“Fancy a bit of cave exploration?” I ask leading you towards the Cova de na Burguesa de sa Beiana o des Coloms. This isn’t just any cave. It is one of the largest in the Serra de na Burguesa.
The Serra de na Burguesa itself is quite a sight. It’s a mountain range forming the southern end of the Serra de Tramuntana. The range separates Calvià and Palma.
Historically, this area was known as Serra de Portopí. King James I even mentioned it in his chronicles. He thought Mallorca’s town was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Later, it was called Serra de Bendinat. This was due to the important Bendinat estate at the foot of the mountain.
Around 1590, Isabel Burgues owned Bendinat and acquired land on Portopí mountain. The mountain then became known as Na Burguesa. This name feminized her surname. The Serra de na Burguesa is divided into two parts. The southwest is the Serra de na Burguesa. It is also called Serra de Bendinat. The northeast includes the Serra de Son Camps and Serra de Son Marill.
Now about the Cova de na Burguesa de sa Beiana o des Coloms. The entrance is through a gallery. Today, vegetation obscures it. The gallery leads to the widest part of the cave. You can see where people extracted guano. The cave has other smaller entrances. Goats use one above the main opening for shelter.
There is another access. A small hole leads to a gallery. This gallery goes to a chamber. The chamber walls are very damaged. Dust rises with every step. But beyond lies a surprise. Another huge chamber awaits. It features many formations. Columns, stalagmites and flows decorate different levels.
Reaching the deepest part requires a rope. Parts of the cave are active. Others are not. Soldiers once knew this cave well. You might spot old writings and dates. Graffiti from times gone by adorns many corners.
The Serra de na Burguesa is made mainly of Mesozoic materials. These include limestone and dolomite. Below are gypsum and volcanic rocks. The Serra de na Burguesa has many caves and sinkholes. Speleologist Miquel Àngel Barceló has studied them.
Remember to respect this environment. Do not litter and keep noise to a minimum. This Cova de na Burguesa de sa Beiana o des Coloms offers a peek into the island’s geological and human history.