Llevant (or Levante)
The Levante comarque, district or counti (Llevant, in Catalan) is a region in the northeast of Mallorca, Balearic Islands, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north and east, Es Pla de Mallorca to the west, and the Migjorn comarque or region to the south. It is known for its diverse landscape, which ranges from the sea to the mountains of the Sierra de Llevant. Its geography is strongly influenced by the Mediterranean on its northern coast, in contrast to the mountainous landscape of the Sierra.
Population and municipalities of the region
Capital: Manacor, the second largest city in Mallorca, located in the east of the island, is known for its rich history, its artificial pearl industry, and its connection with nature.
Municipalities: its municipalities and important localities include Artà, Capdepera, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar and Son Servera.
General characteristics of the region
The region combines tourism, especially on the coast, with local life, with towns such as Manacor (known for its pearl and furniture industries) and other important economic sectors. The area is popular both for tourism and for buying homes, and its development combines the traditional with the modern.
Geographical and landscape features
The Llevant is a region in the northeast of Mallorca characterized by its diverse landscape, ranging from the Sierra de Llevant with mountains and fertile valleys to a coastline of cliffs and sandy coves. It includes the Artà and Calicant mountain ranges. The Llevant peninsula stretches between Punta de Amer and Punta de Capdepera. It includes a mixture of mountainous areas, farmland, and coastline, with cliffs, coves, beaches, and dune systems. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild, humid winters.
Biodiversity of the Llevant region
Much of its territory is protected. The Llevant region of Mallorca has a high level of both terrestrial and marine biodiversity, home to the aforementioned Natural Parks and Marine Reserve (which protects seabeds with Posidonia oceanica meadows, coral reefs, and underwater caves).
The local vegetation includes garrigue, holm oak, wild olive, and pine forests, while the fauna consists of birds of prey such as the peregrine falcon and Eleonora’s falcon, mammals such as the hedgehog and the Mediterranean turtle, and a rich marine life with species such as the red lobster and the grouper.
Llevant district: Main attractions
The Llevant counti region of Mallorca offers a variety of attractions, including all its protected areas, ideal for hiking in its mountainous and coastal surroundings, and its famous coves and lagoons, perfect for snorkeling and enjoying the marine biodiversity, especially in the caves of Cap des Freu. Other points of interest are the Drach caves, Hams caves and Artà caves, as well as the fortified enclosure of Capdepera and the Sant Salvador Sanctuary in Artà. The area also has charming villages such as Cala Ratjada and Artà, as well as popular beaches such as Cala Mesquida and Cala Millor.
Gastronomy in the Llevant region
The cuisine of Llevant, as in the rest of Mallorca, is based on Mediterranean products such as pork, fish, and vegetables. Typical dishes include tumbet (roasted vegetables), Mallorcan soups (with pork and vegetables), arròs brut (spicy rice with broth) and frito mallorquín (fried meat or fish with potatoes and spices). Local products such as sobrasada, olive oil, ensaimadas, and wines from the island are also essential.
In towns such as Manacor, Porto Cristo, and Capdepera, you can find restaurants and cafes offering local cuisine. Manacor is famous for its connection to pearl manufacturing, while Porto Cristo has a charming promenade.
Hotels and accommodation in the Llevant district
The Llevant region of Mallorca offers a wide range of leisure activities, accommodation, and hotels, from family complexes to tourist accommodation such as luxury hotels, resorts, and rural options. The area stands out for its diversity, with options to suit all tastes, such as accommodation in historic villages, near coves, or for golf lovers. So, in the Llevant region of Mallorca, you can find the following…
Types of accommodation
Tourist apartments: Ideal for those looking to enjoy the mountainous nature and proximity to the sea.
Hotels: Llevant offers a wide range of options, including golf resorts that offer golf courses, swimming pools, and restaurants.
Rural accommodation: The area offers opportunities to stay in natural surroundings, either on the coast with coves or inland, near historic villages.
Things to think about when booking
Think about whether you’d rather be on the coast or inland to choose between places with direct beach access or quieter towns. Check if the services included in the price are what you’re looking for (e.g., pool access, spa, breakfast, etc.).
Consider any additional amenities offered, such as private terraces, shared kitchens, or gardens, to ensure a comfortable stay. Check reviews from other users to get a more accurate idea of the quality of the accommodations and the overall experience.
Where to find information
Online platforms: Websites such as Booking.com allow you to search and book a wide range of accommodations in the area.
Tourist offices: The tourist offices in the different municipalities in the region can provide specific information about local accommodations, especially smaller and lesser-known ones.
And that’s it for this brief overview about the Llevant (or Levante), one of the six comarques of Mallorca. We hope it helps.
By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island
