General Information
Colonia Sant Jordi is a very quiet holiday resort, that was originally established in 1879 as an agricultural and fishing colony. For this reasons many of the locals still consider this to be the “new town”. Tourists first started to arrive in the late 1950′s, and since then the town has undergone a steady but controlled growth.
The original fishing harbour still exists, and if you can get there early enough, at 9.30am everyday a small ferry sails for the short trip over to the island of Cabrera. This tiny rocky island, whose name translates into English as “Goat Island”, measures only 4 miles x 3 miles, was designated a National Park in 1991. As a result, there is absolutely no commercial development, not even a restaurant to grab a bite of lunch. The island of Cabrera does however have a very colourful history. It was once a haven for pirates and even served as a prisoner of war camp during the Napoleonic Wars. You can also visit the island with your own yacht, but you’ll need to obtain prior permission. Only 50 boats are allowed in the harbour per day, and this is the only legal mooring place.
The municipal district of Ses Salines has traditionally always played an important part in Majorcan history. Its name literally translates as a “source of salt”, and records show that as far back as Roman times salt was being extracted from the area. Also in recognition of this historic heritage, the salt flats have now been incorporated into the regional coat of arms.
The residential town of Ses Salines is situated approximately 7km inland from the coast has a modern spacious feel, and the local parish church dedicated to the town’s patron saint, Sant Bartomeu, was only completed at the turn of the century. Being quite a flat area of the coast, this also provides a useful point of reference for the yachtsmen and fishermen offshore.
The beach of Sa Platja des Port is located next to the marina and fishing port of Colonia Sant Jordi, and despite being quite small, offers excellent facilities. However, either side of the town are the fabulous beaches of Ets Estanys, Es Trenc, Es Dolç and Es Carbó, which are widely regarded as being the best beaches on the island. For those of you who don’t know, Es Trenc is the also the most popular nudist beach on Majorca.
For those visitors to Majorca who believe that even the resort of Cala San Vincente is now becoming too commercialised for their liking, then the village Colonia Sant Jordi on the south east coast of the island may be just what you they are looking for.
For those of you not too familiar with the island, Colonia Sant Jordi, which if only to confuse things is also known in some guide books as “Port de Campos”, is the principal coastal development of the municipal district of Ses Salines which is on the extreme south east corner of Majorca.
Tags: Majorca
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