala Mitjana and Cala Torta also have perfect, unspoilt and uncrowded beaches.

Heading south, near Canyamel are Arta’s caves, a dramatic network of underground chambers with names such as Hell and Purgatory and spooky special effects for visitors who take the guided tour.

This is an area for those seeking nature and tranquillity. The entry prices for properties are below the Mallorcan average, but are increasing as the region becomes more popular – especially the pretty fishing village of Colonia San Pere, which is a popular place for the Spanish to own holiday homes and also attracts many artists.

There are some beautiful rustic properties for sale in the Arta area. Apartments near the beach cost around 300,000 for a large, three-bedroom flat with wonderful views. Townhouses in the centre of Arta itself cost from 230,000 euros for a spacious, four-bedroom house. Fincas just outside the town cost from 500,000 euros.