Carabineer Houses

The Son Real Carabineer Houses bear witness to the historical surveillance of the coastline and the importance this coast held for maritime control, particularly during the post-war period.

These structures were linked to the *Carabineros* corps, a force responsible for coastal and border surveillance, as well as the suppression of smuggling and tax evasion. In a coastal area like Son Real—open to the Bay of Alcúdia and featuring stretches of undeveloped coastline—these checkpoints played a crucial role.

In the post-war period, smuggling was part of a social and economic reality defined by scarcity, restrictions, and the struggle for survival. The coast became a sensitive area, used for the clandestine movement of goods and activities that evaded official oversight. Against this backdrop, the *Cases des Carrabiners* served as surveillance and control points for an extensive, open coastline that was difficult to monitor.

Today, the *Cases des Carrabiners* offer a glimpse into a lesser-known side of Son Real: a coastline that has been monitored and utilized for a wide variety of purposes over time. Integrated into the estate’s natural setting, they provide a historical perspective that complements the landscape of pristine beaches, dunes, paths, and archaeological sites.