SPAIN: Majorca
"Picture-postcard scenery, dramatic mountain ranges and a string of stylish, cosmopolitan and relaxed resorts - it's easy to see why artists, musicians and royalty have all fallen in love with astounding Majorca."
Basking in Mediterranean sunshine, its easy to see why Majorca is so popular. Its an island with something to please everyone. The landscape changes from dramatic mountains and the spectacular scenery of Cap de Formentor to gently terraced hillsides and charmingly secluded inlets. Wherever you go, the warm, friendly welcome doesn’t change. Whether you want to play golf or relax in a spa, Majorca can offer you whatever you want. And don’t forget to visit the capital, Palma, to experience the charm and character of the cathedral.
It’s easy to see why the Spanish king moved his summer palace to Majorca. This island, the largest of the Balearic chain, is a dazzling jewel in the heart of the Mediterranean. But Majorca isn’t reserved for royalty or the Hollywood stars that frequent its shores - far from it. From non-stop partying in from gentle walks through tiny mountainside villages to long tapas lunches in cosmopolitan Palma, there’s something for everyone here. Palma is the island capital, a vibrant sophisticated city with a lively buzz. Despite being the largest city in the Balearics, it retains an elegance that enchants its visitors. A magnificent Gothic cathedral dominates the city skyline, rising majestically above the city walls, and falling down to a labyrinthine old town studded with outstanding architecture, authentic restaurants and bars, stylish shops and fascinating museums. With so much on offer, this vibrant isle will entice you back to its sunblushed shores time and time again.
Alcudia
Alcudia lies in a large bay on the northeast coast, 45km from Palma. It has a superb beach flanked by a range of amenities geared to holidaymakers. There's little reason for sun seekers to venture anywhere else. The site of the modern day resort was originally the port for the old, walled town of Alcudia, now beautifully restored. Its history encompasses the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, but it was the Moors who built much of the city as it is today. The medieval ramparts were added after the Spanish conquest of the 14th century. Inside you will discover a maze of warren-like streets typical of Arab towns. Be sure to explore the remains of Roman houses and a well preserved amphitheatre close by.
Magaluf
Positioned on the southwest coast, just 15km from Palma, Magaluf has everything – from fashionable shops to fantastic sights. It's the perfect resort for those who want fun, sun and to party till dawn. Nightlife in Magaluf is extrovert. The scores of English pubs, discos, cafés, cocktail bars and nightclubs make this one of the liveliest resorts in Spain. Just be ready for the very hot and sunny weather of July and August, when everyone in the world seems to turn up to enjoy the beach and resort of Magaluf.
Palma Nova
Popular, friendly Palma Nova is a great choice for an active family holiday. Its safe, sandy beaches are very well kept, with lots of watersports, and there are scores of shops, bars and restaurants. A good bus service makes it easy to explore local attractions like Marineland and the waterparks. Traffic-free areas and attractive beaches give a sophisticated ambience to the promenade and shopping area. And if you like things a little less buzzy, the far end of the Torrenova peninsula is slightly quieter.
Puerto Pollensa
One of the prettiest resorts on the north coast, Puerto Pollensa curves around a magnificent bay with a backdrop of the Sierra Traumontana mountains. Good roads and transportation make it an ideal base for exploring the villages and sights of north Majorca. Where its neighbours have gone all out to attract the mainstream tourist, Puerto Pollensa’s fans – mostly couples and families with older children – appreciate that it has retained its natural beaches of sand and pebbles, and resisted the temptation of discos and high-volume nightclubs. Instead, the ambience here is always relaxed and filled with charm.
Santa Ponsa
Located 30 km from Palma on Majorca's southwest coast, Santa Ponsa has grown in and around a wide and deeply recessed bay, edged by pines and sun-bleached sands. The main beach, with its large expanse of white sands, is popular with both holidaymakers and locals, but there is a smaller, quieter beach to the south. Many watersports are available, as are tennis, bicycle hire and golf. Santa Ponsa achieves a good balance between both beach and nightlife. Discos, clubs and bars, particularly Irish bars with live music, provide a fun atmosphere in Santa Ponsa, with dozens of restaurants. There are also good facilities for self-catering stays.
Puerto de Soller
Set on a perfectly rounded bay, Puerto de Soller nestles at the foot of the Sierra de Tramontana hills, surrounded by groves of lemon and orange trees. Once a bustling textile centres it is now an extremely agreeable resort with a lot of traditional charm.
Beaches
With a palm-lined promenade and miles of golden sandy beaches it’s a tourist paradise. If you’re looking for lively beaches with a vibrant atmosphere and lots going on after dark, head for Magaluf and Palma Nova. Palma Nova’s curving sand-and-shingle beaches are very well kept, with plenty of water sports to keep you entertained. There’s a new, wide promenade in Santa Ponsa, the pretty resort that has grown around a wide bay edged by pines and sun-bleached beaches. The expanse of white sands has been extended, making it more popular than ever. Meanwhile, Puerto de Soller has a narrow town beach of sand and shingle, and a delightful sandy beach at one end.
Eating Out
Eating out is one of the great joys of a Majorcan holiday. Local fare includes the Balearics' ubiquitous tapas and all manner of seafood. Charcoal grilled meat dishes, particularly those based on chicken, lamb and pork, are also deservedly popular as is arroz brut, the Majorcan equivalent of paella, served with steaming saffron rice and pork or chicken.
Nightlife
Majorca offers a variety of diverse nightlife, ranging from the English pubs of Magaluf to the relaxed, seafood restaurants of Puerto Pollensa and Cala d’Or. Palma’s tangled network of time-worn streets and its cosmopolitan harbour are sprinkled with a mix of traditional tavernas and kitsch cocktail bars, as well as discotheques and clubs for those who want to dance the night away. To inject a little glamour into your stay, visit the island’s only casino, or pay a visit to the opulent Abaco bar situated in the area of La Lonja. Cocktails are delicious – and pricey – but the prices are offset by the lack of an entrance fee and you’ll soon find it’s worth every penny! Nightlife in Magaluf is like a never-ending happy hour with scores of pubs, discos, cafés, cocktail bars and nightclubs making it one of the liveliest resorts in Spain. Neighbouring Palma Nova, meanwhile, offers plenty of competition in the loud and lively stakes, with a great selection of nightspots that keep the drink flowing and the music pumping long into the night.
Shopping
Majorca is renowned for its beautifully-crafted artificial pearls. Found in shops all over the island, they make a great gift for family and friends at home. Other good buys also include embroidery, olive wood carvings, kitchenware and leather goods - look out for the factories found on the outskirts of most towns.
