The townsfolk of Esporles have travelled down to the hamlet of Establiments through Son Malferit and Sarrià estates since far distant times. As well as being a relatively direct route, Establiments belonged to the municipality of Esporles until 1837 and so many people went to work on the local estates. The little hamlet of S’Esgleieta can also be reached from here through Canet estate. This is a magnificent route, linking up public footpaths and tracks in surroundings conspicuous for their heritage and historical and scenic value.
Walking across the old municipality of Esporles
The route starts in front of Sant Pere Parish Church, travelling along Passeig del Rei and Carrer Joan Riutort to Camí des Rafal, which leads to Rafal des Capellans estate buildings. Then it turns right and climbs up to Coll de s’Heura hilltop, just below Son Ferrà estate houses.
Carretera des Verger then takes you close to Son Poquet estate buildings. This superb architectural ensemble used to belong to the Ferrà Poquet family and it features a splendid loggia on the upper floor.
A lovely cart track runs down from here to Sarrià estate. First it passes alongside Son Malferit estate buildings, which belonged to the Malferit family in medieval times and then to the Villalonga-Mir family. From the track, the façade of the main house and its agricultural and livestock buildings can be seen.
The route then passes alongside several fields of non-irrigated crops, with striking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, in particular Son Malferit crag and the peak of Puig des Voltor (496 m) to the east. This is one of the most fascinating sections of track in terms of its construction, with a drainage channel at the side. It also stands out for the drystone walls that flank it.
The track swiftly descends, leaving behind Son Llabrés estate buildings to the right. Soon it crosses En Barberà torrent, where some fine examples of traditional engineering features for carrying to water to Bunyolí can be seen.
Further down, the track passes Sarrià estate buildings. One of Mallorca's most emblematic estates, over the years, it belonged to the Armadans, Berard, Armengol and Llebrés d’Armengol families. From the path, part of its very stately façade can be seen.
The route takes you along Camí Can Xiscos and Camí Forn de Vidre to Establiments, just a few metres from Des Muntant restaurant. The hamlet, which now belongs to the municipality of Palma, used to be part of the old municipality of Esporles through to 1837. Then it was an independent one until 1919, when it became part of Palma. Most of the homes stand out for their rural architecture, with a ground and a first floor, plus a little yard or courtyard.
To reach S’Esgleieta (a hamlet in the municipality of Esporles), take Camí de can Maiol. After Son Morlà estate, turn right and walk past Can Maiol. When you reach Parc Bit, turn north and carry on to Ses Rotgetes de Canet housing estate. Take Camí de cas Ratat, close to Sa Casa Nova de Canet estate, and it will lead you to the Esporles road (Carretera d'Esporles). Five minutes later, you will come to S’Esgleieta.
