Discover Betlem: Coves and Hermitage

In the area around Betlem, two very different travel interests come together: small coastal coves and the Ermita de Betlem with its artistic and architectural history. Artà adds churches, a museum and performing arts to the mix. You can decide whether the coastline, culture or a combination of the two should shape your holiday.

Coves and coastal scenery

The Cales de Betlem are a group of small coves on the coast of Betlem. Betlem is five kilometres from Colònia de Sant Pere. The coves are characterised by sand, stone and rock; some are just a few metres across. From Betlem’s residential area of low-rise houses, an easy, comfortable walk of just a few minutes leads to the coves. This gives your day a practical focus if you’re looking for short walks to small stretches of coast.

The coastal landscape also includes Vellmarins Alts and Baixos, two underwater caves in the surrounding area. Their name refers to monk seals that lived in this area. So the coves invite you to notice more than just the sand, stone and rock: the names of the underwater caves also point to the area’s former wildlife.

The Ermita de Betlem: history and art

The Ermita de Betlem is in the area around Betlem, about ten kilometres from Artà and at an elevation of around 280 metres. It was founded in 1805 by members of the hermit communities of San Honorato de Randa and the Trinidad de Valldemossa, and inaugurated in 1818. Residents of Artà make an annual pilgrimage to the Ermita.

The single-nave interior includes a vaulted ceiling with frescoes depicting the Coronation of Mary by Francesc Parietti, the main altar and seven paintings by Manuel Bayeu (1740–1808) showing scenes from the life of Christ. Works by the sculptor Adrià Ferran (1774–1842) have also been preserved. Art lovers will find not only paintings here but also a clear historical connection: Ferran and Bayeu lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the same period in which the Ermita was founded.

Artà: churches and culture

In Artà, a walled complex, a sanctuary and the buildings of Es Donat form part of the Sant Salvador ensemble. Sant Salvador is the town’s emblematic landmark, set on a small hill overlooking the surrounding area. The present-day sanctuary was begun in 1825 and consecrated in 1832.

The parish church of the Transfiguration of the Lord stands on the slope of Sant Salvador hill, overlooking Artà. Built in the Neo-Gothic tradition, it was begun in 1573 to replace the medieval church dating from the 13th century, which had become too small. Its interior contains up to 14 small chapels, a 19th-century organ and 20th-century stained-glass windows. The different construction periods also make the church interesting for travellers who enjoy architecture and the history of a place.

Museum, stage and trails in Artà

The Artà Regional Museum displays stuffed birds and prehistoric objects from archaeological sites in the region, including Ses Païsses. The Teatre Municipal d’Artà regularly hosts theatre and other performing arts; it’s worth checking the programme before your trip for specific dates. The auditorium has 460 seats.

The Fira d’Artà also adds a seasonal highlight: it takes place on the second Sunday in September, from the morning until around 2 pm, and features, among other things, typical Mallorcan food products. Check the annual programme for your travel dates. For exploring on foot or by bike, there’s the Via Verde between Manacor and Artà. The 29-kilometre route follows a former railway line, is used for walking and cycling, and passes through Manacor, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Son Servera and Artà.

Choose the right focus

If you’re travelling with children or people with different interests, you can weigh up the small coves, the art at the Ermita, and Artà’s churches or museum exhibits as different things to discover. When choosing a holiday rental, consider whether you’d rather focus your stay on the coastal scenery around Betlem or on culture in Artà.

Discover more destinations: Colonia De Sant Pere

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