MALLORCA -THE ALMOND ISLAND
….” The tourist sees, what he came to see. The traveller sees, what is in the front of his eyes”…
G.K. Chesterton
When hearing the names of the islands: Ibiza, Gran Canaria, Tenerife or Mallorca, I always had a vision of endless parties, tones of alcohol and incredible noise … Was I wrong? The answer is : no. And this answer did not surprise me at all. However, I must admit, that in each of these places, fortunately, in addition to expensive hotels with countless, deserved or not, stars, you can still find beautiful places, natural landscapes, interesting surroundings, which are worth going to the Balearic Islands, as well as the Canary Islands.
Majorca is one of those places, where I went only because I was persuaded to do so 😀 . And it was done by one of my very close friends – Grejs 😉 The story about Mallorca, which you’re readin now, was created thanks to the invaluable help of Grażynka, a Mallorca expert of all times 😉
It is the largest of the Balearic Islands. Its coastal cities have about 300 sunny days a year. And historical traces lead up to a thousand years BC … It survived the times of the Phoenicians, Visigoths, Vandals, pirates, it was an independent kingdom, and eventually became part of Spain. Mallorca.
Today, Majorca is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. At any time of the year, hundreds, and even thousands of tourists are going there … Crowds in hotels, swimming pools, beaches … So, is it worth investing in a plane ticket to Palma de Mallorca? It is. Because everyone can find the right atmosphere there. And a place that’s right for you. Nature lovers, colourful drinks fans, and even the caves explorers.
The island has one international airport, Aeropuerto de Palma de Mallorca, from where you can go in various ways in any direction, by rented car, taxi or public transport. In some cases, prices for private travel may vary slightly depending on the season. Tickets for city buses, rather, remain at the same, very affordable price. All information about transport in Majorca can be found at: SeeMallorca. Trains, buses, trams and even the subway (one line) – allow for comfortable and full of attractions travelling around the island.
If you decide to go to Majorca not only to lie on the beach, or swim in the hotel pool, it is good to think about how much time you have and how to use it. Do you want to visit the most beautiful viewpoints, or rather admire the medieval walls. Mainly due to the fact, that if you only have got a week to explore the island, the task will be quite a challenge …… Personally I would divide such trip into three stages: visiting monuments, finding time to visit at least a few viewpoints, where you can admire the charms of nature still available to the human eye, and finally leave something for entertainment …. But of course – what comes first, depends on your preferences 😀
Anyway,
… a must see on Majorca’s tourist map is definitely its capital: Palma de Mallorca. Apart of numerous monuments, museums and churches, the La Seu Cathedral certainly stands out. Admission to this beautiful Gothic and Renaissance building costs only 8 euros. It was built for almost four hundred years, and its spatial surface makes it one of the largest cathedrals in the world. Was founded on the site of a former mosque, today it reigns in the heart of Majorca’s capital, surrounded on one side by a view of the Mediterranean Sea and on the other by tiny charming streets. While you are in this area, admirers of history and architecture can also visit Castillo de Bellver, a castle designed on a circular plan, which was once also a prison. You can explore these facilities on your own, but if you feel like it, organised tours of the old town, that you can book with GetYourGuide can be found at really good prices.
Mallorca has other historical pearls too : the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the Banys Arabs baths, and the beautiful old town of Alcudia. There is also an old train „Old Express” from Palma de Mallorca to the home of citrus: Soller. However, experts from this Balearic island, recommend travelling this route rather on buses: 211 one way ( as it is fast ) and 210 through Valdemossa on the way back (as this version of travelling will definitely please the eye 😉 .
If you prefer to enjoy the beauty of nature, you must go to Formentor. You can do it by land, on your own, but you can also be tempted to explore the so-called : Glass Bottom Boat, the trip lasts up to four hours, and provides a truly amazing experience.
The beautiful Cala D’or, with white buildings, Valldemossa, where Chopin lived, the grottoes in the caves del Drach and del Hams, is also something for lovers of walking trips. The natives will recommend with all their heart to come to Majorca at the end of January, when almond trees begin to bloom. The islanders are extremely proud of the fact, that they are a family home for almonds 🙂
And what to do when we want to have fun? As I’m not a party specialist, unfortunately, I can only rely on opinions heard. By far the best place for drink voyages, swimming pools all inclusive, and exploring the streets full of pubs and nightclubs, is Majorca Magaluf.
For all those, whose time is very limited, I recommend the possibility, maybe not the best, but rather quickly travel through the most important parts of the island with HopOnHopOff Bus.
Regardless of the purpose of our visit to this picturesque, Balearic island, it should be taken into account, that some of its attractions may not be available throughout the year. The SeeMallorca website, I mentioned above, is a very helpful tool, when planning a trip to those regions.
Majorca also offers something for everyone’s palate 😉 and you shouldn’t forget about it 😀 Trying Sangria with fresh fruit in the background, San Miguel beer, with which I unfortunately recently give away Polish beers, paella, delicious breakfasts in tiny eateries, is mandatory 😛
Majorca is quite crowded, noisy, and unfortunately more and more explored by pseudo tourists for most of the year. Quieter areas defend themselves as much as they can, against the new generation of „Vandals”, organising holiday „invasions” …. I deeply hope, that this fight will not prove to be in the near future, the fight against the proverbial windmills. And keeping my fingers crossed for Balearic beauty future, I highly recommend a visit to Majorca.
MyTravelPhilosophy 