Mallorca - Holiday Guide and Top Attractions

Holiday4.com

Contact

letstalk@Holiday4.com

For this article, we concentrate on Spain's largest Balearic Island, Mallorca, including its stylish capital - Palma. We also look at top attractions, beaches and resorts.

1. Mallorca What is Majorca like?

Mallorca is known for its stunning coastline, white sandy beaches, historic towns and gentle Mediterranean seas. You'll find plenty of adventures to match your style and liking, from quaint mountain villages to modern stylish resorts, plus an exciting and dynamic nightlife - you may be spoilt for choice.

2. Different Holiday Types - Beach & Short Breaks

Majorca is a well-established holiday paradise in the middle of warm turquoise seas, making it a perfect destination for relaxing beach holidays or a lively city break. The island is packed full of holiday adventure and cultural interests, with trendy art galleries, historic buildings, artefacts and stunning architecture to admire, perfect for keeping both sun worshipers and culture vultures satisfied - in general, the island caters 'extremely' well for all holiday tastes, budgets and needs.

Choose from action-packed family resorts such as Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala Bona, bursting with epic waterparks, family-friendly beaches, restaurants, shops and cafés, plus a lively nightlife with plenty of trendy bars, clubs and shows.

If you fancy a faster 'young and lively' pace, head over to the island’s west coast and Mallorca's famous neon and bass-pumping party duo, Palma Nova and Magaluf.

To experience and enjoy some culture and sophistication, spend a day or two in Palma, the island's capital. Pretty Palma draws the cosmopolitan cocktail crowd with its designer shopping, hip tapas bars and fine dining. Palma's medieval old town is a delight to discover, you'll find plenty of colourful picturesque squares, narrow cobblestone streets, trendy boutiques and cool cafes to relax in.

Dominating the skyline above Palma's magnificent harbour is a huge Gothic cathedral which dates from the 13th century when the Catalans captured the city from the Moors. You can still see traces of the 300-year Moorish rule, particularly at the Arab Baths and at the spectacular Royal Palace La Almudaina. One of the best ways to explore the city is to wander through the narrow, winding streets where you can admire Mallorcan style Baronial Houses, elegant palaces and ancient churches.

3. Top Attractions:

There's more to Mallorca than beautiful beaches and a trendy capital - take a break from the beach and discover Mallorca's many treasures. Culture vultures will feel right at home - with an array of museums, art galleries and ancient towns to explore.

Cathedralde Mallorca (La Seo) - Palma
Alcudia's Old Town - Alcudia
Soller excursion - the scenic train ride from Palma to the pretty port of Soller
Joan Miró museum - Cala Major
Discover the chic resort of - Puerto Portals

Best Beaches in Mallorca

With cooling sea breezes, Mallorca's coastal resorts provide a welcome escape from the mid-summer heat - making the 262 white sandy beaches, tiny inlets, sweeping bays and sandy coves perfect for sunbathing and water sports.

Badia d'Alcudia Beach. One of Mallorca's most beautiful beaches is the Port d’Alcudia beach, located northeast of the island. It's also one of the longest at 10 km in length, stretching from Ca’n Picafort in the south to Port d’Alcudia in the north. The beach is relatively flat, making it ideal for families and children.

Es Trenc Beach (south of the island). For long & wide white stretches of sand with shallow, calm and crystal clear seas, head to Es Trenc in the south (the beach is part of the Natural Area of Special Interest Es Trenc-Salobrar de Campos).

Best Beaches for Snorkeling, Peace & Shade, Watersports. For snorkelling, try the tiny rocky coves of the north coast, such as those around Cala Deia, or the peaceful and shaded cove beach at Portals Vells on the southern tip of the island (considered to be one of the top beaches on Mallorca). For beach amenities, including plenty of watersports, boat excursions, restaurants and bars, head to the beach at Puerto Pollensa south of the harbour (officially called Platja del Port de Pollensa) with its impressive view of the mountains of the Formentor peninsula.

Cala Millor and Cala Bona Beach. Cala Millor and Cala Bona Beach. One of Mallorca's more popular east coast beaches is the stretch between Cala Millor and Cala Bona. The beach is busy due to its shallow and family-friendly seas and long promenade - the promenade is perfect for walking and cycling and makes a good break should you want a rest from sunbathing. The beach also has refreshments, including cafés, bars and restaurants close by.

5. Take a ride on the Soller Railway

The Soller Railway is probably one of the best excursions on the island. This original 1912 narrow-gauge railway runs between cosmopolitan Palma and the stylish medieval town of Soller, in just 1 hour. The 27 km route takes you past the breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Norte de Mallorca and through the Tramuntana mountains. Top Tips: (1) The Saturday morning market at Soller is one of the island's favourites. (2) If visiting Soller for the day, walk down to discover the port at Soller (90mins), then on your return, take the historic Tram Tide back up to Soller town.

6. Majorca - Holiday Tips and Customs:

Tipping: Tipping is optional as most restaurants include a service charge, look for “servicio incluido” on the bill. However, custom suggests rounding the bill up, or leaving a small cash tip on the table. If you're paying tips for taxis, round the fare up, but not more than 10%. Porters can be tipped a few euros and tour guides a bit more, but not expected.
Language: Learn at least a few basic Spanish words and use them often - you'll find it goes a long way. Buenos Dias (good morning), Buenas Tardes (good afternoon), Gracias (thank you) and Hola (hello). If you like shopping, look out for the Spanish word Rebaja, which means Sale.
Siesta: During the long hot summer months, many locals still take a siesta (shops and offices close for rest between 13.30 and 16.30) - although not as popular as it once was, you'll still find shops in smaller towns and villages taking a siesta. Top Tips: Try to use some shade during the summer's mid-day heat and enjoy long and lazy lunches.
Beach Safety: Mallorca operates a Flag Warning system for swimming/bathing, always swim insight of lifeguards. Green Flag means swimming is safe. Yellow Flag means to swim with extreme caution. Red Flag Swimming is not allowed (extreme danger) such as undercurrents. Beach bed hire is usually controlled by the operator of the Beach Bar or Chiringuito (eatery).
Cycling: Cycling is popular in Mallorca, especially during the early weeks of spring when the weather is warm and not too hot, and the hedgerows blossom with wildflowers. Most main resorts offer cycle and safety gear hire, along with ideas on routes and guides for your area (make sure you apply plenty of sun protection and take a large water bottle).

Each of Mallorca's coastal regions has its own charm and attractions, with the islands stunning interior being home to unspoilt villages, picturesque vineyards and ancient monasteries. Check out the Holiday4 'Travel Blogs' below for guides to Mallorca's coastal regions and holiday resorts.