Coveringa surface of around 1405 square miles, Mallorca is the largest of the
Balearic Islands. In the northwest lies the Sierra del Norte, a rough
mountain range comprised of scarcely vegetated lime rocks ranging in
height from 1070 to 1525 meters. At the east and south east coast there
are many small sandy beaches surrounded by rocky bays (Calas) and lots
of dripstone caves. In the inlands you will find sloping and fertile
plains. The west coast and north cape (Cabo Formentor) consist of
spectacular rock formations with capricious structure and steep cliffs.
Mallorca offers different residential areas where you can find luxury
holiday rental villas, houses, homes and apartments.
Mallorca - Balearic Islands - Spain
General information about Mallorca
The
Mallorca coastline varies from outstretched beaches to numerous bays
and steep cliffs. The beaches are mostly sandy. The sea is calm and has
a delightful temperature in the June to October season. A cool ocean
breeze provides some pleasant freshness during the hot Summer months.
The southwest coast of the island is the most visited area. The largest
sand beach can be found in Palma bay.
Es Pla, a large fertile
inland plain, is an agricultural area with various kinds of agriculture
and horticulture. Mallorcan nature and wildlife are typically
Mediterranean; there are many kinds of birds, wild vegetation and
flowers. Some bird reservations and a water-abundant natural reserve
are located in the vicinity of Alcudia. The Puig Major is the highest
mountain peak at 1445 meters.
Although tourism provides for Mallorca's main source of income, the
agricultural, mining and fishing industries also provide a significant
means of existence. Grapes, wheat, flax, and olives are the most
important products. In addition pigs and sheep are held. Marble,
copper, and lead are the most important metals and minerals.
The
Balearic island range forms an autonomous region and province of Spain.
The Balearics consist of four large islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza ,
and Formentera) and eleven smaller islands. The most important
industrial products are shoes, majolica-porcelain and pearls.
The Balearics have been a well-visited holiday destination for several
decades. When tourism started to grow during the fifties and sixties,
Mallorca quickly became a popular holiday destination. Its success is
self-explanatory. Whatever it is you expect to find in a holiday
destination in southern Europe, Mallorca has it all. Beautiful beaches,
nature in abundance, small cosy fisherman villages, and of course
lively beach resorts.
Years ago Mallorca was taken for a cheap mass tourism destination. Much
has changed since then on Mallorca, and now the island offers
everything a holiday maker is looking for. Ranging from exclusive
villas in remote getaways to the 'beer and chips' culture resorts,
Mallorca has it all.
The most popular resorts are around Palma
bay, with many of the German tourists visiting S'Arenal while the
British often visit the Nova Magaluf and Palma.
In the north
are more exclusive options for holiday makers. Puerta Pollensa for
instance, is a popular destination for holiday villa rentals.
Geographically the island offers an overwhelming landscape and its
inlands are amongst the jewels of the Mediterranean Sea region.
Harbouring spectacular mountains and hidden bays, these sections of the
island are rarely visited by the average tourist. Your journey through
the Serra de Tramuntana, from Soller to the harbour of d'Andratx, is
one of the most beautiful excursions you will ever experience. The
capital of Mallorca is Palma, only minutes away from the airport.
Palma
has a nice historical city centre characterised by an enormous Gothic
cathedral. Most tourists hardly ever pay a visit to the city and
deprive themselves of one of the most significant sights of the island.
Offering hot summers and mild winters, Mallorca is a tourist
destination for all seasons. Transavia, EasyJet, RyanAir, Air Berlin,
and virtually all other European carriers offer cheap flights turning
Palma s Son Sant Joan into one of Spain´s busiest airports.
Autumn
is the nicest time to visit Mallorca; most tourists have gone home and
the climate is still very pleasant. In springtime, one can enjoy mild
temperatures and the splendour of the island with six million almond
trees in full blossom.
Puerto Pollensa
Puerto Pollensa, with its sandy beach, is stretched along a gorgeous
bay at Mallorca's north coast. It is established around the fishing
port that offers access to the magnificent ancient Roman city of
Pollensa, situated only a few kilometres inland. A bit more inland, and
more quiet, are Nova Mafalluf and Palma . However, families often
decide to take to Puerto Pollensa and Cala San Vicente. The cafs,
restaurants and tourist shops, combined with the nice hotels, wide
sandy beach, and the bay filled with the colourful sails of impressive
yachts and all add op to a sure recommendation.
Alcudia
Alcudia lies in the north of the island and fulfills all expectations
from a vacation on a Spanish island. The fortified city of Alcudia
hosts runes from Roman times and a fabulous Sunday market at which the
city's streets are filled with curious boutiques selling traditional
goods.
One of Alcudia's most visited sights is the harbour district. Alcdia
was founded by the Phoenecians making it the oldest city of Mallorca.
The
monuments scattered throughout all of Alcudia are definitely worth a
visit. The Roman bridge still serves as traffic bridge. The limestone
watchtowers along the coastline were once mechanisms of defence used
for spotting pirate ships. The old town of Alcudia consists of
close-knit rows of narrow streets and is surrounded with walls dating
back to the 14th century. When visiting the old town, it is best if you
park your car at the south side of the city and walk around the walls.
Public transport/Connections on Mallorca
Mallorca has a very extensive, reliable, and affordable network of
coaches reaching nearly every town and village. There is also a train
connection between Palma and Soller.
A word of caution: public transportation only runs until approximately 9 pm.
Infrastructure of Mallorca
The network of roads is generally good. Roads in the inlands are often
narrow and delimited by semi-high stone walls. There are no deviating
traffic rules. Taxis are generally affordable.
Some advice: ask
for the price before getting into the taxi. Every driver has a price
list in the car which they have to show when so requested. At night
there is a 10% surcharge.
Car rental on Mallorca
The minimum age of the driver is 21, and the driver should have at least two years of driving experience.
Points of Interest
Similar to all other countries around the Mediterranean Sea, the
population of Mallorca lives outdoors. Large warm meals are consumed in
the afternoon, followed by a siesta during the hottest hours of the
day, during which most shops are closed. Traditional towns can mostly
be found inland (with the exception of Palma ). A visit to these is
definitely worthwhile, as they turn Mallorca into an even nicer island
than its sun, sea, and beaches already do.
Traditional customs come to life at feasts and festivals. In a number of towns one can witness bullfights. 
Those who enjoy life on the plains will welcome the fincas (old farm
estates) that have been adjusted to accommodate tourists. Mills and
windmills characterize the inlands. In these towns one may often find
old houses with a patio (a roofless inner courtyard), and nearly all
houses have green shutters in front of the windows to keep out the sun.
Activities on Mallorca
Mallorca offers many kinds of possibilities for sport-loving tourists.
First, the island is ideal for cycling. This is because Mallorca has
many mountains, of varying difficulty levels, offering a big challenge
for the well-trained cyclist. Whoever sets out from El Arenal by bike
will discover a completely different side of Mallorca , full of
contrasts, with plains and mountains, with unique landscapes and
panoramic views.
Beyond the shoreline lies a fascinating inland with picturesque
villages, culture, and traditions left behind throughout the centuries
by Mallorca's Roman, Moor, and Castilian ancestors. Cyclists provide a
good source of income for Mallorca , because the cycling tourist often
comes during the low-season to avoid mass tourism.
Another
sporty alternative is a scuba diving holiday. Mallorca offers good
possibilities. This phenomenon is gaining in popularity with today's
tourists, with the youth in particular. On Mallorca one can participate
in a range of scuba diving courses. At Mallorca 's east coast there are
particularly beautiful coral reefs where you can scuba dive and
snorkel.
Golf on Mallorca
During your stay in a
holiday house, holiday villa, or finca, you might wonder if there's a
way to practice your swing in a good game of golf. Well, there is! Most
holiday houses, villas, and fincas are located near one or more golf
courses. Mallorca is well known for its many golf courses. 'Taking a
swing' between palm trees on the sloping green greens will be a welcome
activity during your holidays.
| 1. Capdepera Golf 2. Canyamiel Golf 3. Pula Golf 4. Son Servera Golf 5. Villa D'or Golf 6. Son Antem West Golf 7. Son Antem oost Golf 8. Maioris Golf 9. Son Gaul 10. Golf Park 11. Son Quint Golf 12. Son Vida Golf 13. Son Muntaner Golf 14. Bedinat Golf 15. Poniente Golf 16. Santa Ponsa Golf 17. Andratx Golf 18. Son termens Golf 19. Pollensa Golf 20. Alcanada Golf |
Cuisine of Mallorca
It
comes as no surprise that fish and shellfish play an important part in
Mallorcan cuisine, and whether paella is originally a local dish is no
longer relevant, as tourism has turned it into one. Bouillabaisse has
its local variant named sopa de pescador, and it contains plenty of
onions, garlic, tomatoes, and olive oil. Tumbet is the name given to
the Mallorcan tortilla, and is made of zucchini, eggs, peppers, onions
and potatoes.
Each year in May, a gastronomical week is
organized in Palma for the promotion of local dishes and wines, all of
which can of course be tasted extensively. Mallorca has a cheese made
of cow and sheep milk, called 'Mallorqun'.
The wine culture has
a long and honourable history. One of Mallorca 's bodegas even dates
back to 1771. Mallorca is the only Balearic island cultivating
grapevines and can be proud of its own D.O., Binissalem. Furthermore,
large quantities of Vino de Mesa (Felanitx, Palma ) are produced. Until
quite recently, the wines from the island did not receive serious
consideration, but the efforts of several bodegas attracted the
attention of the INDO and the island received a D.O. Wine producers in
Mallorca now focus their attention to export markets.
The holiday rental houses, holiday rental villas and fincas on Mallorca
can mostly be found in the hills, just outside the villages, close to
the Mediterranean Sea. Nearly all holiday accommodations have their own
garden with private pool.
Climate of Mallorca
Mallorca
has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers reaching up to 35 degrees
and temperate winters, although sometimes the temperature can drop to
freezing point. With its 2800 sun-hours and 600 mm of rain per year
(mostly in autumn), Mallorca has a delightful holiday climate.