A Talayotic settlement beside the south-coast road, with five massive dry-stone towers and the outlines of twenty-eight houses. Follow the paths between the walls for a close look at prehistoric Mallorca.
Capocorb Vell
Capocorb Vell in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
- Worth visiting for
- A short visit
- Best for
- An interest in Mallorca's prehistoric settlements
- Best months
- January–June, September–December
- Time to allow
- Around an hour
- Without a car
- Hire car needed
- Parking
- Parking at the entrance
- Keep in mind
- Arriving without checking the opening days, especially on a Thursday
- Access
- Pushchairs: Not practical around much of the site · Wheelchairs: Uneven terrain makes access difficult
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
Olive trees grow among the ancient walls.
The paths take you between the walls of the settlement.
An upright stone within the site; its purpose is not certain.
Getting to know Capocorb Vell
Does Capocorb Vell suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- An interest in Mallorca's prehistoric settlements
- A stop on the way to Cala Pi or the south coast
- Families who enjoy exploring ancient sites on foot
- A short archaeological visit with plenty to see
Things to bear in mind
- Arriving without checking the opening days, especially on a Thursday
- Expecting a large indoor museum
- A midday visit in high summer; there is little shade
- Anyone who finds uneven ground difficult
Drive from the airport
35 minutes
32 km
Bus connections
No convenient direct connection
Region
Migjorn
Nearest beach
Cala Pi
4 km
Elevation
90 m
above sea level
Season guide for Capocorb Vell
November Worth a visit
Very quiet Open
Worth visiting in January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
Location
Location of Capocorb Vell
- Region
- Migjorn
- Municipality
- Llucmajor
- Elevation
- 90 m above sea level
- Airport
- 32 km , around 35 minutes
- Hire car
- needed
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.3976,2.8243
What is Capocorb Vell?
Capocorb Vell is a settlement from the Talayotic period, around twelve kilometres south of Llucmajor beside the road towards Cala Pi. Its substantial remains make it an important site for discovering prehistoric Mallorca.
What you can see
There are five towers, three round and two square, built from massive stone blocks without mortar. Around them are the foundations of twenty-eight houses, with olive trees and dry grass between the walls.
This is an outdoor archaeological site rather than an indoor museum with display cases and films. Follow the permitted paths through the settlement and take time to look at how the buildings fit together.
Standing beside a talayot makes its scale immediately clear. The size of the blocks and the effort needed to place them are impressive even before you start reading about the people who built them.
Planning your visit
Check current opening hours and admission before travelling. Thursday has traditionally been the closing day; do not rely on an old timetable or ticket price.
There is a small bar at the entrance. Bring water for your visit rather than depending on it being open.
When to come
March and October are good months for a comfortable walk around the site. A clear winter day can be lovely too, with fewer visitors.
In high summer, there is very little shade. Come early, carry water and avoid the midday heat.
Photographs
Capocorb Vell in Mallorca
How much time do you have?
Things to do in Capocorb Vell
Three hours
Walk around the towers and house foundations, then continue to the coast at Cala Pi.
Half a day
Combine the settlement with Cala Pi and its coastal tower, or a visit to Llucmajor.
A full day
Allow around an hour here, then make it part of a wider day out.
On a rainy day
It is an outdoor site, and the ground can become slippery in rain.
Practical details
- Parking
- Parking at the entrance
- Time to allow
- Around an hour
- Good to know
- Check current opening hours and admission before travelling; Thursday has traditionally been the closing day. There is a small bar at the entrance, but bring water rather than relying on it being open.
- Bus
- No convenient direct connection; check current services if travelling without a car
- Access
- Uneven natural ground and stone thresholds between the walls · Pushchairs: Not practical around much of the site · Wheelchairs: Uneven terrain makes access difficult · Dogs: Check admission rules and keep dogs on a lead
- What you will not find
- Guaranteed daily opening · A large indoor museum or exhibition · Plenty of shade · A convenient direct bus connection
- Coordinates
- 39.3976,2.8243 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
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Where to swim nearby
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Your questions answered
Your questions about Capocorb Vell
How old is Capocorb Vell?
Capocorb Vell is a prehistoric settlement from Mallorca's Talayotic period. Its substantial surviving buildings make it an important place to explore the island's early history.
What is a talayot?
A tower-like structure built from large stone blocks without mortar. Talayots give the Talayotic culture its name, although the purpose of every tower is not known. Capocorb Vell has five, three round and two square, alongside the remains of twenty-eight houses.
When is Capocorb Vell open and how much does it cost?
Check the current opening hours and ticket price before visiting. Thursday has traditionally been the closing day. A small bar stands at the entrance, but bring your own water in case it is closed.
Is it worth visiting with children?
Yes, if they enjoy exploring old buildings and imagining life in the past. Stay on permitted routes and do not climb on the walls. The ground is uneven, pushchairs are awkward and there is little shade.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Capocorb Vell?
Recommended months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December. Often quiet, with pleasant conditions for exploring on a clear day.
Is Capocorb Vell worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. Usually quiet. It can be very hot with little shade. Come in the morning and bring water and sun protection. August: worth considering with some reservations. Usually quiet. It can be very hot with little shade. Come in the morning and bring water and sun protection.
How far is Capocorb Vell from Palma airport?
About 32 km from Palma airport. Allow roughly 35 minutes by car. Beside the Ma-6014, around twelve kilometres south of Llucmajor on the approach towards Cala Pi. Parking is available at the entrance.
Do I need a hire car for Capocorb Vell?
A car is needed No convenient direct connection; check current services if travelling without a car
Where can I park in Capocorb Vell?
Parking at the entrance
Can I visit Capocorb Vell with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Uneven natural ground and stone thresholds between the walls Pushchairs: Not practical around much of the site Wheelchairs: Uneven terrain makes access difficult
Are dogs allowed at Capocorb Vell?
Check admission rules and keep dogs on a lead
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.