Photographer: Iñaki Pérez de Albéniz
The Llevant Natural Park is located in the north east of Mallorca, at the end of the Llevant peninsula, within the municipality of Artà. The park covers an area of 1,576 hectares within the public land of Albarca, Es Verger and S´Alqueria Vella. It is a mountainous zone whose vegetation has been damaged by fire, due to the fact that in the past fire was used to regenerate pasturelands; there is an abundance of the autochthonous Mediterranean fan palm and reeds here. The agricultural activity here consisted of unirrigated crops and extensive livestock rearing, principally ovine. Now it is possible to see autochthonous cows here. The other species of fauna to be found here include Hermann´s tortoise and a large number of birds, such as Eleonora´s falcon.
One of the main attractions for visitors are the unspoilt beaches within the park – Es Matzoc, Cala Font Celada and S´Arenalet d´Albarca. This link gives directions on how to get to these beaches.
Within the park, the following accommodation options are available, and these can be reserved at the Park Office, Plaça de l´Ajuntament d´Artà, tel: +34 971 829 219 or +34 971 836 828.
Les Cases d´Albarca are the old houses of the estate of Albarca, with capacity for 12 people in 6 double rooms, all with a fully-fitted bathroom. There is also a fully-equipped kitchen and a dining room. Short-stay reservations are available.
La Caseta des Oguers was the old accommodation for the stable boys. There is room for 10 guests in 3 double rooms and one four-person room with two fully-fitted bathrooms. It has a fully-fitted kitchen with coking rings, utensils, a gas-powered fridge, living room and storage area.
Camping area; this space has capacity for 30 people and 7 tents. It is located near the La Caseta des Oguers in a pine wood at the foot of the surrounding mountains and only 500 m from the beach of S´Arenalet d´Albarca.
La Caseta de S´Arenalet, which was used as a summer house by the owners of the estate, is located at the beach of S´Arenalet d´Albarca. Today it is a public refuge with places for 18 people in 3 twin rooms and 3 four-person rooms with fully-fitted bathrooms. There is a communal kitchen with cooking rings, utensils, a gas-powered fridge and hot water.
In 2002, when this natural park was denominated as such, most of the area – occupying most of the peninsula of Llevant as well as the municipal districts of Artà, Son Servera, Capdepera, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar and Santa Margalida – was privately owned. The strong opposition to the park from some landowners meant that the Government of the Balearic Islands had to reduce the area which it covered, including only public land and those private lands whose owners wished to form a part of it; this meant a reduction of over 90% of the land to be protected.
A family weekend at Caseta Oguers
I spent a wonderful weekend with my daughter and 2 other families in the Refugio of Oguers in the middle of February this year. The Natural park is a beautiful, tranquil spot and the refuge affords a stunning view onto the coastline below. The walk in was a little tiring for our children, aged between 6 and 10, so make sure you utilise the transportation of gear by the consell de Mallorca for food and water supplies and remember you have to carry EVERYTHING out except rubbish. It took us 2.5hrs to walk in. The beach below was as crystal clear as anything I have seen in the Carribean and empty of people. PERFECT!The refuge itself is equipped with pillows, good beds & blankets and basic condiments in the kitchen. The open fire was fantastic and great for bbqs ( wood is provided). Remember towels, soap and toilet paper. The only negative comment was the lack of signs. NOT one at the trailhead, so take a map. Enjoy the peace.