When people hear the word Mallorca, towns such as Magaluf and Palma Nova spring to mind with teens going wild on their first holiday without their parents. However, there’s so much more to the island than this. The picturesque beaches with crystal clear water and imposing cliffs combined with lush mountains create the perfect holiday hotspot for any traveller.
Palma de Mallorca has an Arab quarter and this adds an incredible sense of history and style of architecture to the city. The town’s cathedral, Le Seu is the first stop for most visitors, with its Gothic style and unfinished works by Gaudi. It dominates the area as the spire can be seen from almost anywhere in Palma. As well as the fascinating historical element of the area, Palma is also bursting with bars, inventive restaurants, art galleries, shops and more.
If sightseeing is not your idea of a holiday and you just want to escape hectic life in the UK, then Eastern Mallorca is a great alternative. The coastline covers historic untouched villages where you can still get a real feel of the Spanish way of life from days gone by; pristine beaches; and wildlife from local farmer’s pigs to national parks filled with birds and more. Once lying on a picture-perfect beach, devoid of the hordes of tourists you find in other parts of the island, finally takes its toll (if that is even possible) then you could go by boat to the nearby uninhabited island of Cabrera which is a national park overflowing with wildlife.
Whilst most holiday makers tend to seek out the non-touristy areas and search for a secret hidden beach or an alternative activity far from the crowds, some adventures are a must-do regardless of the cliché. One such excursion is a trip on the antique wooden train from Palma to Soller. It takes you through the wonderful olive groves and towering mountains, all the way to the charming port of Soller.
Mallorca is an ideal choice for an activity holiday, offering incredible mountain biking and cycling routes such as those in the World Heritage Site of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, often used by top cyclists for training before tournaments. As a reward for all your hard work cycling, treat yourself at one of the many traditional wineries on the island.
Another great draw to Mallorca is its climate which allows it to be a year-round tourist destination. From the almond trees that blossom in February, to the perfect mountain biking or golf conditions in spring and autumn, to the intense sunshine throughout the summer months, perfect for lounging on a beach.
Here we have some top tips to help you make the most of your holiday to Mallorca: