Beautiful places of Mallorca: A fabulous paradise for tourists. What to see in Mallorca with children? What to visit in Mallorca

Our son is growing up, and we continue to travel together. Since we prefer to vacation at sea at the beginning of May and/or at the end of September, we choose places that meet the following conditions:
a. Europe
b. fly no more than 4 hours
c. the sea is warm enough to swim with a child
d. availability in the area interesting places for child and parents
not very large - Cyprus, Spain in the Valencia-Alicante area, Bolearic Islands.
At first, as usual, we tried to organize everything ourselves, but after a series of thoughts we came to the conclusion to give the issue of organizing a vacation to a travel agency.
The question remained with the direction:
- Cyprus, with all its advantages, has already become boring (we had a good rest last May and my wife and son spent the winter there in the winter of 2011)
- Holiday options on the Costa Blanca turned out to be not very budget-friendly
As a result, we chose Mallorca and the Iberostar Club Cala Barca hotel. Basically, the choice was made based on the large number of positive reviews on tripadviser.com and the relatively low price. The location of the hotel in a pine forest was also captivating. The tour operator was Natalie Tours. Chartered flight carried out by Transaero.

Road
Domodedovo Airport, as always, pleased with the “thoughtful” nature of the passenger disembarkation area and the turmoil and confusion reigning there. After the terrorist attack, everyone entering the terminal building began to be searched, and dog handlers with dogs are constantly present. At the entrance there are guards the size of a good refrigerator and with their appearance they show that they have everything under control.
During check-in, it turned out that there was no need to check the stroller as luggage, as when flying to Rhodes using the same Transaero, which we were incredibly happy about. The flight, lasting almost 5 hours, passed quite quickly. Transaero's planes, of course, are no longer new, and the degree of friendliness and correct communication of the flight attendants leaves much to be desired. Still, despite all the comments and complaints about Aeroflot, they are still much better than S7 and Transaero.
The first thing that struck me about Mallorca was the size of the airport. In the arrivals hall there are about 20 baggage claim belts alone (especially in contrast to DMO, where there are 4 or 5 of them).
Since the hotel is located on the outskirts and you need to get to civilization either by bus, or by taxi, or by rented car, we decided to take a car directly at the airport and not use the operator’s “airport-hotel-airport” transfers.
After studying the offers of rental companies, of which there are a million in Mallorca, the choice was made at recordgo.com (their contacts are in the photo:)

We booked a Renault Scenic online for all 15 days. In fact, there was no Scenic, and the choice was offered of a new diesel Peugeout Partner or Ford C-Max with a range of 7,000 km; naturally, the choice fell on Ford. It also turned out on the spot that when renting for more than 4 days, you need to buy a tank of fuel from the office (that is, you get the car with a full tank, but you can and should return it with an empty one, since the money will not be returned). The overpayment was not particularly large, and this condition was, it turns out, written in small print in the reservation confirmation, so I was not particularly upset. In total, 350 Euros were paid for 15 days (car + tank of gas + child seat). All rental cars in Europe are insured, and in case of problems, you only get a deductible, which for this class of car in RecordGo is 300 Euros. Additional insurance was offered in order to eliminate the deductible and include coverage for headlights/glasses/underbody and other things. But, due to the fact that its cost is about 10 Euros per day, I didn’t see the point in buying it.
Having accepted the car and installed an extremely cheap-looking child seat (for some reason I’ve never seen high-quality seats at rentals before), we headed towards the hotel. The distance to the hotel from the airport is approximately 55-60 km, a third of this distance is a highway. The rest is a two-lane road of excellent quality. At the end of the route, the navigator decided to take a shortcut and led us along narrow local paths, the width of which does not allow two cars to pass each other in most places. There are a lot of such roads on the island and they are extremely picturesque.

The journey to the hotel took about an hour.

Hotel.
We registered, met the deputy. The manager, Bulgarian Ignat Ignatov, is an extremely friendly and helpful comrade. There are three Russian girls working at the reception, one of whom is always on shift. In addition, the hotel always has a Natalie Tours guide - she can be found either at the reception or in one of the “Russian” buildings.
We received the key and were shown the direction where to go. The hotel consists of a large number of buildings located along the road. Tourists are accommodated based on their nationality and depending on the operator. Russian buildings are located 500 meters from restaurants, swimming pools, reception and other entertainment. On the one hand, such a distance may be a minus for some, but, on the other hand, the Russian reservation has its own swimming pool, its own children's animation, a snack bar, and it is much quieter and calmer there than in the main buildings in which Europeans are accommodated (possibly because the building occupancy rate was 15 percent)
The renovations in the rooms of the “Russian” buildings do not qualify for 4*, as the hotel positions itself, they look poor. But it’s clean, because they clean it every day. The room has a refrigerator and stove, but no dishes.
With meals at the hotel, half-board and All-Incl options are available. The vast majority of Europeans and our compatriots choose the latter option. We traveled on a half-board, since we did not plan to stay at the hotel during the day for lunch. If you booked a trip with half board and then changed your mind, you can pay an additional 18 euros per day per person at the hotel and get an “All Inclusive” bracelet so you can drink and eat unlimitedly.
Despite the beginning of the season, the European part of the hotel was filled with vacationers by 80-90 percent, however, some inconvenience can only be felt in the restaurant, when you cannot find a free table in a hall that can accommodate 700 people.
The hotel is hell for childfree people, since 80% of vacationers vacation there with children, most with two or three.
The hotel has a large children's playground, there is animation in different languages (including animators Natalie Tours), there are children's clubs for both the youngest and older children, slot machines and children's attractions. Every children's evening there is a mini disco with clowns. A 5-minute walk from the hotel is a ranch where you can rent a pony, ride a cart, or just watch the horses.
The food is varied, but like any Buffet, gets boring pretty quickly. Lots of fruits and desserts. Unfortunately, there is no special children's food; according to observation, Europeans do not worry and immediately after bottles of formula they switch to French fries and Fanta. For breakfast, our child ate the porridge we had brought with us, and for dinner we were fed the most neutral dishes available to choose from.
The hotel is located within the Mondrago National Park and the grounds are very beautiful.

Reception:

Main square, restaurant and swimming pools:

Natalie-Tours buildings:

Territory:

Entertainment available to adults:
tennis courts (free, but by appointment. Rackets can be rented for some ridiculous money)
ping pong tables,
a 25-meter pool in which you can try to swim normally, in the morning or in the evening (during the day, swimming there resembles slalom)
several winding pools for a relaxing swim,
rental of all types of bicycles (hardtail, two-suspension, road bike - from 18 Euro per day, you can take a child seat - 3 Euro per day),
there is a dive center that even issues PADI certificates,
at the ranch you can take riding lessons for reasonable money or just ride a horse,
gym,
SPA center with reasonable prices, but not a very wide variety of programs,
Cycling, water aerobics, etc., etc., to overcome the consequences of all-inclusive.

There is a small supermarket, shops with small items and souvenirs.
If you are traveling with children for two weeks, then most likely you cannot avoid doing laundry - the issue is resolved for a reasonable 3 euros per wash, for which you need to buy a token in the supermarket to turn on the washing machine. There are mini-laundries near the main building and near the Russian part.

If you still want to go and see the surrounding area, you can do this either by bus at the following prices:

Either by taxi or by renting a car. Rental at the hotel offers new Citroen C4 for 40-45 euros per day.
The beach at the hotel is not very good. There are a lot of people, and the beach is small and not equipped (but clean, except for algae). Therefore, it is better to go to the beaches located within a 10-minute walk through the forest. The path is good, but difficult to walk with a stroller. Alternatively, you can travel by bus for about 1.5 Euro. On the beach there is a rental of sun loungers, a cafe, and a shower.

The beach closest to the hotel (but no longer on site):

Beach 10 minutes from the hotel:

Nature
Of the islands I visited (Crete, Tenerife, Cyprus), Mallorca seemed the most green and pleasing to the eye. Pines, sea, rocks and white sand are a very beautiful combination. There are countless beaches, both comfortable and wild. There is a feeling that even during peak season you can find a beach where there will be no one but you. There are many more photos below:

Entertainment for children.
There is children's animation on site (including in Russian). Equipped children's playground.
Next to the hotel there is a ranch where you can rent a pony (about 5 euros for half an hour). They give you a reason and you walk on your own. There is a Belarusian working at the ranch, who will explain in his native language how to behave with a pony.

You can also take your child on a carriage ride.

Among the places that seemed interesting for a 2-year-old child we visited:

Marineland Park.
They give performances of seals, dolphins and parrots, and there is also a small zoo and a water park for children on site.

Zoo SafariZoo- a wonderful zoo and a kind of auto-safari. It is a winding road about three kilometers long, along which you drive in your car and watch different animals grazing without enclosures. Deer, gazelles, buffalos, zebras, hippos, monkeys and all of them can be seen from the car window. Monkeys behave especially brazenly - when approaching their territory, two or three individuals jump on a car, sit on the mirrors and begin to intensively beg for a treat. To tell the truth, I said goodbye to the 300 euro deductible for the broken mirror, since under the 15 kilogram carcass it began to crack menacingly and lean in an unusual direction towards the ground J. But, in general, the mirror remained intact, and the claws of the monkeys left no scratches on auto. So, entertainment can be considered relatively safe.
At the end of the safari part, you arrive at a regular zoo, where in enclosures you can find lves, elephants, tigers, monkeys and other animals. There is a children's mini-zoo where you can go with your children and see/touch goats, geese and similar domestic animals. Children can spend the rest of their energy on a couple of playgrounds. One of them has a somewhat unusual slide.

Aquarium in Palma
A very decent aquarium, consists of an indoor and outdoor exhibition, where there are several open ponds with fish and sharks, as well as an imitation of the jungle.

Entertainment for parents
Unfortunately, our child does not have the opportunity to travel far (his maximum in the car is 1 hour). Therefore we went along south coast.
Cala Figeira is a small town with a beautiful bay.

Cala"D"Or- a typical tourist town. With a standard range of entertainment in the form of a mass of small shops, cafes and bars. The beach is small and crowded. There is a surf station where you can rent a wind surf or take a course.

Colonia St jourdi- a resort town with an excellent beach. Another surf station.
The city administration is apparently very greedy, because... places for free parking Couldn't find it at all. Parking is either prohibited or paid everywhere. An lady stands vigil next to the parking meters and immediately issues fines for expired parking tickets.

Porto Colom- a large harbor and many boats, it’s nice to walk along the embankment.

Porto Petro- We drove past the city itself and didn’t notice anything special. It's worth a trip for the Dragon Cave and the Safari Zoo.

Dragon Cave- a fairly hyped tourist attraction, but worth a visit - the interior of the cave and the scale of the halls are impressive. A classical music concert taking place on an underground lake and completing the tour is also quite good.
Unfortunately, photography is prohibited inside, so no photos.

Santanyi- a cozy town. (The closest town to the hotel after Porto Petro) With good restaurants in the square.

Very beautiful city!

Rough parking:

Of all the attractions we visited only Bellver Castle.

We wandered the streets, ate ice cream, and played at the local playground.
One of the areas of street creativity is blowing bubbles. With the help of simple devices, bubble blowers entertain children and earn a euro or two. Their bubbles are simply gigantic.

From a shopping point of view, we can recommend the Porto Pi shopping center at the end of the port, when exiting the highway towards Antratx. In principle, the selection of stores is not much different from those in Moscow, but Spanish clothing brands are 40 percent cheaper. There are many children's attractions in the center, so stock up on euro coins.
The Festival Park outlet is also advertised. We didn’t find anything interesting, prices are higher than in the city, there are not many shops, the only plus is that they are open on Sunday, which is extremely rare in Spain, where shops on Sunday look like this:

Sollier
The only city north coast, where we were able to get to - Sollier. Traveling on a vintage (1929) train, to good weather, judging by reports, looks much nicer. But since we had no choice (the weather was cloudy throughout the second half of our stay on the island), we drove in the rain. Unfortunately, some vivid impressions failed to obtain. Sollier nice town, but nothing more.

Restaurant Grill
We stopped at this restaurant on the recommendation of friends - a great place to relax after the beach and eat grilled meat, fish and seafood. There is a beautiful garden in the courtyard where you can take a walk while the owner prepares your order. The restaurant is located next to the nice beach of Es Trenc. In general, I recommend:

Additional Information:
Parking in cities costs, on average, 1.8 euros per hour; during siesta (14.30-16.30) parking is most often free; there are many underground parking lots in Palma, with approximately the same tariff. If you are not too late for the paid time, they will put a receipt under your wiper with a small fine (Euro 3-4), which can (and should) be paid at the same parking meter. IN mall PortoPi parking is free for two hours, then about 2.4 euros.

Internet.
The Internet can be found in the form of WiFi in some cafes/restaurants, or you can buy a local SIM card in order to use decently working 3G from Vodafone. The pleasure will cost approximately 20 Euros per week (if you have your own modem. Unfortunately, I don’t know how much Vodafone devices offer)
http://www.vodafone.es/particulares/es/internet-y-tv/internet-movil/internet-movil-prepago/tarifas/

Products.
Food prices are approximately the same as in Moscow. Except for wine, cheese and jamon. All this costs pennies and is of excellent quality. Spanish wines are sold for 3-4 euros per bottle; 6-8 is considered very decent.

In general, Mallorca left me with the most pleasant impressions and a desire to return. Which we will definitely do.

Mallorca is one of the largest and most popular island resorts in the Spanish Mediterranean. Gorgeous beaches and amazing nature attract thousands of tourists every year.

The sea and resorts are not the only thing that attracts visitors to the island. The sights of Mallorca deserve no less attention. They belong to different eras and can tell a lot about the history of the island.

In general, travelers prefer not to use the services of travel agencies and create their own routes. All that remains is to decide what is definitely worth seeing in Mallorca, so as not to miss the most interesting places.

What to see in Mallorca

The island is an organic combination of ancient buildings - castles, temples and monasteries, which are real pearls of architectural and historical heritage various eras, and modern amenities of civilization: five-star hotels, luxury villas, respectable restaurants. Adding museums, national parks, an aquarium and unusual corners of nature to the list, you can understand that Mallorca is an amazing place, literally created for relaxation.

When going on a trip to Mallorca, you should definitely include Bellver Castle in your list of places to visit. Today it is not only one of the unique architectural monuments. It houses a museum of the history of Palma, the main city of the island.

Another castle that deserves the attention of vacationers is Capdepera. Built at the same time as the Belvedere, it has become a real place of pilgrimage for tourists who appreciate historical architectural monuments.

Excursion routes can include such sights of Mallorca as the Palma Cathedral and the Luque Monastery, the Dragon Caves and the Alfabia Gardens, and a trip on an ancient train from Palma to Sawyer. You should definitely go to Cape Formentor, climb to the observation decks and admire the amazingly beautiful surroundings.

Palma de Mallorca - the pride of the island

Palma de Mallorca - main city islands and capital of the Balearic archipelago of Spain. This is where you can start your trip to Mallorca. It begins its history in the times of Ancient Rome, of which authentic evidence has been preserved.

The architectural monuments of the city are the most interesting sights of Mallorca, which can be explored on foot.

One of the most beautiful is Cathedral Santa Maria. Its construction took place over three centuries - from the 13th to the 16th. Construction began in 1229 in honor of the victory over the Moors. In the 19th century, its façade was badly damaged by an earthquake. The reconstruction of the building was carried out by the great Gaudi. The cathedral is decorated with a huge rose window. Notre Dame de Paris has a similar design. The organ installed in the cathedral has a magnificent sound and is considered one of the best in Europe.

Another decoration of Palma de Mallorca is the Almudaina Palace, located opposite the Palma Cathedral. It was built during the period of Muslim rule as the residence of the rulers of the island. On Mori Street there is the Kan Olesa Palace, which surprises with one of the most beautiful courtyards for relaxation of the Baroque era and attracts tourists.

Available for review:

see the 13th century monastery of St. Clare and the 10th century Arab baths,
take a walk along Passeo de Born and Plaza Mayor,
visit the Museo de Mallorca and the Diocesan Museum.

Guests of the island will be interested in:

the oldest island church of St. Eulalia,
Gothic Basilica de Santa Francis in Baroque style,
a building with gargoyles (it used to house a maritime exchange).

Not far from the city, in the vicinity of Palma de Mallorca, the luxurious residence of the rulers of Mallorca, Bellver Castle, was built in the 14th century. One of a kind architectural structure features an unusual round shape. On the top floor of the castle there is a cozy patio, which offers amazing views of the sea and the city.

The second name of the exotic island"almond". According to legend, the white flowers of this tree reminded the northern princess of the snow from her homeland. Now it seems that all the most beautiful places in Mallorca are created to please the eye and inspire admiration.

What to see: Mallorca island

Mallorca is an example of a successful mixture of architectural styles, historical eras and religions. This is reflected in the exterior of buildings and structures. You should definitely visit all the most ancient castles, palaces, and cathedrals.
almost half of the island’s territory is a protected area with unique vegetation and amazing species of animals and birds.
Particularly beautiful landscapes of the rocky coast with bays and bays occupy the north and northeast of the island.

The most beautiful places in Mallorca have one thing in common: they are the result of nature's creativity.

Dragon Caves: Mallorca Island

There are about two hundred caves in Mallorca, only 5 are allowed to be visited by tourists. The largest ones are located between Manacor and Porto Cristo (Drac and Arta). It got its name thanks to a legend according to which there was a dragon at the entrance (the Catalan version of “fights”). Total length - 2200 meters, excursion route— 1 km.

They all attract big amount grottoes, underground lakes and stalactites. The caves of Mallorca are private property.

Attractions:

Cave of Louis Salvador;
Cyclops Observation Deck;
main hall;
Well of Vampires;
Hall of Louis Armand.

The Dragon Caves in Mallorca are famous for their lakes (6 pieces). The largest are Martel, Delicias, Negro. The lighting effects were designed by a Catalan architect, the author of the Magic Fountains in Barcelona. Here you can admire the sunrise underground - a bright glow rises on the horizon, enveloping the entire space in light, all this is accompanied by the playing of a classical orchestra.

Arta was opened in the 16th century. In ancient times it served as a dwelling for people, and later as a refuge for pirates. The height of the halls is 40 meters, they are called Purgatory, Heaven, Hell. The attraction is a stalagmite 20 meters long. It is Arta who will show you the frozen waterfalls.

In the caves of Mallorca, the mysteries of the treasures of pirates and Templars await you. It is believed that this is where they hid them.

It is separated from the capital by 3 km. Translated it means “beautiful view.” Bellver Castle is located at an altitude of 140 meters and is over 700 years old. From here there is a beautiful view of the bay where it was built.
The initiator of the construction was Jaime I, the Aragonese king. Initially the building had military purpose and was used for protection against enemies.

The structure has the shape of a circle, the towers of which are directed to the 4 cardinal directions. In different eras, the castle served as a prison, and only in the second half of the 20th century did it become a military museum.

Archaeological finds discovered here date back to the Bronze Age. Today the Luque Monastery is the religious center of the island. The ensemble consists of a church, a garden and a museum. Located in the northwest of Mallorca at an altitude of 525 meters, surrounded by cliffs.

Dating from the 13th century, it was erected in honor of St. Luke and is a major pilgrimage site. The monastery is famous for its men's choir. Tourists here are offered to rent a cell and spend the night on the premises.

Mallorca Island: Almudaina Palace

It has always been the residence of the royal family. Half of the house is still in her private possession. Today the place in it is occupied by the National Museum and military services (security). The patio of the Almudaina Palace is decorated with the Oratory of St. Anne in the Gothic style.

The shape of the building is a rectangle with two towers. One is crowned with a statue of the Archangel Gabriel (“Tower of the Angel”). The second, the “Tower of the Head,” was used in ancient times to hang the heads of convicted criminals.

Alfabia is a private estate in the Sierra de Tramuntana, built by an Arab from a noble family. To this day, the appearance of this place retains traces of Muslim culture. Alfabia Gardens are a harmonious combination of art and nature.

The decoration is the main alley and the graceful staircase, which is surrounded by water channels and lion statues. In the center there is a gazebo and a pond. From here leads another alley with columns and fountains, which anyone can turn on by pressing one button. The ensemble ends with an observation deck.

La Granja

The La Granja estate is located 15 km from Palma. It dates back to the tenth century and has been a private estate since the 15th century. A large number of people have always served its territory. Agriculture was active and crafts developed. Today, craft master classes, dance and dance classes are held here. entertainment programs. Those interested can have lunch at the restaurant of the same name, and picnic lovers can sit on the lawns.

Adkudia and Pollensa

The north of the island is decorated with the Bay of Alcudia. City of the same name is a historical monument. A little to the east is a port called Pollensa. The city of the same name attracts the creative elite and wealthy people. Both bays wash the incredibly beautiful Cape Formentor.

There has never been a problem with what to see in Mallorca. The difficulty arises from the question of how to have time to see everything. Amazing places there is so much here that you will have to come again.

The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo© An Pri / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Mallorca is the most visited island of the Balearic archipelago, with an annual number of tourists exceeding 10 million. Most come for the sea, sun and beaches, but Mallorca has much more to offer. With gorgeous beaches, stunning mountains and extraordinary caves, it's no wonder this place inspired Jules Verne.

The romantic racing towns of Valldemossa, Deia, Soller and Pollensa are scattered along the west coast. crowns West Coast Cape Formentor with its picturesque cliffs and fabulous Formentor beach. The east coast is even more outlandish - the caves of Coves Arta, the Dragon Caves, ancient fortresses and the delightful beach of Cala d'Or.

Finally, the capital of the island, Palma de Mallorca, is a concentration of attractions in the midst of wonderful nature.

The vibrant island of Mallorca, Spain (Photo© cristina camps / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca is a vibrant city with stunning architecture and rich history. Its historical part is a combination of Gothic churches, beautiful palaces, charming patios and great places for relax.

The vibrant city of Palma de Mallorca, Spain (Photo© santiago lopez-pastor / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Cathedral of St. Mary

Palma Cathedral Santa Maria or La Seu) resembles a huge Gothic ship moored off the coast of Palma. Its construction on the site of the main mosque lasted from 1300 to 1601. The facade of the cathedral was restored after the earthquake of 1851 in Art Nouveau style according to the designs of Antoni Gaudi.

The entrance to the cathedral is preceded by a museum of paintings on religious themes and items made of precious metals. The most impressive details of the interior are the bright stained glass windows and the extraordinary forged sculpture of Gaudí. Local artist Miguel Barcelo also contributed to the design, painting one of the altars on the biblical theme of loaves and fishes.

Puppet Museum

The Puppen Museum near the Cathedral will appeal to both children and adults. This is a delightful collection of antique dolls, where you can also buy some of them.

Almundaina Palace

Almundaina Palace (Palau de l’Almudaina) is a former Muslim fort, reconstructed in the 13th century as the residence of the Majorcan kings. The palace, which still hosts the King of Spain, is open to the public - you can see the courtyard, the chapel with a rare Roman portal and the royal apartments with antique tapestries and furniture.

View of the Almundaina Palace, Spain (Photo© PROAntonio Rodríguez Fernán / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Bishop's Palace

The Bishop's Palace (Palau Episcopal) exhibits a magnificent Christian collection from all over the island.

Museum of Contemporary Art Es Baluard

Es Baluard is a place where bold displays blend perfectly with reinforced concrete walls and the remains of Renaissance fortifications. Inside there are works by Catalan masters from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as a rotating exhibition of 20th century artists from Oskar Kokoschka to Amadeo Modigliani.

March Palace

March Palace (Palau March) belonged to the fabulously wealthy March family. The terrace features bold sculptures by contemporary artists such as Eduardo Chillida and Barbara Hepworth. Inside you will find rich bourgeois furnishings, an interesting collection of Salvador Dali, as well as an exhibition of figurines on the theme of Neapolitan life.

Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art

The Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art or the Juan March Foundation Museum (Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani) is located in an 18th century mansion. Visitors can enjoy works by Picasso, Dali, Juan Gris, Miró and sculptor Julio Gonzalez.

Mansion-Museum Caen-Marcus
Can Marques is a beautiful Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau mansion open to the public. This is a unique opportunity to see exquisite furnishings, furniture and household items that date back to the 14th century.

Basilica of Saint Francis

The Basilica of Sant Francesc on the square of the same name was built back in 1281. The majestic facade was made in 1700, and inside lie the ashes of the 13th century scientist Raymond Lull.

House-Museum of Joaquim Torrents Llado

The Casa-Museo Joaquim Torrents Llado houses valuable works by the Catalan artist.

Arab baths

Arab Baths (Banys Arabs) – partially preserved ancient Arab baths with domes and columns.

Exchange

The Trade Exchange (La Llotja) is a luxurious palace-like building in the Gothic style. Now used for exhibitions.

Church of Santa Eulalia

The Church of Saint Eulalia (Iglesia de Santa Eulalia) is the oldest in the city, and is famous for its stunning altar.

Neighborhoods of Palma

Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle (Castell de Bellver) is a unique round castle from the 14th century on the western outskirts of Palma. You can get there by bus number 3 with a stop at Plaza Gomilla, from where the castle is only 500 m away. From here you can enjoy excellent panoramas of the city.

Bellver Castle, Spain (Photo© Joanot / www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Spanish village

The Spanish Village (Pueblo Español) embodied the idea of collecting copies of all the sights of Spain in one place. There are 22 buildings here that you can walk around in 15 minutes and take interesting photos.

Zoo Natura Park

The Natura Parc zoo, 25 km from Palma in the town of Ses Olleries, is small, but most of its inhabitants can be fed and petted.

Santa Maria del Cami

Santa Maria del Cami is a pleasant old town in the mountains, from where many exciting hiking trails start.

Waterpark Western Park

Western Water Park is located in the resort of Magaluf - this is a great idea to combine the theme of the Wild West and water activities.

Dragonera Natural Park

Dragonera Natural Park (Parc Natural de sa Dragonera) is an island off the westernmost coast of Mallorca where a special species of lizard lives. Tour groups depart from the resorts of Santa Ponsa and Paguera to this lizard-inhabited uninhabited island.

La Granja Museum

The La Granja Museum (Museo La Granja) is an interesting museum of the island's traditions among the picturesque nature of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains. The museum is located in a charming 17th-century manor in the town of Esporles, 15 km from the capital.

Sights of Mallorca

Valldemossa

Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful mountain villages in Mallorca with narrow ancient streets surrounded by flowers. Lovers will appreciate this place hiking and atmospheric photo sessions.

Mountain village of Valldemossa, Spain (Photo© Ramón Sobrino Torrens / www.flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

Alfabia Gardens

Alfabia Gardens (Jardins de Alfabia) – delightful Moorish gardens and estate at the foot of the Sierra de Tramuntana. It’s nice to walk along the alleys here and turn on the fountains yourself by pressing special buttons.

Deya

Deia is a pretty village in the mountains that has always inspired artists, poets and musicians. Cobbled streets, ancient fountains, miniature sculptures, colorful flowers and cypress trees create a special creative atmosphere. A little to the west is the beautiful Son Marroig estate with a stunning terrace.

Soller

Soller – the city in the heart mountain range Sierra de Tramuntana, which can be reached by the Orange Express from Palma. This is a cute town with many mountain routes starting from there.

Pollensa

Pollença is an ancient city famous for its “Way of the Cross” in the form of a steep staircase of 365 steps. At the end of the journey, pilgrims will find the El Calvari chapel and wonderful panoramas at the top of the mountain. The popular resort of Port de Pollensa is located nearby.

Cape Formentor

Cape Formentor is the northernmost point of Mallorca with stunning rocky cliffs. The final destination is the lighthouse and beach of Formentor with its unusually azure waters.

Alcudia

Alcudia is a family resort with magnificent beaches and a small water park, the Hidropark. Nearby is the Yannick and Ben Jacobert Foundation Museum with exhibitions of contemporary art and a sculpture park.

Muro

Muro is a town where the interesting Museum of Ethnology (Museo Etnologico de Muro) is located. In the museum you can see furniture, traditional costumes, tools, and also see firsthand the work of a blacksmith or shoemaker.

Petra

Petra is the patrimony of the missionary monk Junípero Serra, where time seems to have stopped. Here you can visit all the places Serra visited, including his home and museum nearby on Carrer Barracar Alt. Also interesting is the monastery of San Bernat on the outskirts of Petra.

Arta

Arta is a pleasant town with beautiful church 13th century San Salvador and its “Way of the Cross”, which leads to the fortress of Santuari de Sant Salvador. Further east are the Koves Arta caves on a sheer cliff. They are said to have inspired Jules Verne to write Journey to the Center of the Earth. You can also visit old castle in the city of Capdepera.

Dragon Caves

Dragon Caves (Coves del Drac) – one of my favorites tourist places with underground lake Martel. The doomsday and the musicians on the boats create a special impression.

Dragon Caves, Spain (Photo© Ralf Becker/ www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

Santanyi

Santanyi is a golden town made of special limestone, which is mined in local quarries. The main attraction is the Church of Sant'Andreu. The city is also famous for its market under open air, which breaks down in the city center right next to the church. Here you can buy excellent leather belts, bags, wallets, ceramics, paintings, jamon and more.

cactus garden

The Cactus Garden (Botanicactus) in Ses Salines is a stunning opportunity to see one of the largest collections of cacti in Europe, consisting of more than 1000 species on 15 hectares. There is also a bamboo plantation, an artificial pond, beautiful palm trees and trees.

Puig de Randa

Puig de Randa is a mountain 32 km from Palma, where there are 3 old monasteries: Gracia, Sant Honorat and Cura. The cliffs where the monasteries are located offer stunning views.

Puig de Randa, Spain (Photo© PROEloisa Ozonas/ www.flickr.com / Licensed CC BY-NC 2.0)

El Arenal

El Arenal is a popular resort with excellent beaches and the Aqualand water park.

Beaches

10 best beaches Mallorca:

How to get to Mallorca

Mallorca can be reached either by plane or by ferry. The ferry departs from Ibiza, Menorca and Valencia. IN high season There are direct flights to Mallorca from Russia, and the rest of the time planes to Palma de Mallorca fly from Madrid and Barcelona.

View of Mallorca from an airplane, Spain (Photo© Inge / www.flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0)

What to do on the island

10 things to do in Mallorca:

Look with admiration at the Palma Cathedral-ship;
Make up your mind and go around all the sights of Palma;
Take a ride on the romantic Orange Express from Malmo to Soller;
Try local beer Sullerica in the town of Soller;
Venture onto one of the trekking routes along the Sierra de Tramuntana;
Relax on an idyllic snow-white beach Es Trenc;
Attend an unusual concert in the Dragon Caves;
Buy home Mallorcan sausages - sobrasada and coent;
Get your own comfortable pair of Camper shoes;
Have a photo shoot in the charming village of Deia.

When to go to Mallorca

Mallorca is a year-round resort, but the high season is considered to be from April to October. During this period, an excellent beach holiday is guaranteed - the air temperature remains at 22-31°C. The water is warmest from July to September – 25-25°C.

Between November and March, the air temperature drops below 20°C, so swimming and sunbathing is no longer so comfortable, but you can immerse yourself in excursions. Housing prices during the low season are half as much.

What and where to eat in Mallorca

One of Mallorca's most famous dishes is roasted suckling pig "lechona asada" with potatoes and apple sauce. The islanders' favorite first course is a very thick and hearty Mallorquina soup with pork and vegetables. It’s also worth trying tumbet, the Mallorcan equivalent of ratatouille.

For dessert, you can treat yourself to twisted puff pastries with cream - ensaymadas. And indulge in the local grejonera de brossat cheesecake and gâteau dameglia almond cake.

Restaurant March Fosh in the center of Palma - this is a sophisticated place haute cuisine, where you can taste all the best varieties of Spanish cheese. Enchanting presentation and decoration of dishes.

Fish restaurant Ca n'Eduardo Located next to the port and fish market, visitors can expect fresh food and stunning views.

At the tapas bar 13% tucked away on the western outskirts of the Old Town, you can taste original tapas, desserts and wines. Large selection of food for vegetarians.

Restaurant Can Costa Alcudia, which is located in historical center city of Alcudia, treats you to delicious Spanish paella and excellent fish. Excellent authentic interior, good prices and service.

Tapas Bar S'estret in Valldemossa is an incredibly cozy place where they cook excellent tapas.

Some historical features of Mallorca

The first accurate information about the island is associated with Carthage, which ruled Majorca until 146 BC. Then the island became a haven for pirates until they were dealt with in 123 BC. Quintus Metellus - Roman consul. At the same time, the city of Palmaria was founded - now Palma de Mallorca.

Then the island was owned by the Vandals, the Byzantines, and in 902 the Muslims became the masters of Mallorca, who established irrigation of the lands. Spanish troops under the leadership of Jaime I of Aragon invaded here in 1229.

Mallorca began to experience real prosperity in the 50s of the last century due to the rapid development of tourism. Now the island is visited by millions of tourists.

Travel life hacks

One of the best places for spectacular photo sessions is the cities of Valldemosa or Deia with their cozy cobbled streets and flower pots.

If you want to combine relaxation with shopping, then you need to go to the capital Palma de Mallorca. Main shopping streets: Avenida Jaime III, streets around Plaza Mayor, Boulevard des Borns and Alejandro Roseyo. Here you can find 2 large El Corte Ingles breakwaters. On the western outskirts of the city there is a large shopping and entertainment center called Porto Pi.

Excellent shopping can be done at the market in the town of Santanyi, right in the city center.

Sales on the island take place in 2 stages: summer - from July 1 to the end of August, winter - from January 7 to the end of February.

What to buy:

Leather shoes of the local brand Camper, etc.;
Leather products;
Ceramics;
Olive wood products;
Jamon, olive oil, Mallorcan almond liqueur, etc.

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The amazing beauty of Mallorca was highly appreciated by European tourists back in the mid-50s. 20th century, when the island experienced an unprecedented tourist boom. Since then, its infrastructure has continuously developed and now Mallorca is one of best places beach holiday in the Mediterranean.

The island landscapes are striking in their diversity - there are mountain ranges, fertile plains, citrus orchards, picturesque bays and magnificent beaches. Mallorca hotels offer services for every taste and budget, a variety of attractions does not allow you to get bored during a long vacation, national parks introduce visitors to a rich variety of flora and fauna. A holiday in Mallorca is the best solution for people fascinated by the Mediterranean landscapes and who prefer proven European quality.

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What to see and where to go in Mallorca?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.

1. Sierra de Tramontana

A mountain range that stretches along the northwestern coast of Mallorca for 90 km. The most high peaks the ridge is Mount Puig Major with a height of 1445 meters and the peak of Puig de Massanella with a height of 1364 meters. The Sierra de Tramontana was included in the UNESCO lists as a valuable natural and cultural site, which includes fertile valleys, green hills, mountains and other picturesque landscapes. On the territory of the mountain range there are many man-made attractions.

2. Port de Soller

Port de Soller is a resort town located on the shores of a picturesque bay surrounded by mountain range Sierra de Tramontana. The town and the port with the embankment and beaches are located some distance from each other, they are connected by an old tram line. The main hotels and tourist infrastructure are located on the territory of the port area; in the city of Soller you can admire historical sights.

3. Valldemosa

An ancient town at the foot of the Sierra de Tramontana, located about 17 km. from the capital of Mallorca. The city is famous for the fact that on its territory there is a Carthusian monastery from the 13th century, which was converted into a hotel at the beginning of the 19th century. Nowadays, the former monastery is used as a museum. Valldemosa is surrounded by tranquil scenery and there are roads around the town. hiking trails and cycling routes.

4. Paseo de Born

The capital of Mallorca, the city of Palma, is an important tourist center islands. Paseo de Born street is the quintessence of tourist life and favorite place for a leisurely evening “promenade”. Fun holidays, carnival processions and other entertainment for tourists are constantly held on the street. Paseo de Born has a wide variety of restaurants, shops, historical mansions and interesting sculptures.

5. Palma Aquarium

An oceanarium consisting of 55 aquariums housing great amount representatives marine fauna. The oceanarium was opened in 2007, since then it has repeatedly won the title of “Best Aquarium in Europe”. Its total area is more than 41 thousand m², for a full tour and acquaintance with underwater world takes at least 4 hours. The Palma Aquarium houses the deepest aquarium in Europe, where toothy sharks live.

6. Kathmandu Park

Entertaining theme park, located within the Calvià beach. Among the most popular attractions in Kathmandu are an unusual upside-down house, the game “Desperadoes of the Wild West”, a 4D cinema, and a mini golf course. Theatrical performances with the participation of pirates who perform incredible acrobatic stunts are periodically organized for visitors.

7. Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation

Museum of the Catalan abstract painter J. Miró, founded in 1981. Over a fairly long life, the master created hundreds of paintings, ceramics and sculptures. The gallery was opened thanks to the maestro's wife Pilar, who transferred an impressive part of his works, as well as an art studio, to the care of the city. The foundation operates a library and an educational center where art seminars are held.

8. La Granja Estate

Country villa XVII century, located in the Sierra de Tramontana mountains, surrounded by luxurious gardens, lush forest vegetation and lakes. Today, on the territory of the mansion there is a museum of the history of Mallorca. A stay at the La Granja estate provides an opportunity to get an idea of the rural traditions of the island, delve deeper into its history and taste traditional cuisine.

9. Almudena Palace

During the era of Moorish rule over Mallorca, Almudena was the residence of the viziers. Even after the building was rebuilt in the 14th century by order of King Jaime II, features of classical Arab architecture can be seen on the façade. For a long time, the palace was used as the residence of the Knights of Majorca, after which the representative office of the Viceroy of the island was located here. In modern times, Almudena has retained the status of a royal residence.

10. Bellver Castle

A building from the early 14th century, designed by the architect P. Salva for King Jaime II. After a fire in the 16th century, the castle was modernized. As a result of the reconstruction, some original elements were lost. The structure has a rather unusual shape - the walls and towers are made in the form of cylinders of different radii. The predominant architectural style of the castle is medieval Gothic.

11. Capdepera Castle

Another castle built during the reign of Jaime II. The king ordered the construction of a fortress to protect Mallorca from possible attack. In the Middle Ages, there were up to 150 residential buildings on the territory of Capdepera, but over time people began to move to the surrounding area. In the 18th century, the castle lost its military significance and came under the jurisdiction of the local governor. Before the reconstruction in 1983, Capdepera stood abandoned for almost 200 years.

12. Palma Cathedral

Palma Cathedral, which was built on the ruins of a former mosque after the liberation of the island from the rule of the Moors. Work on the construction of the temple began under Jaime I and continued under his son Jaime II. The cathedral was finally completed only in the 20th century. Inside are the remains of Kings Jaime II and Jaime III. Palma Cathedral is an outstanding monument gothic architecture Southern Europe.

13. Ljuki Monastery

Ljuki Monastery is important center pilgrimages in Mallorca. The monastery was founded in the 13th century in the Sierra de Tramontana mountains. According to legend, local shepherd Luke found a black figurine of the Virgin Mary in the forest, which he gave to the village priest. Soon the figure disappeared and ended up in the same place where the shepherd first saw it. Then it was decided to build a church and monastery there.

14. Monastery of San Salvador

The monastery has existed since the 13th century and functioned until 1992. Nowadays, the monastery is a place of pilgrimage; the active Church of the Virgin Mary is located here. The complex is located on the top of a hill that rises 510 meters above sea level. Near the monastery there is a statue of Christ from 1934 and a large stone cross from 1957. From the top of the hill there is a magnificent view of the wide plain.

15. Dragon Caves

A natural attraction located near the town of Porto Cristo. There are many legends that the countless treasures of the Templar Order are hidden in the caves. Underground passages were fully surveyed by the end of the 19th century. The tourist route through the caves is about 1 km, the rest of the area is closed to the public. Inside there are several underground halls, lakes and observation decks.

16. Arta Cave

Traces of the existence of ancient man were found in the Arta Cave. It was discovered in the 16th century and was used as a refuge for hermits and pirates. The cave has an underground lake, a 20-meter stalagmite, spacious halls with 40-meter ceilings and frozen stone waterfalls. The cave is 11 km away. from the resort town of Arta, it can be reached along the road along the coastal cliffs.

17. Mondrago Nature Reserve

The reserve is located in the southern part of Mallorca. It received the status of a conservation zone in 1992, which contributed to the preservation of the ecosystem and species diversity of the area. total area Mondrago is 785 hectares. Within its borders are sand dunes, cliffs, farmland, forests, two picturesque beaches and a swamp area. The park is home to a wide variety of birds; many birds come here for the winter.

18. Albufera Natural Park

Albufera Park is one of the largest nature reserves in the Balearic Islands, covering an area of 1,700 hectares. The park is separated from the sea by a series sand dunes, thanks to this, a unique microclimate for living has been created here various types birds. The reserve contains the largest wetland areas in the Mediterranean. You can walk and ride a bike in the park, but picnics are prohibited.

19. Alfabia Gardens

Landscape park located on the mountain slope of Col de Soller. The design of the area was created taking into account the best Italian, English and Arabic traditions of landscape art. On the territory there are estates, fountains, a small pond and a stone colonnade. The Alfabia Gardens were laid out during the rule of the Moors, and subsequently their appearance was repeatedly remodeled.

20. Vintage train from Palma to Sawyer

The train carries passengers from the capital of Mallorca to the city of Sawyer along the railway of the early 20th century. The train makes stops in picturesque places, so tourists can take panoramic photographs. Traveling on a vintage train is a popular attraction, especially since the journey takes no more than one hour. The road leads along picturesque valleys and citrus orchards.

21. Muro Beach

The beach is located in the north of Mallorca, 62 km. from Palma, near the resort town of Alcudia. The coastline of Muro is surrounded by pine trees, and nearby natural Park Albufera. The beach has a fairly comfortable infrastructure, although there are fewer restaurants and bars here than on others popular resorts Mallorca. The place is perfect for a relaxing family holiday.

22. Alcudia Beach

Alcudia is a picturesque beach that smoothly merges into the coastline of Playa de Muro. It is located on the territory of the same name resort town, which is especially popular among tourists. The beaches of Alcudia are considered the best on the northern coast of Mallorca. People come here sometimes cruise ships, there is also a regular ferry service to the island of Menorca.

23. Es Trenc Beach

The longest wild beach Mallorca. Its length coastline– more than 3 km. Before the start of the tourist boom on the island, perhaps everything local beaches looked exactly like this. Es Trenc is a large expanse of pure white sand, coastal pine groves and clear azure water Mediterranean Sea. Nowadays, the beach is a protected area, mainly where nudists sunbathe.

24. Sa Calobra Bay

One of the most popular attractions on the island, where people line up in high season. tourist buses and pleasure boats. Sa Calobra is a small bay among the rocks. A mountain serpentine road leads to it, which in itself is a separate attraction. The bay is considered one of the most beautiful places in Mallorca.

25. Cape Formentor

The cape is located on the eastern tip of Mallorca. At the same time, it is the northernmost point of the Balearic Islands. A winding highway, built in the 1930s, leads to the cape. XX century. In the mid-19th century, a lighthouse was built here, which can only be reached from the sea or along a narrow path located among the rocks. Cape Formentor has several viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the coastline.