Communication between neighbouring towns was just as important in the past as it is today, particularly when one town depended administratively on another, as is the case of Banyalbufar, which was dependent on Esporles. Medieval documents confirm the existence of a direct route between the two towns, known back then as Carraria de Banyalbahar. Centuries later, that vital pass would become known as Camí des Correu (the Postal Road) as it served as an administrative link between both towns, with its use continuing well into the 20th century.
Two towns, one link
The route starts in front of Sant Pere Church in Esporles, next to which a street begins called Carrer Costa de Sant Pere. Once it has passed Bellavista estate house, the route crosses a flat area of terrain called Pla de Can Dardal. Next it crosses Sant Pere torrent over the single-arched Pont de sa Turbina bridge. Then it travels up alongside the irrigation channel from Font Major spring, known in medieval times as Font de Déu. Following on from this, it runs along the main road close to Sa Granja, one of the most important estates in the municipality and, indeed, in the whole of Mallorca. Before the 1229 conquest, it was known as Alpic. Later, it belonged to monks from La Real Monastery and then to the Vida and Fortuny de Ruescas families.
Before Camí des Correu leaves the municipality of Esporles, it features a magnificent cobbled section, renovated some years ago by the Consell de Mallorca. When you cross the first gate, you are in the municipality of Banyalbufar, beside Ses Mosqueres estate.
The next section goes round Ses Mosqueres wood, passing a superb example of a limestone kiln. Then it travels up to Sa Potada des Cavall hilltop. In the middle of the path, a rock with a panhole can be seen, where, according to legend, King James took one of his magical leaps from Mallorca to the mainland.
The path continues through a charming holm oak wood. It passes several sites traditionally used for making charcoal and then, on the right, a big threshing floor called S’Era des Moro, where sharecroppers used to take their wheat to thresh it.
Once you have crossed over Coll des Pi hilltop, another cobbled section takes you down to Son Sanutges estate.
The last part of the route has a tarmac surface, with views of Banyalbufar's dry-stone walled terraces. After Font de la Vila spring, it reaches Son Albertí estate buildings, where there is still a magnificent open irrigation pond. After passing the properties Son Vives, Son Borguny and Cas Batle Negre, the route comes to an end in Banyalbufar's main square, Plaça de la Vila.
