Island of Mallorca

Majorca is a popular holiday destination for people all over the world, with beautiful weather, breathtaking scenery and finger licking cuisine. Rocky Tramuntana mountains and abundant-wooded hillsides are almost blended with the sea, in an idyllic scenery. Alongside the extremely picturesque coastline, dramatic cliffs offer breath taking viewpoints, and pristine coves sparkle with crystal-clear waters. Tourists of all kinds are also delighted by the historic town and charming villages, in which Mallorca keeps the essence of its past.

 

Perfect for tourists, charming for locals, bewitching for both

 

With tourist attractions of all kinds, for all the tastes, as medieval churches, ancient castles, and art museums, the joy of Mallorca is to be found in the homogeneous combination of culture and nature. If you are around, we strongly recommend you to visit the glorious Gothic cathedral of the capital city, then, you’ll have the opportunity to sunbathe on a pristine beach.

Continue along through the walled medieval village of Alcudia, then let yourself inspired by a 15th-century monastery. If it’s not your cup of tea, then you can simply relax in the astonishing Puerto Portals. With so many options gathered up into this idyllic island, you’ll see that you have plenty of reasons to stay for a week’s vacation or even longer, if you consider it possible.

 

The beautiful city of Palma

 

As a gem of the crown, the capital Palma de Mallorca offers the perfect mix between seaside relaxation and culture. Two impressive monuments- the cathedral and the castle – give this city the air of other famous European capitals. The glorious Cathedral of Mallorca (La Seu) overlooks the Old Harbor and appears from a distance as a lighthouse of credence.

This beautiful, yet imposing construction dates to the 13^thcentury, but wasn’t completed until the 17^thcentury. The splendid Gothic facade features a series of decorations sculpted by the well known Guillermo Sagrera. Tourists are amazed by the interior of the cathedral and its imposing structure, with a nave of nothing less than 44 meters. The massive space covers an area of 6.600 square meters. Sumptuous stained-glass windows, together with several rose windows that are there from 1370, illuminate the sanctuary with an evanescent glow. Much of the interior was remodeled by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century. In the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), Gaudí’s gigantic baldachin is shaped like a crown of thorns.

 

One of Europe’s most beautiful castles 

 

Dating from more than 9 centuries ago, Castillo de Bellver sits on the top of a hill, three kilometers away from Palma de Mallorca’s historic center. Once a royal fortress, the castle’s peculiar circular plan was influenced by Eastern architecture. A bridge leads into the castle’s courtyard, which is inspired from the Romanesque and Gothic styles, considering the arcades. The castle is always open to the public and has both a history museum and chapel.

 

Moreover, if you want to get to know this wonderful island, other attractions that can be found here include the Fundación Pilar i Joan Miró, exactly in the house where the artist had lived. This museum has an impressive collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures, all belonging to the well-known Catalan artist. For those who prefer to lounge by the sea, the nearest option is near the Miro Foundation at the Cala Major. This wide beach is very popular during summertime. Other beaches are also tempting, among whch we can mention Playa de Palma and the Playa del Arenal.

Surrounded by forests of pines, Alcúdia is one of the most all-encompassing towns in Mallorca. This wonderfully preserved walled medieval town is also known for its interesting historic monuments, delicious cuisine, and traditional festivals. The town lies a distance from the sea and was fortified to protect against pirates that represented a serious danger during the Middle Ages.

 

La Albufera – a perfect destination, for you and your dear ones

 

Several interesting tourist attractions are found outside the town. For those who enjoy bird-watching, La Albufera natural park, situated on the bay, attracts more than two hundred species of birds throughout the year. If you are around, a popular nearby seaside destination could be the resort of Puerto Alcudiawith, thanks to its sandy beach, cute seaside promenade, and wonderful restaurant scene. The coastline around this area also has many pristine coves of crystal-clear water.

If you go to the Southwestern Coast of Majorca, there is a favorite destination of the Spanish royal family, that has become a trendsetter when it comes to visitors. The  marina is filled with luxurious yachts and draws trendy people to the yacht club, glitzy shops, cafés, and restaurants. With its expensive boutiques and made to the latest fashion cars seen racing through town (Ferraris and Porsches are considered here “ordinary”), Puerto Portals feels like a smaller counterpart of Monte Carlo in Monaco. Worldwide visitors can stroll up and down the waterfront while enjoying the scene, stopping to shop at the designer stores.

 

Gourmet?

 

If you are a fan of it, you must know that gourmet dining is also a popular pastime here, the majority of the cafés and restaurants having pleasant outdoor patios to admire and contemplate the Mediterranean sunshine.

 

Family fun – everything is posible in Mallorca 

 

Marineland, located nearby, is an attraction for families with kids. It can be said that children simply love playing at the water park and seeing the dolphins and sea lion show. That could be a valid option for you. Also nearby is the Mood Beach Club, which has a beautiful beach and a gourmet restaurant.

 

In a folkloric setting between the Tramuntana Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, the historic village of Valldemossa is literally, enchanting. Pedestrian streets and buildings with old stone facades lend a special ambience. The mountainous area has luxuriant vegetation, and the slopes lead down to beaches and coves. Below the hilltop town, there is a lovely harbor: I’m talking about the Port of Valldemossa, which still feels like a little fishing village. There, you can all enjoy sampling the fresh seafood specialties at the local restaurants.

 

Not only Transilvania has castles with impressive stories

Don’t forget to make a little bit of time for visiting one of the area’s must-see’s: the Real Cartuja de Valldemossa. This bewitching Carthusian monastery was built back in the 14^thcentury on the site of an ancient Moorish Alcázar. This place offered to the Carthusian Monks inspiration, during their prayers, offering them an ideal place to leave in.

 

That’s not aeverything: the monastery has welcomed during its history other illustrious guests including the pianist Frédéric Chopin and novelist George Sand. The couple rented a room inside the monastery, in the winter of 1838. Naturally, the room is now open to the public.

 

Majorcan culture and tradition, inspiring world’s masterpieces 

 

As a curiosity, during the time they lived here, their prolific works received a lot of inspiration, taking into account that Chopin composed Raindrop Prelude and other famous works, and George Sand wrote her emblematic book: A Winter on Majorca. The effusive grounds of the monastery also include the 14^th-century Palace Rey Sancho, which was a tribute for King Jaime II.

 

Photo credits: tui.co.uk, express.co.uk, telegraph.co.uk, budavartours.hu, broadwaytravel.com,  holidayswithaerlingus.com, espana-spain.com, timeout.com and hellomagazine.com