Majorca Holiday
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 Magaluf to adrenaline-inducing water sports in Cala Millor, from gentle walks through tiny mountainside villages to long tapas lunches in cosmopolitan Palma, there's something for everyone here.
"From Palma's cosmopolitan seafront to the rugged beauty of the Tramuntana mountains, Majorca is a glittering island full of delightful surprises."
Beaches
Majorca's beaches consist of long stretches of sandy coastline in the north and tiny unspoilt pine-clad coves in the east. Cala d'Or has numerous beautiful, powdery coves and deep inlets which can get crowded, simply because of their beauty. Puerto de Soller has a narrow town beach of sand and shingle, and a delightful sandy beach at one end. If you can't bear to lie still for long, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to water sports. Should they seem a bit too energetic, a trip on a glass bottomed boat is a pleasant and relaxing way to glimpse the colorful underwater life of Majorca.
Shopping
Majorca is renowned for its beautifully crafted artificial pearls. Found in shops all over the island, they make a great value treat or gift. Good buys also include embroidery, olive wood carvings, kitchenware and leather goods - look out for the factories found on the outskirts of most towns. Palma has everything from a wonderful flea market every Saturday to designer boutiques and high street chains, including a large, exclusive department store.
Nightlife
Majorca offers a variety of diverse nightlife, ranging from the lively bars, discos and never ending happy hours of Magaluf to the relaxed, seafood restaurants of Puerto Pollensa and Cala d'Or. Majorca has scores of English pubs and restaurants, but those searching for local flavor won't be disappointed - there is often a Balearic ballet or a Spanish play showing at the Auditorium in Palma, one of Europe's top concert halls. As you would expect, nightlife in resorts is quieter and more relaxed during the winter season.
Majorca boasts a long and colorful history - its strategic mid-Mediterranean location gave it a part to play in the successive empires of the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines and Moors. Sea-front sections of Palma's massive town walls survive to this day, some 800 years after the Moors constructed them.
Majorca Holiday Tips
In most hotels and aparthotels gentlemen are required to wear long trousers to dinner. Most hotels or apartments ask customers to vacate their rooms between 10am and 12 midday. For late afternoon or evening flights, late check out rooms may be available.
Local Specialties
Eating out is one of the great joys of a Majorca 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. Compliment your meal with a glass of the local red wine, not unlike a mild Rioja and round it off with a delicious 'créme catalan', a rich creme caramel custard.