Canyamel

Canyamel - History:

Canyamel lies the east coast of Mallorca. Its name originates from the Latin 'Caput Patrea' which translates as Cape or head stone, a possible reference to the high sided headland jutting out into the sea at Mallorca's most easterly point

The name appears on nautical maps from the 13th century and is mentioned even earlier during the 10th century. Although once belonging to the municipality of Arta, Canyamel is now governed by Capdeperra.

The local inhabitants are known as 'gabellins' probably originating from the Arabic 'gabeli' meaning mountainous, or from the Catalan 'gabella' meaning a bundle of dwarf palm leaves. This theory seems most likely as the area is home to many dwarf palms. The dried leaves from these trees are used to make baskets, mats, fans and many other traditional products and this industry was the inhabitants sole source of income for many years.

In the 16th century sugarcane (Canyamel) was introduced into the area and although only grown for 7 years it gave rise to the name Canyamel.

Canyamel - Activities and beaches:

Canyamel has an abundance of leisure activities, due to its privileged coastal location and wide sandy beach offering a host of water sports. The Balearic Government declared it an 'area of special nature interest' and it is a haven for walking and cycling.

The fine white sandy beach of Canyamel is 290m long and 80m wide. It is one of the beaches in the Capdepera district that has been awarded a blue flag by the EEC for its cleanliness and the quality of the water.

For the sports enthusiast Mallorca is a golfer's paradise. The nicest golf courses on the island are in the area surrounding Capdepera; Canyamel golf course, Capdepera Roca Viva golf course, Pula golf course and Son Servera.

Tennis is also another popular pastime here and there are more than 90 ash courts, many with floodlighting and professional tutors. The area is also ideal for horseriding, especially around the area of Cala Mesquida, where you can explore open countryside dotted with pine trees in a traffic-free environment.

Alternatively, the tourist office has created a walking programme where everyone can enjoy the natural surroundings. The guided excursions are available from the middle of September until the end of June. There are 17 different routes to follow with a choice of half and full day duration.

Canyamel - Place of interest:

There are many defence towers on the island of Mallorca but the Torre de Canyamel is an outstanding example of conservation. Believed to be of Arab origin, its development is linked to the re-conquest of Mallorca by King Jaume I in 1230. The tower was built to control the coastline and to serve as a refuge for the inhabitants of Canyamel and as a defence against attacks by pirates and invaders.

The tower has undergone many alterations during its history. Once the risk of invasion had ended it was transformed into a property dedicated to farming. When the cultivation of sugarcane was introduced, in the second half of the 15th century, the defence tower changed its original name of Torre d'en Montso to its present one, Torre de Canyamel. The present owners, the Morell family are refurbishing the tower and recovering its historical past.

The tower enjoy lovely views over the Bay of Canyamel and parts of the municipalities of Capdepera, Arta and Son Servera. The tower has three floors plus a central turret. Torre de Canyamel is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Concerts are occasionally held there; also the owners are planning to install an artisan centre in the old buildings that surround the tower.

Canyamel - Our holiday accommodation and service:

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