Recently in Mallorca Category

Shopping in Majorca is usually possible from 9 till 9 with a wide range of shops to choose from. (Though in true indolent fashion, some might shut down for an afternoon siesta).

Whether small shops or large stores, Majorca is dotted with them, you cannot escape the souvenirs. Since you can't, pick up the simulated pearls associated with the island and espadrilles (which for some reason always conjures a very free-wheeling sexy image for me).
There'll also be stores selling embroidery, hand painted plates, baskets, ceramics and of course... sun-blocks!
A veritable tradition in Majorca are the markets offering local color with their fresh foods and fruits mixed in with tourist items. Held at weekly intervals or more in the tourist season, they are a charming place to spend the day.
The Placa Major sqaure often has market stalls surounded by restaurants and souvenir shops... but the most alluring part of this market is the small stage where musicians and other enetertainers regularly perform.

Food in Majorca is very specific to the region with special ensaimada pastries delicately presented in boxes, dried pepper strings, spicy sausages and olives prepared in a plethora of ways.
Wine from Majorca is acknowledged as the best in the region with a wine festival held every September.
Paella, though not a Majorcan dish is widely available.
Though fish is mostly imported, lobster, sardines and prawns are all freshly available. Sea Bass baked in rock salt is a Majorcan speciality.
Suasages and pork are the main food of the region. (I always feel bad for vegetarians.)
Breakfast in Spain is eaten twice (quite like the Hobbits) with a light one earlier in the day and a nice ham sandwich or traditional omelette around 11.
For a authentic Majocan lunch, which usually starts 1 onwards, visit a tapa for a very social meal. Tapa literally means 'lid' and comes from Carlos III asking for his drink to be covered with a plate of food. So tapas now serve snails, squid, mushrooms, cold potato omelettes, meatballs, baby eels, salads, olives and tortillas. Sigh.
Lunch can go on till 3pm after which it's siesta time.
Majorcan dinner is served after 9pm though some tourist restaurant might feed you earlier. Snackfood is available throughout the day.
Disover your own food and restaurants. I refuse to make myself hungry by reciting the delicious menu choices available like paella served with fish and crab or the codorniles emborrachados which are succulent partridges roasted in clay pots with wine and brandy or the...

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Majorca has an astounding number of festivals and events that are constantly being added to.

In February, a carnival parade with fancy dress and fireworks marks the beginning of Lent, with Palma having the most impressive fiesta.
April sees the Princess Sofia trophy which is one of the most important yachting regattas in the islands.
In May, the Festa de Nostra sanyora de la victoria holds mock battles in Soller to mark the raid by Turkish pirates in 1561.
The Corpus Christi, held in Pollenca in June, includes the 'Dance of the Eagles' in the main square of the town.
Fairs are held all over the island in June.
Valdemossa in July sees a feast and a procession of carts with bulls.
The Processio de la Beata honors Sant Catalina with floats and people dressing in folk costume. It's held on the first Sunday in September.
There are many more feasts and celebrations commemorating various saints and conquests of the island, locals dressing as horses, parades, dancing and fairs.
Don't worry about enjoying yourself in the local manner - there will always be some event for you to get involved in.

The Mallorca Museum near the Mallorca Cathedral, the largest in the Balearic islands and housed in the Palau Ayamans, a lofty residence, its main attractions are prehistoric artefacts, moorish ceramics, medieval and baroque paintings and pieces of ancient buildings that are no longer in existence.

The Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani is housed in an early 20th century Renaissance building. The museums exhibits include works by Salvador Dali, Joan Miro and Picasso's Head of a Woman. The museum is open MOnday to Friday 10am to 6.30pm and on Saturday's from 10am to 3.30pm.

The Municipal Museum contains large amounts of gothic art, archeological finds and some modern paintings.
There is also a museum dedicated to the famous Croaratian artist, Kristian Krekovic. Besides his paintings,there are also paintings and handicrafts from Spain and Latin America.

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Make the famously dangerous 20 km drive from Port de Pollenca to the wild north-east tip of Majorca. Go to Mirador des Colomer for unforgettable views of rocky islets, cliffs thrusting into the sea and pine trees that seem to pour out of rocks. When you reach the En Fumat mountain, you'll get a look at Majorca's most inaccessible beach.

Alcudia is a beautifully restored historic city built on a Roman settlement with Roman houses, narrow streets, ramparts and gaurded by thick walls and a gateway flanked by two towers and palm trees standing like sentries. The amphitheatre still stands and so does one of Majorca's oldest churches - the Orator de Santa Anna. Explore the Roman remains and then analyze them at the museum beside the parish church.

Valldemossa is a small town in the mountains and can't seem to escape its scandalous history as the place where Chopin came away to conduct his illicit affair.
The Royal Carthusian Monastery with its white arched corridors and cells (one of which was rented by Chopin), library and a fine art museum is the reason to visit. Each cell nowadays masquerades as a themed museum. Visit the phramacy where the smell of herbs wafts and the art museum where Picasso and Miro's works live.
Though the Chopin-Sand romance floundered after their visit so much so that Sand wrote a savage account of Majorca, the locals still cash in on that long ago stay.
Valldemossa is also the birthplace of the patron saint of Majorca, a peasant girl who became a nun and who now has a shrine dedicated to her.

Spend a day on visiting Soller and Lluc - abandon your car and take the vintage train to Soller through some of the most scenic bits of Majorca. Set in a valley between mountains and sea, the town is full of ice-cream and pastry shops and tapas. Besides the food, you could also visit the Natural Science and Municipal museums displaying fossils and antiques and the churh of Saint Bartemou with its arched tower and needle like spires.
Go about 32kms beyond Soller into Lluc, the most sacred site on the island, where a shepard boy found a statue ofthe Virgin in the cleft of a rock. When placed in a church, the statue kept returning to its cave until finally the locals built it a home right where it chose. Now encrusted with jewels and residing in chapel with the arms of every Majorcan town, La Moreneta (little dark one) is the destination of many a pilgrim. Daily concerts by the Es Blauets choir also take place in her honor.

Pollensa is one of the few towns untouched by tourism. It was built inland to protect it from pirate attacks and some of its medieval structure remains around the main square. The Church of Nostra Senyora dels Angels is austere without and dazzling within, especially lit by candles on a Sunday morn. A small 18th century monstaery and a small chapel reached by a long stone stairway shaded by cypress trees are other attractions at Pollensa.

Off the island of Majorca, take time to visit the second largest Balearic Island - Menorca. Quieter, relaxed and with many more beaches, Menorca is a great place to get away and relax. With rocky northern beaches and sandy coves sheltered by cliffs in the South, you have much choice on where you want to laze. Mao, the capital, is a walled city with impressive architecture and Ciutadella, the ancient capital is a far more charming and atmospheric town with winding streets, cathedrals and old buildings.

Of course the very popular island of Ibiza is also a short distance from Majorca. Known primarily as a party place, there is still much to see over there. Besides these, local tourist agents provide excursions in and around Majorca including sight-seeing trips, safaris, cruises, etc.

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If it's not enough to get golden on a sunny beach, Majorca has quite an impressive list of tourist attractions.
There are so many infact, that I'm going to have to be very matter of fact about them. So here goes:

Marineland - is one of the most popular stops in Majorca with performing sea lions,a parrot circus (!!), Europe's largest collection of sharks and the scene stealing dolphins! There are reptiles, crocodiles and aquariums but the crowd favorites are certainly the performing dolphins.

The Majorca Harbor Front is always humming with yachts, boats and people, you can take a pleasure cruise around the harbor or catch a ferry from here to the other islands.

Palma Bay is flanked by two villages. Gone are the days when you could spy an empty coastline with only the cathedral and castle standing out. Now it's a meeting place of the best and worst of Majorca and impossible to miss while you're on the isalnd. Visit it at midnight for peace and solitude and if you wander a bit beyond the pine woods of Magalluf you might find your own private cove!

The Palma Cathedral is a gothic landmark of the city, rising out of the sea.The cathedral was built over 400 years with Gaudi's wrought iron candelabra and Crown of Thorns as the latest addition of note, one of the largest window's, rose in color studded with over a 1000 stained glass pieces. In summer, the cathedral is open from 10 in the morning to 6 in the evening on weekdays and 10 to 2 on Saturdays. In winter, the timings are 10am to 3pm and shut on weekends.

Castell del Bellver situated atop a hill is the only Spanish castle that is completely round. It has been standing grandly for over 700 years mingling its contrasting styles and was the summer palace of the islands erstwhile royal family. With double moats, it has also served as a prison. Nowadays it also serves as the municipal museum with archeological artefacts and old coins. But true to its name, Castell del Bellver - meaning beautiful view, looks out over the city and the bay giving you a fantastic view. (Pretend to be King while you stand there... there's nothing like looking over an expanse of sea and lad to make you feel powerful! )

Palau del'Almudaina is the fortress palace that was built by the Moors and later homed the Kings of Majorca. Surrounded by moorish style gardens with fountains offering a grand view of the harbor, the fortress is mostly bare but for displays of exquisite Flemish Gobelin tapestries, antiques, art works and suits or armor. In summer, it's open from 10am to 6.30 pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays. In winter, it's open from 10 to 2 and 4 to 6 on weekdays and is shut on weekends.

There are over 200 caves in Majorca, and if you have time to visit only one set, make it the caves in Arta. With stalagmites and stalactites plunging around, and a history which includes 2000 arabs hiding out in them, you can imagine the vastness of the caves. It is mysterious, creepy and full of a strange gloom magnified (or lessened) by the guided tours with special effects.
Visit the town of Arta too with its bleached rooftops spilling over the hillside protected by the shadow of a Moorish fortress. Tuesday is the town's market day and is a funday to visit.

Besides this you could visit the Castell d'Alaro, the many beaches, Banys Arabs - the medieval bathhouse and even Aquacity - a water amusement park with rides and slides!
There are a lot of other spots that are worth visiting in Majorca - and those I shall cover in the day trip section.. since you're going to need a whole day to soak in their beauty and story.

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Visit Mallorca between June and August for great weather, but be warned - the number of tourists is also at its highest during this season. The sun visits for as many as 11 hours and though the mountainous regions might see thicker clouds, summer storms are rare.
May to early June and Sepetember, October still have good weather and more value for money, though October sees the most rainfall.
November, Decemeber and January see fewer sunny days but since Majorca temperatures rarely fall below zero, it's always a great holiday destination - even in the apparent off season!

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You might get to Mallorca by flight, ferry or in your own car (you can't put a hire car on the ferry to Mallorca) but once there how do you get around?
Well... considering every place on the island is just three hours away from Palma, you get the picture on how convenient and fun it would be to have your own car. So if you didn't bring one along with you over the ferry, then you can rent one either in Palma or in Soller.
If not, youy could cycle around over scenic routes, catch the train lines to Inca or the tourist train to Soller. Palma is also the hub of a well connected bus system and the main ferry terminus.
I'd opt for the car so that you can order your own day and so that if you wander by a tucked away village or stumble upon a breathtaking lanndscape, you can just... stop!

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The variety of homes in Mallorca will spoil you for choice. From villas, apartments, beach homes, town houses to pretty and ever popular fincas, there's so much out there that it's practically impossible not to find something to suit you.

Looking through all these homes is almost an exercize in resisting temptation. Take your time though before you book your patch of sand under an olive tree.

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Fincas are the more traditional country homes in Mallorca - set away from the main ways, usually ranches or farms, these offer a different atmosphere to your holiday from the usual apartments. Though many fincas have now been converted into hotels, you can still find one for you very own.

The Finca Sa Cova is a typical ancient Mallorcan countryside dwelling. It is located in the Manacor Valley, just 17 kms from Porto Cristo. Divided into four apartments, it enjoys mild weather and has lovely views of the valley. All the apartments come with their own terrace and the swimming pool is accompanied by a barbeque. Sa Cova is part of documented history from right after the conquest of the island. A beautiful stone home with rock garden and plants, arched yellow ceilings, a huge courtyard that just invites sitting out and a sense of peace and calm, it's a perfect vacation spot.

The Finca Samira is just 10 minutes away from Palma. It has 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen and dining-living room. You have a wonderful view of the bay and a lovely little pool for frolicking or not so heavy swimming in. With stone,wood and tiles dominating, the Finca gives an old world feel and is quite submerged in greenery. Charming peach walls, shuttered windows and light everwhere... it's pure relaxation just 15 minutes away from an airport!

Finca Sa Punta situated in Porto Petro is another typical Mallorcan country home with terraces, pool, parking and fruit trees! It has 3 bedrooms that can house 6 people comfortably. With joyous burnt orange walls, stone benches in the courtyard and lots of plants and trees, sitting just a kilometer away from a beach, this finca with weekly charges differing from month to month has a lot going for it.

Finca Son Fe de Dalt can house ten people and comes with a rental car and local representative! This very alluring finca set atop a hill amidst olive and carob trees looks over mountains and valleys on one side and the Pollensa Bay on the other. Isn't that enough to get you interested? Alright... it's spaciously built over 2 levels with 5 bedrooms, a dining room with TV and DVD player, covered terrace ad furnished with stone tiles, wood and cheerful blue-green upholstery. The swimming pool is on a higher level ensuring privacy and pretty blue and yellow flowers creep around the multi-colored pebbled walls.

The Finca Son Blat is made up of three houses newly built or completely renovated but keeping to the old Mallorcan style. Each of three houses is completely isolated from the other and comes with its own garden and swimming pool. The houses have 3 double bedrooms, huge open air porch, heating and air conditioning system,laundry room and all the basic electrical appliances.
Situated only 3 kms away from Porto Cristo, it's surrounded by almond and olive trees, pine forests and fig and carobs trees.
A remnant from its cattle grazing past!

You could even get personal help with finding a finca, find fincas in Andratx or for 4 or more people and many more with details and contacts.

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You can rent a 3 bedroom apartment overlooking the sea and mountains for upto 6 months in Alcudia which is one of the oldest and calmest parts of Mallorca. Surrounded by a city wall with tower worth looking at, it even has a bull ring and amphitheatre. The apartment is just 100m away from the beach and has been completely renovated with fully equipped kitchen, closets in each room, satellite TV, internet, washing machine... but you're in for sultry Mallorcan nights with no air conditioner.

This apartment in Puerto Soller has a lovely view of Soller Bay and is just 350 metres to the beach. It's compact enough but can sleep upto four people and even has a baby cot. It comes with a terrace decked out with chairs and umbrellas for sunbathing and is centrally heated as well as having air conditioning. The rates for the apartment are weekly depending on the month. The kitchen comes with fridge, microwave, dishwasher, etc and there is a shared utility room. The terrace has another dining table for a lovely sunset-watching meal.

A three bedroom apartment with fitted wardrobes, an extended dining and living room stretching out onto a balcony is just 2  minutes away from beaches in Cala d'Or. The apartment is prettily furnished with purple rug and orange table cloth, double glazed with couches made plush with red cushions; a flat screen TV, wall safe and off-road partking behind automatic gates are added conveniences. The apartment can be rented on a weekly basis with prices differing by month, but the good part is that you don't have to rent Saturday to Saturday - any day of the week is fine. An added incentive for you plaid loving guys - the nearest golf course is just 15 minutes away.

If you fancy having your say then apartments in Palma are under reconstruction at the moment and you can give in your preferences for number of bedrooms, etc. A neo-classical building can be your choice with many apartments to choose from. The ground floor flat is housed has its own private garden and patio, interior courtyard and garage space. The penthouse comes with large terraces. All apartments in the bulding will be sunny due to the interior light courtyard running through all stories of the house.

This centrally located apartment in Colonia Sant Jordi has 2 bedrooms and you can request the owner for a baby cot free of charge. The apartment is available for upto 6 months. The living and dining areas give access to the main terrace which has a beautiful view of the island Cabrera and teh sea and comes with lounging chairs. In addition, there is another terrace on top of the building which belongs exclusively to this apartment. The kitchen contains microwave, toaster, coffee maker and has utilities like washing machine, iron thrown in. The apartment also contains a private garden.

You can search for one, two or more bedroom apartments, find properties by place or glance through innumerable Palma properties all specfic to making your holiday home the best for you before you settle in.

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A really charming stone facade villa could be yours for 3,40,000 euros. It's fully furnished and equipped with garage, private swimming pool, three bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Comfy counches, stone terraces, light seeping through,cabinets, TV, oven, you could rent it too.

An absolutely ravishing villa in the city of Cala d'Or is available for a dropped price of 930000 euros. It has not only two bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, storeroom, office, living room with fireplace (imagine the marshmallow type possibilities!) but also a guest apartment with separate entrance!! This villa also has a roof, sauna and barbeque set up with the most gorgeous view considering the property has direct access to the sea.
A dining room and living room huge enough to make you feel like you're practically touching the blue water outside, fully furnished and with such a luxurious feeling of contentment, you should snap it up now!

The Son Vida Villa reminds me of something straight out of a Cary Grant movie where he's illicitly using someone else's property as his own (or so we believe!) This property comes with a most fantastic vista choices - would you rather look at the Belver Castle or the cathedral of Palma? It's sheer elegance with panelled walls and fireplaces, pillars and winter gardens (makes me think of frosty white flowers and lamps in the twilight). To cap it all, there's not just a swimming poll but even a tennis court! A plethora of bedrooms and two living rooms, additional guest apartment, furnished, air conditioned - whatever the price is, if you have the money it's worth it!

The main attraction of the Son Serra de Marina villa is the well-kept garden. The palm trees really put you in the Mediterranean holiday mood if you're not in one already. The white facade with brown shutter windows cocoons 2 bedrooms, living room with fireplace, dining room and equipped kitchen. For sun bathing or just sea gazing there are open and covered terraces.

The villa in Puerto de Andratx overlooks the port of the city and the Bay of Marmacen. The house has ground floor rooms as well as lower level, lower ground level, staff areas and exterior attractions. Arched windows looking at the skies and seas, some looking out at a conservatory with retractable roof and screens, a TV room with access to covered terrace and swimming pool, 4 bedrooms and many more rooms at the different levels, this villa is the last word in comfort... well, luxury too.

Look at more villas to make your choice. Specify your criteria for the best match.

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