Spectacular San Telmo

Mallorca Walking Holidays in San Telmo – 12th to 19th May, 2012

I arrived about 9.30am at Palma airport from Gatwick and soon met our leader for the week, George. I was surprised to hear that I was the only one to be transferred to San Telmo, but George assured me that there were 8 others on the holiday. The trip from airport to San Telmo took less than an hour and I was soon installed in my room.

The Hostal Dragonera is well situated in the village. A small supermarket and a baker for buying a sandwich for your packed lunch are almost immediately opposite. From the hostal there are steps down to a sun terrace, and further steps directly to the sea, if you fancy a dip. If you prefer, the sandy beach is just 5 minutes’ walk down the main street.

My single room at the Hostal was pleasant: well decorated, with en suite WC and shower, and aircon. It was not huge but perfectly adequate for me.

Meals at the Hostal Dragonera were very good. The evening meal comprised of a choice of starter and main course plus a very tempting and delicious dessert buffet. The dining room has excellent sea views. The buffet breakfast was also fine.

San Telmo is a pleasant and quiet village. There are a number of restaurants and bars, plus gift shops. We didn’t try many restaurants because our evening meals were in the hostal, but the Italian almost opposite the Dragonera was popular for lunch and an after-dinner drink (or two).

The walks were graded D or D+. They were quite varied, taking in some spectacular coastal scenery. On different days the walks took in local villages, a deserted former Trappist monastery, a yachting port and the historic town of Valldemossa. We were generally back at San Telmo around 4.30pm. Also look out for wildlife: seabirds, lizards and some beautiful wild flowers.

One of the highlights was on a spectacular coastal walk when we were walking up a quite steep section. We were, of course, wearing walking boots, carrying water, packed lunches, first aid kit, cagoules in case of a shower etc.

We met no less than 100 children aged around 13 on a school day trip coming down! They were clearly having a great time and we stopped to chat with them. They were wearing trainers or plimsolls and carrying… nothing!

On the ‘day off’ some people visited the Island of Dragonera, a short boat ride from San Telmo. They enjoyed this, especially walking to the lighthouses and seeing the varied wildlife. I chose, with some others, to visit the nearby town of Andratx by service bus and then onto the nearby Port Andratx, again by bus.

As it was a Wednesday, there was a large bustling street market in Andratx, with much local produce on sale. There was a delightful garden bar in the centre, which was a welcome oasis from the crowds! Port Andratx is quite a contrast, obviously popular with the ‘yachting set’ with its large marina, plus smart port side restaurants and bars. We were lucky that the tall ship, Sir Robert Baden Powell was in port.

Overall all it was a splendid holiday, fine walks, good accommodation, helpful and friendly leader and lively company. It can be combined with a week in Soller. People who had done this found both to be enjoyable and complimentary.
I will long remember the fine walks, excellent weather and views like my final photo of Dragonera Island from the Trappist monastery.

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