Cala Marcal, 2km south, has a wide sandy beach leading to a narrow rocky cove. Once the port for Manacor, Porto Cristo was the only place in Mallorca to be caught up in the Spanish Civil War, when it was briefly captured by Republican forces in 1936. Other nearby family attractions include an aquarium and a safari park. The neighbouring villages of Portol and Sa Cabaneta, between Palma and Santa Maria del Cami, have become something of an artists colony. Unlike in Deia and Banyalbufar, though, the artists are Mallorcan - potters taking advantage of the rich local soil.
Several artists specialise in the clay whistles called siurells.
You can stay in simple cells in the sanctuary here, but don't expect luxury - you pay extra if you take a shower. The caretaker will ruste up a paella to save you the long walk back to town. He came aged 40, shaken by an incident which caused him to review his way of life. Llull retired in isolation to Puig de Randa to ponder a life of youthful excess. These days pilgrims to Puig de Randa are as likely to be weekend cyclists in search of a challenge as seekers after religious truth.