Is it Majorca or Mallorca?
Majorca, with a hard 'j' is the name given to Mallorca on British maps. Mallorca,
the local name for the island is popular and relaxing choice for a holiday destination,
with something to offer everybody. Majorca offers variety for all types of travellers.
There are beautiful sandy beaches, interesting coves and Palma has a wealth of history
if that is what you are searching for. For those looking to do nothing more than
to soak up the sun Majorca has long sandy beaches on offer and for those that enjoy
leisurely walks try a walk along the dramatic cliff tops or explore the coves on
offer all along the coastline of Majorca. There are traditional villages to sit
and people watch or enjoy a long cold drink in one the superb restaurants that Majorca
has to offer.
Festivals in Mallorca
Try to time a visit a time that coincides with one of the many festivals that the
island celebrates. Each village and town has a saint’s day and for a week that village
will hold a street party with live music, dancing and spontaneous restaurants will
open up for that week for all the locals and tourists to enjoy. If you are planning
a visit to Majorca in February you will see one of the colourful fiestas being celebrated,
the Carnival. Children will dress up in fancy dress and again villages enjoy a party
atmosphere. Semana Santa, or the Easter celebrations are again a very big affair
and shops and restaurants will often close for a period of time during this more
serious fiesta. Large religious processions take place with huge effigy’s being
carried down the roads with slow drum beats and dramatic if rather spooky looking
costumes being worn by the men of the village/town. Pollensa on the north of the
island sees the figure of Jesus Christ carried down the 365 steps to Calvary.
Palma city
Palma city is a superb place to go for a long week-end break away. It is seeped
in rich Moorish history and retains this in its architecture and cobbled streets.
It is a very hip place to travel and is full or smart restaurants and top fashion
boutiques as well as the famous department store El Corte Ingles. Try a traditional
Spanish dish of tapas, small dishes to enjoy with a cool beer. If you enjoy seafood
head for the Paseo Maritimo and enjoy some freshly caught fish of the day.
Alcudia
The best beaches are found to the North of the island in Alcudia, some 15km of beaches
are here and as such it is a very popular tourist destination for families. It does
also attract a younger crowd as the centre has a lively night time scene. To avoid
this head for a quieter area, where nightclubs are not part of the scene, in Puerto
Pollensa, a small and friendly fishing port. There are plenty of restaurants to
enjoy and mostly self catering accommodation in this part of Majorca.
Puerto D’Antratx
Puerto D’Antratx is on the southwest coast, a popular place to travel to where celebrities
such as Anthea Turner have bought a place. It is a trendy harbour resort with very
good fish restaurants and lots of smart and chic fashion boutiques. The sandy stretch
of beach in Camp de Mar or Peguera are a short car drive or bus ride away.
Cala San Vicente
On the north side there is Cala San Vicente which was once a fishing village and
is now popular for its narrow sandy beaches with clear waters that is overlooked
by dramatic cliffs. It is another good place for couples and families to visit.
Cala d’Or
For a smart resort try Cala d’Or, the place to visit for small rocky and interesting
coves. It has beautiful sandy beaches that are bordered by pine trees. Again here
there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from and this resort has an upmarket
feel about it.
Magaluf
If you are after a little bit of England in the sunshine and you want nightlife
and lots of it then head for Magaluf, not far from Palma. It attracts a noisy crowd
who like to party. On the promenade you will find a wealth of restaurants and bars
that all serve traditional English food and this resort is very popular with the
English. As the nightlife here is so lively don’t expect to get a quiet night’s
sleep, you will be expected to join in.
Majorca - something for everyone
Sandy beaches, rocky coves, fine restaurants, great shopping and discos from dawn
to dusk, Majorca has all these to offer and so much more. You just need to decide
on the type of holiday you want and then head to the right resort in Majorca for
you. Do give Palma a visit though, as it doesn’t seem to promote itself very well
but is a truly beautiful and fun city to visit. Enjoy!