Porto Mari
18-08-2009
Porto Mari has many easily accessible walking routes, diverse landscapes and a variety of vegetation including bromeliads, aloe, agave, wild orchids, a variety of dome-shaped cacti, even coconut palms and other large fruit trees reminiscent of the former plantation. The Kibrahacha (broken arrow) tree can also be found on the slopes. During the rainy season the tree's blossoms form a carpet of yellow flowers in the valley. Along Saliña Abou at Daaibooibay where palm trees and other salt loving plants grow, the flamingoes can often be spotted foraging in the saltponds. Most of the trails lead to a hilltop and/or ruins of waterwells, drinking basins, storage rooms and the plantation house which was built in the second half of the eighteenth century. Shortly after the departure of the last inhabitants in 1935, lightning struck and the landhouse was turned into an uninhabitable ruin.
Duration: 60 minutes, about 6 km,
or 40 minutes, about 3 km
The Porto Mari beach is excellent for diving, swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear can be rented at the beach. The bar restaurant is well recommended for lunch, drinks or snacks. Porto Mari has another small sandy beach called Playa Hunku which is accessible by foot.