„Pirates in sight!“ was a terrifying alert for hundreds of years, when the island was repeatedly raided by corsairs. Until, in the late 16th century, watchtowers were built along the entire coastline. The talaies on Mallorca formed a network of outlooks and points of communication. What used to be essential to protect the island from invaders is now an attractive destination for hikes and excursions. Fire and Smoke As soon as a potential attacker was sighted, the watchmen on the tower either…
Watch Out: Torre Picada
It’s just an easy hike, but exciting nonetheless. The ancient watchtower Torre Picada is part of a network of observation posts that formed an early warning system around the entire island. Not far from Port de Sóller, the climb takes barely half an hour. The narrow road winds slowly up and soon turns into an unpaved path. Past terraced slopes with old and twisted olive trees, the view becomes more impressive after each bend. Once you arrive at the tower a rare panorama of the Tramuntana…