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The Southwest Region of Mallorca
In addition to this you’ll find a range of leisure activities unrivalled on the island, the infrastructure is excellent, the distance to the airport is relatively short and Palma is in close reach.
Port d’Andratx, with its picturesque harbour and the neighbouring villages of Cala Llamp and Camp de Mar, ranges amongst the most popular locations in the southwest. Well-known politicians and celebrities, as well as golfers, sailors, musicians and artists, are flocking here not only in summer but off-season as well. Many foreign property owners have decided to live here all year, despite the more tranquil times of year.This is due to the rise and variety of cultural highlights that keep Puerto Andratx lively all year. Properties range at the top end – luxury villas with stunning seaviews, apartments in the vibrant port or directly on the golf course, and traditional village houses.
In Andratx itself, which is about 5 minutes away from the harbour, plots and village houses in need of renovation are of interest to many buyers. Depending on their location, Andratx properties offer beautiful views over the countryside or harbour.
Further south, the coast becomes softer with fine sandy beaches and more touristy villages. Paguera, Costa de la Calma and Santa Ponsa offer beaches and swimming, countless restaurants, nightlife and hotels in all categories. Apartments which can be rented out to holiday makers are in high demand for property buyers looking to invest in this area.
Moreover, Santa Ponsa offers a multitude of golf properties; semi-detached houses or apartments in well-kept communities directly off the golf courses. The new devolopments in the quiet urbanisations between Nova Santa Ponsa and El Toro offer detached houses, beautiful communities and luxury villas, most built in the hills with splendid seaviews.
The demand for plots in these urbanisations has clearly risen during the last two years and the existing plots between properties are vanishing quickly.
If you would like to build your dream home here, best not to wait. In Sol de Mallorca the picture is very much the same, with demand for plots and properties rising quickly. Generally speaking, the urbanisations in this area have developed into exclusive village locations with a high standard of quality at an excellent cost/performance ratio.
Magaluf and Palma Nova attract primarily young and middle aged British clientel. Beach and leisure time fun is key. Magaluf, specifically, offers fun and nightlife for the young party crowd. The choice of restaurants, night and music clubs and pubs seems endless. As a result the property market focusses more on apartments for holiday rent. “The kind of client that decides to buy in Palmanova-Magaluf is normally British, middle aged and looking to buy a second residence for holidays” says Susana Parker of the Magaluf- based real estate agency Parker & Partner “The buyers come several times during the year and some of them plan to retire in Mallorca once they grow old”. Asked what attracts buyers most to this areas, she explains, “What they like best in this area are the beaches, the views, the friendly people and that large selection of restaurants, pubs, bars, shops and nightclubs – all within easy walking distance from their apartment.”
Off-season is much quieter in Magaluf and Palmanova than in the rest of the southwest. Most hotels, restaurants and discos close down in winter and it is difficult to rent out a holiday apartment all year. However, prices for rental during high season are high and can make up for the quieter months.
Portals, Bendinat and Costa d’en Blanes are highly popular with the international clientel, thanks to the exclusive yacht harbour of Puerto Portals.
The marina, with its elegant restaurants, bars, luxurious motor yachts and sailboats, draws a prominent and wealthy audience every year.
As a result, prices for property range in the top level.
Jacqui Nash owner of real estate agency Nash Homes in Portals explains: “Bendinat, Portals Nous and Puerto Portals are at the top of the most popular destinations for most people holidaying or buying on the island, based on their proximity to Palma, short transfer times to the airport, excellent golf courses at their doorstep ,and the exclusive marina. Besides,¨ she continues, “here they find 52 weeks of activity. The area is always busy and lively with restaurants and nightlife functioning all year round, unlike the east, north and south which are dead for 6 months of the year.”
For families, who relocate to Mallorca, the close proximity to the international schools is an important reason to chose this area. Costa d’en Blanes is an area mostly reserved for the finest and most luxurious villas, and a diverse selection of apartments can be found in Portals and Bendinat, some directly off the Bendinat golf course or in one of the condominiums overlooking the picturesque port of Portals.
In addition to new developments and newly-built houses, both Old Bendinat and Portals Nous offer an interesting selection of typical Mallorcan summer villas.
Inland from the coast are S’Arraco, Calvia and Es Capdellà where visitors arrive to a different world. Those who prefer tranquility and mountain scenery rather than the proximity to the beach will find also quiet villages and unspoilt nature. Calvià and Capdellà are very popular with the expatriots, who like the combination of the pristine Mallorcan way of life with a multitude of leisure and cultural activities at their doorstep. The property prices range in the upper level. The properties on offer are mainly traditional Mallorcan village houses and country cottages. Properties for renovation can still be found but most of the properties have already been renovated to accommodate the expectations of the upmarket clientel.
The mountain village of S’Arraco in the west attracts mainly those, who want to enjoy quietness and the unique beauty of the scenery. The best property locations offer splendid mountain views of the Tramuntana. The beach of Sant Elm (Telm) with the island of Dragonera and Port Andratx can be reached in a few minutes by car. There are only a limited number of properties on the market and the prices range in the medium to higher price level.
As part of our review of the best places to live in Mallorca we feature Port d’Andratx, an exclusive corner of the island offering cosmopolitan lifestyle in what has remained a picturesque fishing village.
One advantage of living on this beautiful Mediterranean island is the numerous ports and marinas that link the land to the crystal clear waters. Port d’Andratx, on Mallorca’s southwest coast is one location that, over the past 25 years, has welcomed a cosmopolitan invasion of locals and visitors, all of whom enjoy the smart boats, cool bars, boutique shopping and beautiful vistas of the harbour. Local real estate executive Heinrich von Goetz is busy selling properties to an international crowd of buyers and knows that the local environment simply sells itself.
“It’s by far the nicest village in Mallorca. There’s the natural harbour, fantastic restaurants, a good selection of shops, excellent marina”
and nice people – a good mixture of locals and international people all living in the same village.”
During the mid 80’s the port was the place to go, thanks to a certain Ms. Claudia Schiffer who was at the height of her supermodel stardom and could often be spotted at Tim’s Bar or eating dinner at Miramar (a favourite of King Juan Carlos). The steep hillsides that have always protected the port were yet to be developed but people were already buying property in the area, realising the potential of the surroundings.
Today the panoramas have changed, villas and apartments sit proudly on the hillsides and the sailing club has been joined by an excellent marina. The quayside offers a wide selection of bars, cafés and restaurants – most of which have several tables set close to the water. Tim’s Bar offers an array of beers on tap and if you like ice cream, try Gelateria Capri. Those in the know come to the port during the summer months, spoiling themselves with a cocktail before dinner while watching the sunset. Those who choose to stay longer certainly enjoy life at the water’s edge.
abc-mallorca profiles Bendinat, one of Mallorca’s most sought after addresses. Bendinat residents benefit from their location in all manner of ways. Local estate agents are all in agreement that Bendinat sells itself thanks to its infrastructure. “Living in Bendinat means being close to an excellent selection of facilities. Just 10 minutes away from Palma, in the sunniest part of the island where there’s an all-year round community enjoying great restaurants, beaches, good schools and top class properties”, says Andrew Spence, Marketing Director of Sa Vinya, Property Development.
Others agree. Pierce Broderick, branch manager of the Portals Nous office of Engels & Völkers knows that Bendinat has everything a potential client would look for. “You’re close enough to the airport and to Palma’s city centre. One of the island’s best golf courses is on your doorstep and in just five minutes you can be enjoying one of the most exclusive marinas in the Mediterranean – Puerto Portals.”
Current statistics from local agent Nash Homes Mallorca show that the British are the predominant buyers however Bendinat has attracted a wide range of nationalities creating a cosmopolitan mix of residents from all over Europe. Many are using their property as a second home but more and more families are realising the advantages of living here all year round. Rumour has it that one recent buyer paid 6000000 Euros for a house on Bendinat’s exclusive front line. It would seem that these select properties rarely come up for sale. Pierce Broderick (Engels &Völkers) admits that it´s very difficult to confirm “rumours”. “I believe I know the property in question and its location is the very best in Old Bendinat. ‘Old’ Bendinat is so exclusive as it consists of just 8-10 first line properties some of which are worth up to 12000000 Euros.” Location, location, location…
The Castle Bendinat was built in the 19th Century by the Marquis de la Romana (a Spanish General who famously defected from Napolean’s army). The construction is predominantly Medieval with neo-gothic and Central European influences. Today it is owned by one of Mallorca’s noble families and is sadly not open to the public. Some of the best views of the castle are enjoyed from Real Golf de Bendinat but even if you’re not a golfer you can walk within the course and see one of Calvià’s most spectacular landmarks for yourself.
About the Author
Dr. Helen Cummins is the Editor of abcMallorca Magazine a high quality guide to mallorca printed in three languages including informative Articles about Mallorca, up to date Events Guide and a Business Directory.
You can visit the abcMallorca website to read the original article about The Southwest region of Mallorca or related articles about Mallorca.
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