Mallorca is the largest of Spain’s Balearic Islands, lying off the country’s east coast in the Mediterranean Sea. One of the first European resorts to develop a tourist industry, eight million people a year head for holidays in Mallorca to enjoy its famous white sandy beaches and near perfect climate.
Mallorca holidays, however, have a lot more to offer than just its string of beach resorts. For instance, there is spectacular mountain scenery and wetland nature reserves, staggering coastal scenery and one of Spain’s most beautiful provincial cities in Palma, its administrative centre and cultural centrepiece. The city’s 14th Century Gothic cathedral dominates the view as planes land at the island’s nearby airport.
Just 2 or 3 hours by plane, from most north European cities, Mallorca has become one of the most popular holiday destinations on the continent, and continues to attract visitors to both the established resorts of the south and it’s less developed interior and coastal stretches to the north. Renting an apartment in Magaluf during July and August means you’ll be at the centre of the island’s buzzing beach scene, with round the clock bars, fast food and water parks to compliment some great stretches of white sands. The Bay of Palma is popular with British tourists during the summer attracted by all the home comforts and some great value Mallorca holiday rentals.
Mallorca is a big island and has a lot more to offer than its major resort towns. Mountainous coastal areas have escaped almost all development and the scenic rewards for those who make the journey are unparalleled by any other stretch of coastline in Spain.
A growing number of Mallorca Holiday visitors are drawn by the appeal of renting a farm cottage on the island’s central plain, the perfect place to escape the hectic pace of its tourist centres and a great base for exploring its quieter beaches and coves.
Nature lovers visit in growing numbers, to explore the trails of the vast Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, north of Palma, visit the Cabrera National Park, an unoccupied archipelago of rocky islands, or the S’Albufera Nature Reserve, home to rare species of bird and plant life.
Cala Pi is the place to find the mysterious collection of prehistoric stone constructions known as Capocorb Vell, perhaps the greatest of the island’s numerous megaliths, dating back more than 3000 years.
Palma is a lively city often overlooked by many visitors as they head for the beach. It has a number of architectural attractions although most fail to compare to the dominating splendour of La Seu Cathedral.
A walk around the old town, with its medina-like streets is an enchanting experience, while staying in an apartment in Palma can be an excellent introduction to Mallorca.
The city has a number of atmospheric former palaces, built around courtyards, offering very good accommodation. Many have sun terraces overlooking the old town, pools and great collections of art, oozing culture and sophistication.
Several picturesque mountain villages have developed a very genteel form of tourism, and for growing numbers, renting a luxury villa close to the monastery at Lluc means they can escape the crowds but still be close to smaller resorts such as Port de Sóller. With ecotourism and its rich natural heritage Mallorca is an island with a lot more to offer than many believe, which is part of its enduring attraction with visitors.
If you want to discover everything on offer in this unique destination why not browse our range of Puerto Pollensa accommodation in Mallorca today and book your perfect break.