Betlem: Coves and the Nearby Ermita
Accommodation in Betlem
When planning a stay in Betlem, you can consider the coastal landscape and nearby culture as distinct focal points. On the coast of Betlem are the Cales de Betlem, a group of small coves; the Ermita de Betlem is also nearby. Artà is the wider destination and adds its own cultural and recreational options to the local context.
Coastal Landscape Around Betlem
The Cales de Betlem are a group of small coves with sand, stones and rocks on the coast of Betlem. They are five kilometres from Colònia de Sant Pere. Some of the coves are only a few metres across. From the residential area of low-rise houses in Betlem, an easy, comfortable walk of a few minutes leads to the coves. Vellmarins Alts and Baixos are underwater caves; their name refers to monk seals that lived in this area.
The Ermita de Betlem: History and Art
The Ermita de Betlem is nearby, about ten kilometres from Artà and at an altitude 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. The single-nave interior features a vaulted ceiling with frescoes of the Coronation of Mary by Francesc Parietti, the main altar and seven paintings by Manuel Bayeu depicting scenes from the life of Christ. It also preserves works by the sculptor Adrià Ferran (1774–1842) and the painter Manuel Bayeu (1740–1808). Residents of Artà make an annual pilgrimage to the Ermita. A single-nave church has an interior consisting of just one nave.
Culture and Recreation in the Wider Destination of Artà
In the wider destination of Artà, the regional museum displays stuffed birds and prehistoric objects from archaeological sites in the region, including Ses Païsses. The Teatre Municipal d’Artà regularly offers a programme of theatre and other performing arts; its auditorium has 460 seats. If you are interested in a performance, check the dates in the programme before your trip.
The Via Verde between Manacor and Artà is a 29-kilometre former railway line used for walking and cycling. It passes through the municipalities of Manacor, Sant Llorenç des Cardassar, Son Servera and Artà. This offers a choice of different ways to get around: a walk of a few minutes to the coves in Betlem and a longer route for walking or cycling.
The Fira d’Artà takes place on the second Sunday in September, from the morning until around 2 pm, and features typical Mallorcan foods, among other things. Check the annual programme for the Fira before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Colonia De Sant Pere
Back to the wider travel overview: Arta.
