Every year, more than 13 million tourists from all over the world visit the island to enjoy this jewel of the Mediterranean, packed with historic towns and monuments, nature, heavenly beaches and a wide range of leisure and entertainment activities.
With over 900,000 inhabitants, Mallorca is Spain’s largest island. Together with its neighbors Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, it forms the Balearic archipelago and is one of the most important tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. Majorca’s international airport is located in Palma, the island’s capital and most populous city, followed by Calvia (50,000 inhabitants) and Manacor (40,000 inhabitants).
Majorca’s strategic location in the Mediterranean was known as far back as antiquity, and for centuries it was fought over by various civilizations (Romans, Byzantines, Muslims) and later by the Christian reconquest. This past has left an indelible mark on the island. That’s why Majorca is so culturally rich, with numerous relics of the past, large constructions, watchtowers, historic buildings and castles scattered all over the island.
Plan your trip to Majorca… When should you go?
As you can see, history is very much alive in towns like Alcudia, Pollença, Artá, Andratx and Manacor…., where you can stroll through the streets, discover them, shop in the markets and enjoy the typically Mediterranean atmosphere. If you’re visiting Mallorca at the height of summer, the crowds will be there, so plan your stay well in advance.
Don’t hesitate to go in spring or even autumn, as these seasons are ideal if you’re planning to do some cultural sightseeing or hiking. It’s true that visiting a beautiful village like Porto Cristo can be a very different experience if you do it in August or September/October!
Travel to Mallorca: family fun at the destination’s theme parks
The range of leisure activities and attractions on Mallorca is endless for anyone looking for an alternative to the beach. The island boasts several water parks and amusement parks:
- The Aquarium in Palma,
- Kathmandu Park
- The Western Park in Magaluf,
- Marineland,
- The Hidropark in Alcudia.
A must for your Majorca vacation: discover the sublime beaches of the island of Majorca
The island of Mallorca boasts 550 km of coastline with 208 beaches, including fine white sandy beaches, dreamy coves, cliffs, wooded coastlines and sublime palm groves.
Despite significant tourist development in certain areas, Mallorcans have managed to preserve the spirit of the island, respecting its natural environment and preserving the beauty of its coasts. And they’re very proud of it.
The best of Majorca: treat yourself to an excursion to Cala Deià
Cala Deià is one of the most enchanting coves on Mallorca’s coastline. Deià is a wealthy village that has seen the likes of Mick Jagger, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Richard Branson and the poet Robert Graves, who is buried here.
Cala Deià is small (200 m wide), but the water is clear, the rocks imposing and the atmosphere friendly. Have lunch in one of the delightfully authentic beach restaurants for after-swimming refreshments.
True luxury: swimming in the waters of Sa Calobra
Sa Calobra is located in a secluded spot on Mallorca’s northwest coast. Officially, Sa Calobra has only one beach, but there are two. The unofficial beach is just opposite the small village, in the bay of La Calobra.
The official beach is located between the cliffs where the Torrent de Pareis canyon flows into the sea. There are no facilities on this beach, but it’s well worth a visit.
Majorca travel: enjoy the picturesque town of Valldemossa
Valldemossa lies inland to the west of Majorca, in a pretty valley in the Tramuntana mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The town is famous for its monastery, the “Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa”, which was originally a palace built by King Sancho in the early 14th century. It was converted into a monastery in 1399 by Carthusian monks and named “The Real Cartuja de Jesus de Nazaret”.
The monasteries were confiscated by the Spanish government in the 1830s. The site is now privately owned. It is one of Mallorca’s most famous sites, receiving the second highest number of visitors after Palma de Mallorca Cathedral.
George Sand and her companion Frédéric Chopin stayed at the monastery for four months in 1838-39, and this period is evoked, rather unflatteringly, in her novel “Un hiver à Majorque”. In this novel, the author speaks of the beauty of Majorca, but takes a rather harsh view of the character of its inhabitants.
Bellver Castle in Palma de Mallorca
Looking at this perfectly maintained castle, it’s hard to believe it’s been in existence for almost 700 years. Begun by Jaume II in 1300 and completed by Pere Salva, the architect of the Almudaina Palace, it is unique among Spanish castles in that it is entirely round.
For many centuries, the castle served as a prison; Jaume III’s widow and sons were imprisoned here for most of their lives. Today, it houses Palma’s municipal history museum, which traces the city’s development through artifacts, including pottery from the Roman, Arab and Spanish eras.
Cities and regions on the island of Mallorca include Palma de Mallorca and the Pilar / Juan Miró Foundation.
The capital Palma is Mallorca’s only truly large city. It deserves your full attention for at least a day. It shares many features with its big sister Barcelona: a Gothic-style Palma Cathedral with a touch of Gaudi, renovated old buildings, winding shopping streets in the old town, gardens with beautiful fountains, art museums including the Pilar / Juan Miró Foundation and an impressive urban beach with direct access to the Mediterranean Sea.
Serra de Tramuntana: a feast for the eyes
The spectacular mountains along Mallorca’s northern coast are known as the Serra de Tramuntana. Stretching for almost 90 kilometers and boasting numerous peaks over 1000 meters high, the entire range has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its historical, cultural and environmental significance. Whether you choose to drive, hike or bike, there are countless sites to see and places to visit.
If you’re travelling to the Balearic Islands, visit the caves of Mallorca (Drach)
Not far from Manacor and Porto Cristo, the Grottes du Drach (Dragon Caves) are made up of 4 caves, 25 metres deep and 2.4 kilometers long. They are said to contain the world’s largest underground lake! The trickling water has formed some of the most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in the world. Prepare to be amazed, as the lighting and music in the caves are simply sumptuous.
