Two new hostels, located in protected areas and surrounded by nature, will be available to the public from mid-January. The Government is expanding its network of IBANAT refuges with the addition of two new emblematic sites: the Betlem refuge, located in the former Betlem houses on the public estate of Es Canons; and the Can Cano refuge, in the Mondragó Natural Park. Both will offer ten beds each. Reservations will operate under the same system as the others, with advance booking online.
The manager of IBANAT, Tomeu Llabrés, confirmed this to our sister newspaper Ultima Hora. Regarding the refuge located at Es Canons, he explained that “after the purchase of the public estate, most of the buildings of the former barracks were transferred to the Artà Town Council for use four years ago, but a section was reserved with the aim of opening a refuge. It is now fully adapted for use and in two or three weeks it will be possible to make reservations.” Users will also have access to a recreational area with benches and tables. There will be a single shared dormitory for the ten guests.
The Government purchased the public estate of Es Canons in 2018 for €6.7 million, which included the Casas Velles, the former Betlem barracks and a heliport. It has been designated an Area of Special Interest since 2000. The Town Council will continue to manage the main building, which is reserved for workshops, meetings, children’s holiday camps and other community uses.
Meanwhile, and around the same dates, lovers of nature tourism will be able to enjoy a restored site. This is the emblematic caseta de roter of Can Cano, in the Mondragó Natural Park, which is reopening after refurbishment. It is a small stone building, perfectly integrated into its surroundings.
The IBANAT manager also announced that during 2026 the Gorg Blau refuge will open, located in the Serra de Tramuntana Natural Area, which is currently undergoing a series of structural repairs.