The old roman expression ‘caput petrae’ or stone head was the original name of Capdepera. From the fortress on the highest point of the village, one can enjoy spectacular views of the entire area, right from Cala Ratjada to Cala Mesquida. The town hall is situated in the old part of Capdepera and still maintains a medival character with its old mallorcan houses and narrow streets. Further in, one finds the recently opened ‘Museu de la Llata’ which has a permanent exhibition based on the activities of Mallorca’s pre-tourist days The exhibits describe the tradition of collecting dried and whitened palm leaves, cutting them into thin strips and using them to weave baskets and make brooms. Other than the comprehensive exhibition based on medieval times, there is a section dedicated to the palm tree, its uses and the products derived from it. Capdepera is definitely worth a visit!
Capdepera
castle
Capdepera
castle
Claper des Gegant This prehistoric talayotic village was studied and researched in depth at the end of the last century by the eminant French historian Emile Cartailhac. It is one of the best remaining talayots of this era. The remains include the outer wall, many well preserved rooms with the wide walls. The rooms with big exteriors but small interiors are typical of this kind of construction. This historic site is very close to the Canyamel’s golf course.
Es Claper Des Gegant
In the summer months each town and village on the island organises fiestas in honour of its patron saint. In addition, the council of Capdepera also organises a special fiesta: the ‘Mercado Medivial’ or Medivial Fair. It was first held in 2000 to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the capture of Mallorca by Jaime I from the Moors, and has become a popular tourist event. The festival is held over 3 days in May and this year was held from the 19th to the 21st. Capdepera provides an ideal setting for such an event with its old fortress, small streets and old houses. The festival is a must for all guests.
Mercado medieval (medival market)
Mercado medieval
(medival market)
Fiestas de Sant Antoni
(Saint Antony party)
Haciendo Llata en el castillo
Capdepera market photo.
Another new fiesta, the ‘Mostra de Llampuga’, celebrates the coming of the llampuga (dolphin fish). The llampuga is a seasonal fish and is caught between the months of September and November. The fisherman of Cala Ratjada are known for their big llampuga catches. This inspired the hotels, restaurants and fisherman of the area to organise a fiesta that is now held every year. Different dishes made from llampuga are on display and there is plenty of music, dance and fireworks to entertain visitors. If you are in Mallorca in September, don’t miss out on this incredible fiesta in Cala Ratjada’s port, just a short walk from the Bellavista Hotel.
"Llampuga" fish
"Llampuga" fish
"Llampuga" fish
Fiestas del Carmen.-
The Virgin Carmen is the patron saint of fisherman. For one week in july a celebration is held in her honour and is organised by the local fisherman. Visitors are treated with special musical events, gastronomical evenings, a boat procession and a fireworks display!
Fiestas de Sant Roc y San
Bartolomeu.- The Festival of San Roc is held in Cala Ratjada on the 16th of August. It is celebrated in the main town square, the ‘Plaza de los Pinos’, where guests can enjoy folk dances and musical groups. Soon after, on the 24th of August, we celebrate the Festival of San Bartomeo. It is hosted in Capdepera and is a great opportunity for guests to experience ‘Noche de Foc’ or the Night of Fire. Musical shows and other activites are held daily in the main square. Cala Ratjada’s harbour is beautifully lit up and the fortress in Capdepera is illuminated for the festival.
On the road to Canyamel, one finds the ‘Torre de Canyamel’, once a defence tower and today one of the oldest on the island. The tower was used as an observation post to protect the fertile lands of Canyamel from invaders.
