Mallorca
Mallorca is the largest island of the Balearic archipelago belonging to the Kingdom of Spain. It is located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea. In fact, Mallorca is not that big: the distance from its outermost promontory on the northern coast to the end of the southern coast is only 76 km, and from the western coast to the eastern coast it is just over 100 km. But the island’s landscapes are so varied, and the scenery so delightfully variable, that it can seem as if Mallorca is “sewn” from different patchworks, each of which nature has created from randomly selected treasures of its bowels.
Video: Mallorca
” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen> Contents- Highlights
- History of the island of Majorca
- Palma de Mallorca
- West Coast
- Northwest Coast
- North Coast
Southeast coast - Central Mallorca
- Active holidays
National cuisine - Hotels in Mallorca
- How to get there
Highlights
Between the mountain ranges lies a fertile valley with a scattering of old picturesque towns and monasteries, where traveling through them is one of the favorite tourist attractions.
>Majorca is also home to the capital of the Balearic Islands – Palma de Mallorca, the most beautiful city in the Mediterranean and a recognized center of international tourism. Situated in the most charming bay of the island, it, like a magnet, attracts travelers from all over the planet, seducing them with its wonderful beaches and magnificent architecture, excellent cuisine and intense nightlife.
.History of the island of Mallorca
Archaeological excavations suggest that people began settling on Mallorca as early as the Paleolithic period. The stone structures found here, called taliots, are thought to have been created by a people who migrated to the Balearics from the Eastern Mediterranean. In historical times, the fertile island, which occupies a strategic position, fell into the sphere of interest of neighboring powerful states, and this determined its fate.
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These events ultimately shaped the direction of the island’s culture, which expressively reflects the influence of Catalonia. To this day there are two languages spoken here: Spanish (Castilian) and Catalan, the local dialect of which is called Majorcan. The difference in the sound of the island’s name – “Mallorca” and “Mallorca” – is also connected with this. In conversation with locals can call the island as you wish, you will be understood in both cases, but note that you should not delve into the language issue here, as for the Majorcans it is a problematic topic.
.Foreigners began to discover the charms of Mallorca in the mid-nineteenth century, and the stay here of the famous couple George Sand and Frederic Chopin marked the beginning of the era of tourism. Following them, a steady stream of bohemians and aristocrats flocked here. The tourist boom of the 60’s of the last century turned Mallorca into one of the most developed and attractive Mediterranean resorts, where you can relax as a crowd and frugal travelers. Not far from Palma, at the Mariventa Palace, the royal family vacation in the summer.
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Пальма-де-Майорка
Palma, as the locals briefly call their capital, is the largest city and port in the archipelago. The modern neighborhoods and resorts of Palma de Mallorca spread along the coast of the picturesque bay, while the historical part begins behind the cathedral and the Royal Palace of Almudaina, rising majestically above the city’s port. Here, in the ancient harbor, elegant white yachts bob leisurely on the blue waves. This spectacular scenery is an integral part of Palma’s identity and a trademark of the Balearic Islands, the recognized yachting center of the Mediterranean. The sailing regattas, traditionally held in Mallorca every year, are attended by yachtsmen from all over the world, among them royalty.
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The main historical landmark of Palma de Mallorca is the cathedral. This magnificent structure looks particularly spectacular from the sea, resembling a colossal pink rock. Work on the cathedral began in the XIII century and was completed only in the XVI century. During the following centuries its appearance was changed several times. At the end of the XIX century its facade decided to renew, and by the beginning of the XX century the last stage of construction, which involved the great Spanish architect Antonio Gaudi, was completed. Today the facade of the cathedral, decorated like a piece of jewelry, is a superb example of Spanish Renaissance architecture.
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The nearby streets of Sanglada and Morey are home to stately buildings from the 16th and 18th centuries. It is interesting to wander around here, looking into the ancient churches and admiring the facades and courtyards of rich houses belonging to nobles and merchants.
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In St. Francis Square is the church of the same name, one of the oldest churches in Mallorca. It was laid as early as the time of Jaime II, but the entire ensemble of the church was not completed until the fourteenth century. In one of its octagonal chapels, decorated in Renaissance and Baroque style, there is a sarcophagus containing the remains of the medieval philosopher, theologian and writer Raimund Lullius. This native of Palma de Mallorca, who was made a saint, is considered the creator of the Catalan language and a classic of Catalan literature.
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One of the most beautiful buildings in Mallorca’s capital, La Lonja, was built in the 15th century, at a time when Palma was one of the richest cities in the Mediterranean. This majestic Gothic building with magnificent windows, occupying the entire forty-meter façade facing the seafront, was the seat of the stock exchange, where trade deals were concluded. Today it houses the cultural center of the capital and an exhibition hall.
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At the top of the mountain overlooking Palma, at 112 meters high, is the majestic Belver Castle, built in the 14th century by order of King Jaime II of Mallorca. Being one of the oldest round castles in Europe, it is characterized by interesting architecture. Standing 25 meters high, its central tower, twelve meters in diameter, points north. It is connected to the central building of the castle by a seven-meter high arched bridge, under which a water moat has been dug. The other three towers face south, west and east. The spacious circular courtyard of Belvera is the size of the town square of a medieval city, and on the roof of the castle is an observation deck, which offers beautiful views of the sea, Palma and its surroundings.
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In and around Palma itself, there are several beautiful sandy beaches with gentle shores and clear seas. Almost all of them are municipal. You do not have to pay for entry, but renting an umbrella and sunbed will cost you 10 €. By the way, you can buy a beach umbrella in a store for 15 €.
.The beaches of Palma de Mallorca have all the attributes of a prestigious resort – Blue Flags, excellent infrastructure, the opportunity to engage in water sports, but in season they are simply crowded.
.Just a 20-minute walk from the cathedral is the beach “Can Pere Anthony”, perhaps the most crowded in Mallorca. But there are two paid club beaches in this coastal area, Nassau Beach Club and Anima Beach Club, which are more comfortable and secluded. Further east, to the resort of Arenal, stretches seven kilometers of beach Playa de Palma. This popular among tourists corner of the island is built up with hotels, bars, restaurants.
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West coast of Mallorca
The northwest coast of the island of Mallorca
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To the east of Banyalbufar, in a mountain valley, lies the legendary Valldemossa, famous for being the place where George Sand and Frédéric Chopin spent the winter in 1839. The town itself, surrounded by stone terraces and centuries-old olive trees, is a favorite summer vacation spot for wealthy Majorcans.
.Here you should visit the former monastery of the Cartesian order, secularized in 1835, to see the preserved monks’ cells decorated with magnificent ceramics, the library, as well as the cells where Chopin and George Sand lived. Here you will see the manuscript of the book “Winter in Mallorca”, which belongs to the famous writer, and the piano played by the great Polish composer. Every year the cloister hosts the International Music Festival, where famous pianists give concerts.
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To the east of Deya lies the town of Soller. It is dotted among orange plantations, which are surrounded on all sides by mountains. It is the sweet citrus fruit, almost the entire harvest of which is exported from Mallorca to the mainland, – the main wealth of the city. The balconies of the houses of Soller are decorated with geraniums, and the luxurious lords’ houses built in the XVIII-XIX centuries are reminiscent of the palaces of Cannes, Marseille and Toulon – the southern Mediterranean cities of France.
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From Sóller and the towns near it, you can go on an excursion to the Sierra de Tramontana mountains. The most challenging route will take you to the watchtower, located at an altitude of 915 meters, towering above the valley and mountainsides, where picturesque old settlements are located. Here you will find yourself surrounded by the four highest mountains on the island of Mallorca.
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Near the small town of Bugnola lies the Alfabia estate, famous for its gardens. It was once the residence of one of the Moorish viziers. However, only the inlaid ceiling remains from that time. Walk along the magnificent poplar alley and you will see the Baroque facade of the palace and then, beyond the Renaissance lobby, a patio surrounded by arched galleries. Wandering through the halls of this estate, you can admire the magnificent Majorcan setting, and a stroll through the romantic flowering garden with its miniature ponds may give you the impression that time has stood still here.
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The road heading north will lead to the Monastery of Our Lady of Llucha, which is the spiritual center of Mallorca. It is nestled in a mountainous area, surrounded by quaint limestone cliffs. The monastery was founded in 1250 and has been rebuilt many times. It acquired its present-day appearance in the XVII-XVIII centuries. Pilgrims who come to the monastery worship Moreneta, a small sculpture of the Virgin Mary, which the locals call the “Black Madonna”. Every year at the end of August, a night procession is made from Palma to it. The monastery has long been famous for its children’s choir of boys, one of the best in the world.
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The most famous landmark of the north of Majorca, which is also the pride of the locals, is the double-arch bridge built by the ancient Romans. Impresses tourists and a staircase with 365 steps, which, breathing in the smell of fringing dark green cypresses, you can climb up the hill, where stands a beautiful baroque chapel, built in the XVIII century. From its porch you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.
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Alcudia charms with its distinctive look, where history and modernity are intertwined. Wandering along its narrow stone-paved streets, you can admire the luxurious facades of the old buildings that flank them, look in the cute stores that sell original souvenirs. There are many elegant cafes and restaurants, where it is especially pleasant to sit in the evening, when the old city quarters illuminated illumination.
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Three kilometers from the city, on the shores of Alcudia Bay, is one of the most popular resorts on the island of Majorca – Puerto de Alcudia. Along the seashore here are lined with restaurants, cafes, hotels, in which in season there are no vacancies. This resort is ideal for a vacation with children, because its spacious beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea are absolutely safe.
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Southeast coast of the island of Mallorca
Along the eastern coast stretches the Sierra de Levante mountain range. These mountains are just as scenic as the Sierra de Tramontana, but they are not as high and precipitous. Start your journey through this region with a visit to the ancient town of Arta, which retains the charm of the so-called colonial style architecture. It is located in the middle of a valley, surrounded by hills, the top of one of which is crowned by the Church of Christ the Savior. From this picturesque spot one can enjoy a marvelous view of the surrounding expanse. Not far from Arta, at the foot of the hills, is another picturesque town – Kappepera, whose houses are clustered around an ancient castle. Nearby is the excellent beach of Cala Mesquida, especially popular with German tourists, and the resort of Cala Ratjada.
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This part of the island of Mallorca is home to the famous grottoes of Arta. Visiting the grottoes, which in some places reach a height of 40 m, invariably makes a strong impression on travelers. When climbing the stairs leading to the grottoes, it is worth turning around occasionally to capture in your memory the incredible beauty of the views of the sea, which appears in a completely unusual angle. These caves have been inhabited since the 16th century, and if they are not the most striking in the world, as the Majorcans are sure, they are at least grandiose.
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Very popular among tourists and locals is the largest on Mallorca “wild” beach Es Trenk, stretching for 2 km and has no affiliation to any resort. It is worth saying that this popularity is expensive for vacationers: for a couple of sun beds under a straw umbrella will have to pay 19 €, for a glass of mojito with ice – 7 €, for parking – 6 € (fortunately, per day).
.Nearby is the resort of Colonia Sant’Giordi, quite quiet and cozy. Opposite it is the tiny island of Cabrera, which has the status of a national park and can be reached by ferry.
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Central areas of the island of Mallorca
From mid-July to mid-August, when a light breeze blows around Mallorca, surfing fans flock here. The best schools for learning this sport are in Alcudia and Puerto Pollensa. The cost of lessons for windsurfing beginners is about 20 €/hour.
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Mallorca has 22 golf courses. The courses of varying degrees of difficulty are located mainly in Cala Mayor, near Palma, in Illetas, Magaluf, and the main golf resort is located in Santa Ponsa, on the southwest coast of the island.
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Paragliding is also well developed in Mallorca. The main centers are located in the areas of Alcudia, Cabo Blanca and Betlen. A duo flight with an experienced instructor will cost 85 € for 20 minutes.
