The most beautiful places in Mallorca. Palma de Mallorca: attractions and interesting places. Vintage train from Palma to Sawyer
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 different 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.
IN excursion routes You can include such sights of Mallorca as the Palma Cathedral and the Luque Monastery, the Caves of the Dragon and the Alfabia Gardens, a trip on the 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 is the main city of the island and the capital of the Balearic archipelago of Spain. This is where you can start your trip to Mallorca. He begins his story at the time Ancient Rome, about 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 the Cathedral of 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 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 the best places beach holiday on 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, the variety of attractions does not allow you to get bored during a long vacation, national parks introduce visitors to the rich diversity of animals and flora. A holiday in Mallorca is the best solution for people fascinated by the Mediterranean landscapes and who prefer proven European quality.
The best hotels and inns at affordable prices.
from 500 rubles/day
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 highest peaks of the range are 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 has been listed by UNESCO 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 – resort town, located on the shore of a picturesque bay surrounded 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. Located on Paseo de Born a large number of variety of restaurants, shops, historical mansions and interesting sculptures.
5. Palma Aquarium
An oceanarium consisting of 55 aquariums inhabited by great amount representatives of 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; a full excursion and acquaintance with the 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
Cathedral Palma, which was erected 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
The Luque Monastery is an important pilgrimage center 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 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. The underground passages were completely examined by end of the 19th century century. A tourist route through the caves is about 1 km, the rest of the space 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. The total area of 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 of sand dunes, which creates a unique microclimate for living 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 remodeled several times.
20. Vintage train from Palma to Sawyer
The train carries passengers from the capital of Mallorca to the city of Sawyer by railway beginning of the 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 vacation.
22. Alcudia Beach
Alcudia – picturesque beach, which smoothly merges into the coastline of Playa de Muro. It is located on the territory of the resort town of the same name, 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 with 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 high season a queue of tourist buses forms 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 he is the most northern point 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.
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 of interesting places for children and parents in the area
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, for 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 a period of 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 gasoline + 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) 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 on the territory national park Mondrago 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 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.
Safari Zoo- 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 - 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. A 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 rather popular 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 there are no photos.
Santanyi- a cozy town. (The city closest to the hotel after Porto Petro) C good restaurants on 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 you exit 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 the entire 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 nice beach 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 largest islands, part of Spain, located on the Balearic archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. I believe this is true heavenly place, where you can enjoy picturesque landscapes, clean beaches and forget about all everyday problems.
This small island, whose area is only 3.5 thousand square kilometers, is slightly different from the usual resorts in Spain, and all because throughout its long history it managed to be at the disposal of the Phoenicians, Romans, and of course, the Arabs. Therefore, the culture here is really very rich!
My acquaintance with this wonderful island began from its capital - Palma de Mallorca. It is here that all its main attractions are concentrated.
As soon as I left the airport, I was struck by the long palm alley that led arriving tourists to the parking lot. The palm trees there are truly majestic, the size of three-story houses! You look and can’t believe your eyes that just 4 hours ago you were in a gray rainy city, and now you find yourself among such beauty!
And when you drive directly into the capital itself, your eyes begin to widen. You look to the left - a turquoise-colored sea, look to the right - a majestic cathedral, and right in front of you - high mountains.
Here you want to photograph absolutely everything, so I advise you to free up memory on your phone, tablet and camera in advance, because you will constantly have the desire to capture this or that place!
How to get there
There are two types of transport to get to Mallorca: air and water.
Of course, the most frequently used and comfortable option is air. The capital of the island, Palma, has international Airport, from where planes of various European airlines depart every half hour and where planes land just as often.
As for water communication, Palma has main port islands where ships from different parts of Spain arrive daily, which is very convenient for tourists who spend most of their time on the mainland, for example, in Barcelona or Valencia, and on weekends go on excursions to Palma.
You can get around the island itself by bus, car or train.
By plane
The main and only airport of the island, which bears the name Son San Joan , located 8 kilometers from the capital Palma de Mallorca. This is where both outsiders and domestic flights. The airport has very good communications with various European countries, including with Russia.
Flights from Moscow
There are direct flights to Mallorca from Moscow (Domodedovo Airport): S7 airlines, the average cost of a round trip ticket is 20 thousand rubles. In addition, you can fly to the island on flights with one or more transfers, operated by the Spanish airline Iberia also from Domodedovo Airport for the same price (about 20 thousand rubles). It is worth noting that there are several other European airlines that fly to Palma with transfers, for example:
- Finnair;
- Lufthansa;
- Swiss;
- Czech Airlines;
But then the flight time will be more than 20 hours, which is completely inconvenient and not worth the money. Therefore, I advise you to choose a direct flight!
In this case, the travel time will be only 4.5 hours, so I recommend not saving on tickets and not spending the whole day on endless transfers.
You can compare prices yourself, for example.
How to get from the airport to the city
You can get from the airport to the city center either by bus or by taxi.
Of course, a more economical option is a bus. Routes No. 1 and No. 17 constantly run here, which will take you to Palma for only 3 €. If you need to go to the resort town of Arenal, then bus number 21 goes directly to its center from here.
But a taxi will cost much more - the average cost of a trip will be 20 €, and if you are traveling in a group, you can order a minivan for 40 €.
In addition, you can rent a car directly at the airport, there is a wide range of car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar). The average rental price starts from 50 € per day. Details below.
By ferry
So, the second way to get to Mallorca is to sail from another part of Spain by ferry or high-speed catamaran. The latter depart daily to the island directly from:
- Barcelona (4.5 hours drive),
- Valencia (4-6 hours drive),
- Menorca (2.5 hours drive),
- Ibiza (3 hours drive)
The average ticket price is 40 € and depends on the characteristics of the ship.
How to get from the port to the center
The port of Palma de Mallorca is located 6 kilometers from the city center; if desired and in good physical condition, you can walk from there to the center along the promenade, enjoying beautiful views and a light breeze, or take bus number 1 for only 1.5 €.
The bus stop is located next to the port. Of course, you can catch a taxi and go to the Cathedral (the trip will cost 10 €).
Clue:
Mallorca - the time is now
Hour difference:
Moscow 2
Kazan 2
Samara 3
Ekaterinburg 4
Novosibirsk 6
Vladivostok 9
When is the season? When is the best time to go
According to local residents, the island of Mallorca reveals itself to tourists in all its glory at the end of spring and continues to delight the eye until mid-autumn. This is the best period for relaxation!
As for winter, the Spaniards believe that in given time years their life becomes very calm, quiet and even a little boring. Although the winter weather here is favorable (about +14 °C), there is absolutely nothing to do. Because you can’t even lie on the beach, swim, or enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables. Therefore, it is not worth going to Mallorca in the low season (that is, from November to March). The only tourists on the island at this time are employees of companies who organize business meetings, trainings or business trips here.
Mallorca in summer
Like all resorts, the island of Mallorca is especially beautiful in the summer. It is at this time of year that the air and water temperatures reach their maximum and all the most beautiful flowers and shrubs of the island bloom everywhere. By the way, it was in Mallorca that I noticed a very large number of those same flowering evergreens, and this cannot but please the eye!
Of course, summer (especially July) is also vacation time, so there are a lot of tourists here, just like everywhere else. But since Mallorca is still an island and holidays on it are not cheap, wealthy Europeans and most often those over 35 or young families with children like to come here most of all. It is believed that holidays in Mallorca are quite calm and the pace of life is measured, so all young people who prefer nightclubs to evening boat rides go to neighboring island, Ibiza. But at the same time, it cannot be said that Mallorca is a remote place suitable only for retirees: here you can also have fun and actively relax. But the most important treasure of the island is its incredibly beautiful nature! You will not see such landscapes as here anywhere!
By the way, the climate here is very pleasant; in summer the air temperature reaches about +30 °C, and in winter - +15 °C. But unfortunately, there is nothing to do in Mallorca in winter. Local residents say they experience a lull at this time of year. In fact, the island is inhabited by about a million people, so at a time when all the tourists go home, the island becomes empty and almost deserted. Residents calmly go about their daily affairs, and nothing special happens here. Therefore, I don’t recommend going here in winter, although if you are tired of the city bustle and noise, then here you can definitely be alone with yourself and nature. It’s not for nothing that the residence of the Spanish royal family is located here! Celebrities such as Claudia Schiffer, Michael Douglas and Gwyneth Paltrow also bought villas in Mallorca. Since Mallorca has catered to the discerning tastes of A-list stars, then you will certainly like it too!
Mallorca in autumn
The beginning of autumn in Mallorca is considered velvet season, so until the end of September here you can have time to enjoy the bright sun and warm sea. But already from October the sun sets at 7 pm, and it becomes noticeably colder, the temperature reaches +7–8 °C.
Even from late October to early November, rain and thunderstorms become more frequent on the island. Therefore, at this time it is no longer worth vacationing in Mallorca.
Mallorca in spring
In spring, the high season gradually begins in Mallorca; already in March – April the air temperature reaches +20–23 °C, the warm, pleasant sun shines, and flowers begin to bloom. At this time you can’t swim yet, but you can already sunbathe.
The good thing about the island in spring is that there are still few tourists here, and you can have a quiet, relaxing holiday.
Mallorca in winter
Winter in Mallorca is a time of complete silence and serenity. The sun shines here quite often, and snow falls only in the mountains; it rarely reaches the lowlands. December is considered the month of rain, but January and February are characterized by pleasant, comfortable weather. average temperature during the day it reaches +14–15 °C.
The only caveat is that it is very boring here in winter, and this is the favorite time of year for retirees to relax.
Mallorca - weather by month
Clue:
Mallorca - weather by month
What are the prices for holidays?
As I mentioned earlier, holidays on the island of Mallorca can be classified as luxury, and therefore here you will find hundreds of villas and apartments for rent, the price of which starts from 1.5 thousand € for 10 days.
In principle, if you compare this price with hotels, the difference will be insignificant. For the same 10 days in a 3-star hotel in any area of the island, you will pay an average of about 1.7 thousand €, and in a 5-star hotel - about 4 €.
If you consider that in your apartments you will cook on your own, and in hotels you will use the all-inclusive service, then your costs will be approximately the same.
Therefore, it is up to you to decide what is more convenient, but personally, I lived in a good 3-star hotel, where in addition to all-inclusive meals there is free Gym, bar, swimming pool and, of course, themed parties!
TOP 5 best hotels on the island
I would like to present to you my TOP 5 best hotels islands:
- Globales Simar 4* (from 1.7 thousand € for 10 days for two).
- Barcelo Ponent Playa 3* (from 1.3 thousand € for 10 days for two).
- Globales Palmanova 4* (from 2.1 thousand € for 10 days for two).
- Insotel Cala Mandia Resort & Spa 4* (from 4.2 thousand € for 10 days for two).
- Blue Bay Hotel 3* (from 1.2 thousand € for 10 days for two).
Find out the prices for ready-made tours(with flights, transfers, accommodation and insurance) to hotels of different categories can be found in the Travelask section.
Expenses
So, if you decide to stay at a hotel, then there will be no problems with food, and if you decide to rent an apartment or villa, then you have the option of shopping in supermarkets, of which there are quite a few on the island. One of the most popular, which often catches my eye, is Eroski. This is a common supermarket chain in Spain where you can buy everything from bread to hand cream at average Spanish prices.
If you buy groceries for a week, the average bill will be about 60 €. You can also visit restaurants and cafes, which will be quite expensive, considering that the average bill will be 50–60 €.
You can go on excursions either independently or with a guide. Mallorca is a small island; you can get from Palma to Alcudia in just an hour and a half, that is, traveling the length and breadth of the island in one day will not be difficult.
You can rent a car for 50–70 € per day and go explore the island yourself, or you can travel by bus for only 6 €. Group excursion with a guide on your own rented bus will cost about 100 €. A trip around the island by taxi will cost about 80–90 €.
Main attractions. What to see
Mallorca is famous for its variety of attractions and incredibly beautiful places that you must visit.
If you like to know all the smallest details and Interesting Facts about certain attractions, you can hire a guide or book a full excursion. And if you like to independently walk through beautiful places and discover something new on your own, then you can explore everything on your own.
It is worth choosing a day for the excursion in advance; it is advisable to select one of the weekdays (except Friday), since on weekends the locals begin to have a siesta and rest, and there are too many people on the streets who will prevent you from taking a good look at everything. Bad weather is extremely rare in Mallorca, so you shouldn’t be afraid of rain and cold weather, but you can still check the forecast before your walk, just in case.
The island's capital, Palma, is not very large, so you can walk around the city and see the main attractions.
The map below shows the main tourist spots, museums, galleries, bus stops and more.
I bring to your attention my version of one day in the capital of the island, Palma, I advise you to travel by tourist bus Citysightseeing (ticket price 18.5 €):
- 10:00 - we go to Bellver Castle, which is located a couple of kilometers from the city. We will spend about 2 hours here.
- 12:00 - we head to the Spanish village.
- 13:30 - we will stop for lunch at the signature restaurant Sadrassana Restaurant Cocteleria (Placa Drassana, 15).
- 15:00 - we go to the cathedral. Since this place is considered the main attraction of the city, we will spend about 2 hours here.
- 17:00 - we’ll go out to the main tourist streets of Palma and take a walk, go to the Rivareno ice cream parlor (Plaza Llotja, 1) and enjoy the most delicious cold dessert on the island.
- 20:00 - we will have a seafood dinner at the La Parada del Mar restaurant (Avenida Joan Miro 244 Marivent) and celebrate the end of a great day with a glass of sangria.
Top 5
Below I will give a list of places that, in my opinion, are definitely worth visiting in Mallorca to truly experience the atmosphere and culture of the island.
Cathedral
It is one of the most iconic buildings on the island of Mallorca. The cathedral began to be built in the 13th century, so now it is officially declared a cultural and historical monument of the island. This place is truly extraordinary!
Inside, the cathedral is decorated with colored stained glass windows by various artists, the main altar with four columns, which is decorated with a canopy made by Gaudi himself. It is also home to one of the largest organs in Europe. Agree that this place cannot be ignored!
Address: Plaza Almoina, s/n, 07001 Palma de Mallorca.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10 to 18:15.
Ticket price: 7 €/person.
Cape Formentor
This is one of the most visited places on the island! To visit Mallorca and not come to Formentor is a real crime. Formentor is located near the town of Poyensa and its main port. Its length is about 300 meters above sea level, so the views here are incredible: they will take your breath away. It is impossible to explain, you need to appreciate it with your own eyes!
Address: Cap de Formentor.
Opening hours: 24 hours a day.
Free admission.
Bellver Castle
A couple of kilometers from the city of Palma, on the top of a hill, is the medieval castle of Castell de Belver. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is the only round Gothic castle in Europe built in the Middle Ages.
It used to be the summer residence of the King of Spain, and later served as a prison, whose prisoners included such famous personalities as the writer Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos and the widow of King Jaime III. The castle has a large observation deck, which offers beautiful views of Palma and its surroundings.
Address: Carrer Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma.
Opening hours: 8:30-20:00.
Ticket price: 2.5 €/person.
Spanish village
In Palma there is wonderful place, where tourists have the opportunity to see the most important buildings in Spain and feel the atmosphere of different cities. This place is called the Spanish Village.
In addition to the main attractions, you can visit small souvenir shops and cafes with delicious tapas.
Address: Calle Poble Espanyol, 55.
Opening hours: from 9 to 19:00.
Ticket price: 8 €/person.
Natura Park
This beautiful nature reserve is just half an hour's drive from Palma and is home to dozens of different species of animals and birds from all over the world. The park is outdoors, shaded by trees, and includes several trails.
Here live tigers, monkeys, porcupines, raccoons, turtles, flamingos and even lemurs, which you can feed by hand! This perfect place for relaxing with children, as well as for those who are not indifferent to our little brothers!
Address: Carretera de Sineu, Km 15,400, 07142 Santa Eugenia.
Opening hours: from 10 to 17:30.
Ticket price: 9 €/person.
Beaches. Which ones are better
Mallorca is an ideal place for a beach holiday; it is on this island that there are dozens of the best beaches in Spain, and what about Spain, the whole world! In fact, no matter what beach you come to here, it will definitely be quiet, cozy and clean. Even close to Palma resort areas, where thousands of tourists vacation, they are very worthy! But the most best places to soak up the sun and enjoy swimming in clear sea water - secluded coves, of which there are many in Mallorca.
As I wrote above, I was vacationing in the Cala Mayor area, a few kilometers from the capital, and one day, quite by accident, I wandered into a cove where there was a small beach, and the sea there was crystal clear! There weren’t very many vacationers there, mostly locals and tourists like me, who most likely also found this piece of paradise by chance.
And yet I will give a list of the best of the best beaches in Mallorca that are worth visiting if only to understand what heaven on earth is.
Beach Cala S "Almunia
This beach is located in the bay of the town of Santanya and is surrounded by rocks; serenity and tranquility reign here. By the way, the beach has all the conditions for diving, and the soft azure waves will allow you to enjoy the sea to the fullest. But it is worth considering that the infrastructure on the beach is not developed, so there are no restaurants, no toilets, no showers and changing cabins.
The type of coating is pebble, the entry into the water is gentle.
Address: Diseminado Poligono 3, 594, 07690 Santanyí.
Cala Mondragó beach
Another truly heavenly place in Mallorca. The beach is located on the territory of the same name natural park among pine trees and rocks. Even though this place is quite popular, you can enjoy peace and quiet here. By the way, this beach is shallow, so it is perfect for families with children. It is possible to rent umbrellas and sun loungers here, and there is also a cafe where you can buy soft drinks and snacks.
The type of beach is sandy, the entry into the water is gentle.
Address: Cala Mondragó, Balearic Islands.
Beach Es Trenc
The length of Es Trenc is 2 kilometers. Its peculiarity is that it is the only beach on the island that has not been affected by urbanization, so it looks very exotic and is ideal for romantic dates and walks. You can also rent umbrellas and sun loungers here.
The shore is sandy, the entry into the water is gentle.
Address: Ma-6030, 68, 07639 Mallorca, Illes Balears.
Beach Playa de Formentor
Formentor beach, as you may have guessed, is located near the famous cape of the same name. And, of course, it is also famous for its beauty and wonderful views. The beach stretches for one and a half kilometers, it is surrounded by pine trees, under which it is pleasant to lie down in the summer heat. The sea here is shallow and very clean, and near the beach there are dozens of cafes and restaurants where you can have a delicious lunch. Prices in establishments vary, the average bill for lunch will be about 10–15 €.
Beach type: sandy, gentle entry into the water.
Address: Carrer Zona Formentor, 66A, 07460.
Beach Cala de Sa Calobra
And to top it off, perhaps the most magical bay on the entire island, where a small pebble beach is located between the rocks of the Sierra de Tramuntana. This place is definitely worth getting to! Once you see the splendor that Sa Calobra offers, you will forever keep in your heart the memories of that wonderful day when you arrived here! But it is worth noting that there are no amenities on the beach, so it is advisable to take care in advance and take everything you need with you.
The shore type is rocky, the entry into the water is gentle.
Address: Carrer Port De Sa Calobra.
Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?
Despite the fact that Mallorca is an island, there are quite a lot of churches and monasteries here. By the way, services are held in all the existing ones, and any tourist can visit these temples and admire their interior decoration.
Church of St. Francis
The church is located in Palma, it was built in the 13th century, better known as a Gothic monastery that houses the tomb of the Catalan philosopher Ramon Llull.
Opening hours: 9:30–12:30 and 15:10–18:00.
Address: Basilica de Sant Francesc, 07001 Palma, Islas Baleares.
Monastery of Senhora de Cura
This monastery is located on top of a half-kilometer hill in the Randa Valley. Its distinctive feature is that it is from here that one can see most of islands, and recently a bar and observation deck were opened here. This place is worth visiting for great views and great photos.
Opening hours: 9:30–18:00.
Address: Puig de Randa, S/N, 07629 Randa, Illes Balears.
Monastery of San Salvador
This is a former monastery building, which is located on the highest hill of Mallorca, near the town of Felanitx. Previously, monks lived here, and now the monastery is a favorite place for pilgrims. From it you can see the entire eastern part of the island.
Opening hours: 8–20:00
Address: Santuari de Sant Salvador, 07208 Felanitx, Islas Baleares.
Monastery of Luc
This medieval monastery is very revered by the residents of Mallorca; it is considered the religious center of the island! There are wonderful gardens here, as well as a large museum. There is even an inexpensive hotel near the monastery, and all because it is very beautiful here and there are picturesque mountains Sierra de Tramuntana.
Opening hours: 10–13:30 and 14:30–17:00
Address: Plaza Peregrins, 1, 07315 Lluc, Mallorca, Islas Baleares.
Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
There are quite a few museums in Mallorca, perhaps because the incredible nature here compensates for all the cultural institutions here. Below I have selected a few of the most interesting of them, which are really worthy of the attention of tourists.
Museum of Ceramics
In the northeast, not far from Palma, is the small town of Sa Cabaneta, which is considered the center of ceramics production. A museum opened here in 2002, displaying around a thousand traditional Mallorcan ceramics that are worth seeing. The museum houses a pottery school and various souvenir shops.
Museum address: Carrer del Molí, 4.
Free admission. The museum is open from Monday to Friday from 9 to 13:30.
Raiha Estate
12 kilometers from Palma on the way to the town of Sawyer is a beautiful manor house, which is an object of historical and artistic value in Mallorca. Previously, there was a Moorish building here, and after several changes of owners it came to the Count of Montenegro and was ennobled. It's crazy here beautiful landscapes, large gardens and beautiful architecture.
Museum address: Palma - Sóller Road, km. 12.2 07110 Bunyola.
Free admission.
Shoe Museum
Mallorca produces very high quality leather goods, including shoes. In 2010, a museum on this topic was opened in the city of Inca; various traditional exhibits are presented here, and temporary exhibitions with samples of various leather products are often held here.
Museum address: Antiguo Cuartel General Luque, Avenida del General Luque, 223.
Free admission. Muse It is open from Monday to Friday from 10 to 14:00, and also from 16:00 to 20:00; on Saturday the museum is open from 10 to 13:00.
Parks
The island of Mallorca can be called one big park, wherever you go you will be surrounded by small picturesque coves, green spaces, majestic mountains and endless spaces. But still there are several on the island worthy of attention national parks and nature reserves.
Parc Natural de Mondrago
It is pleasant to walk in this park during the intense heat, because numerous coniferous trees will protect you from the scorching sun. There are several specific routes, walking along which you can meet forest inhabitants.
Address: Sudlich von Ma-19 zwischen s"Alqueria Blanca und Portopetro.
Opening hours: 9:00–16:00. Free admission.
Parque natural s"Albufera de Mallorca
Here you can enjoy the singing of beautiful birds, as well as watch them in special houses, sit on the bank of a small river and admire its local inhabitants, and, of course, take great photos.
Address: Llista de Correus | Llista de Correus, 07458.
Opening hours: 9:00–18:00. Free admission.
Artestruz Mallorca
And here you can look at real ostriches! Moreover, you can feed them by hand, and children are even allowed to ride on ostriches. This is a small farm owned by an ordinary Spanish family, whose members will be happy to give you a tour.
Address: Pmv-6014 Km 40 | Road Llucmajor to Ses Salines, 07630.
Opening hours: 10:00–20:00. Ticket price: 12 €/person.
Nearby Islands
If you are vacationing in Mallorca, I advise you to choose a day or a whole weekend and devote it to a trip to Ibiza.
Balearia ferries depart from the main port of Palma to the port of Ibiza several times a day. The duration of the trip is approximately 3-4 hours, average price Tickets range from 50 to 70 euros per person. Ferries from the Transmediterranea company also run from Mallorca to Ibiza, but please note that they only run on Sundays in the summer.
Details and schedule can be found on the company's official website.
In Ibiza, you can walk around the island's capital of the same name and look at its protective walls, which were built here in the Middle Ages. It is also worth visiting the Punic Necropolis, and be sure to visit the picturesque bay of Cala d’Hort.
Food. What to try
At first you might think that there are no traditional dishes in Mallorca, and that everyone there eats the usual Spanish gazpacho, tapas and tortillas. But I was surprised when I found out that this small island has its own national dishes that you cannot try on the mainland.
Mallorquina soup
It consists of a broth with vegetables and pork and is served with sliced bread.
The soup is incredibly tasty and very filling, which is why it is so loved by locals.
Tumbet
It contains vegetables, namely potatoes, eggplants and onions.
And also add meat or fish to taste.
Sobrasada
Be sure to try it - it is a moderately spicy sausage made from minced pork and bacon, very reminiscent of chorizo, popular in Spain, since their cooking technology is very similar.
Ensaimada
And for dessert, don't forget to enjoy this delicious Mallorcan layer cake. It is rightfully considered the most favorite sweet of local residents.
The ensaymada dough is airy, melting in your mouth, the pie itself is filled with whipped cream or delicate syrup, and the top is generously sprinkled with powdered sugar.
Beverages
Popular local drinks include liqueurs: Herbas secas (dry) and Herbas dulces (sweet). They are infused with anise with the addition of various aromatic herbs.
A very popular aperitif on the island is Palo, made by mixing sweet caramel with bitter cinchona bark.
Here I will give a list of the best restaurants on the island:
- Es Raco d'es Teix (average bill is 50–70 €);
- Salvia Restaurant (average bill is 20 €);
- A ma Maison (average bill is 30 €);
- Restaurante Toque (average bill is 35 €);
- Restaurante Peix Vermell (average bill is 40 €)
And a few more establishments with prices.
Budget:
- Kingfisher Restaurant;
- El Norte Sidreria Restaurante;
- QuitaPenas Valldemossa;
- 5illes Eat & Drink;
- Restaurante Luna 36.
Mid-level:
- Como En Casa;
- Smith's Cafe-Bar-Restaurant;
- Ca"n BoQueta;
- Bistro Mercat;
- Marsim Bistrobarante.
- Quadrat Restaurant;
- Ribello;
- Restaurant Ca"n Josep;
- Ola del Mar;
- Forn de Sant Joan.
Holidays
As the locals joke, in Mallorca every day is a holiday! And this is completely justified: the wonderful climate, beautiful nature and endless sea help ensure that the island’s residents are always in a great mood. But there are also several official holidays here.
Carnival of Sant Rua
A special holiday in Mallorca is the Sa Rua carnival. Here it is held in winter, in the first half of February.
Decorated residents in costumes take to the streets of the capital and organize a procession. The carnival is held before the start of Catholic Lent.
Mallorca Day
This holiday is celebrated on September 12; it was adopted by King Jaime II back in 1276, when the island of Mallorca was liberated from Muslims.
On this day, concerts and fairs are organized on the island.
Safety. What to watch out for
The island of Mallorca seemed to me a very calm and safe place. Of course, you shouldn’t rule out pickpocketing, which is widespread in Europe, but in general, walking around Palma and its surroundings in the evening is not at all scary, because in the summer life here is in full swing until late at night.
In large stores and supermarkets you will definitely not be deceived, and in small souvenir shops you can recalculate your purchase amount and the change received, just in case, although in general it is not common here to openly profit from tourists.
Therefore, in Mallorca you should not beware of anything serious, but still the main simple rules safety must be observed.
Things to do
Mallorca has a lot of things to do, you can explore all the beaches of the island and go snorkeling, or you can dive into it cultural life and visit the most important museums, temples and other historical attractions of the island.
You can also go to Cape Formentor, admire the wonderful scenery and arrange a photo shoot there. Or go to the eastern part of the island to meet the owners of local farms and try them traditional dishes. Don't forget about shopping; you should definitely go to the center of leather goods - the city of Inca. There are a lot of options, choose what you like and enjoy your vacation!
Despite the fact that Mallorca is quite small island, shopping here is a pleasure! And all because here you can find exclusive things that are produced only in the Balearic Islands!
Majorica
vinguda Jaume III And Passeig des Born Plaza Mayor
Porto Pi
- 1127 Porto Pi (bus no. 1).
TOP 5 best bars in Mallorca:
TOP 5 best clubs in Mallorca:
Extreme Sports
If you love water sports, such as diving, surfing, snorkeling or windsurfing, then Mallorca is the perfect destination for you. After all, it is here in the resort of Alcudia that the water sports center is located. This excellent place recreation for those who prefer active recreation.
For more than 20 years, the school has been offering travelers training in rowing, windsurfing, basic navigation, and sailing. In addition, guests of the center can go paragliding and mountain biking. And if you are interested in yachting, you can take an introductory course here. In general, you definitely won’t be bored!
Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift
From the island of Mallorca you can bring a lot of original gifts to your friends and family. You can buy the traditional summer sandals that I wrote about above, by the way, here you can even buy a magnet in the shape of such sandals! Be sure to take an ensaymada cake with you, which can be stored for 2-3 days if unopened, and please your friends with this delicacy in the first days after arriving home (average price per kilo is 7-10 €).
And don’t forget that high-quality leather goods are made in the city of Inca, so feel free to buy bags, belts and shoes.
Shopping and shops
Even though Mallorca is a fairly small island, shopping here is a pleasure! And all because here you can find exclusive things that are produced only in the Balearic Islands!
An excellent example is the traditional summer sandal - avarki. The neighboring island of Menorca is considered their homeland. They are made from genuine leather, in various colors - standard plain or decorated with beads, bright prints, and rhinestones. In Mallorca they are sold both in small shoe stores and in tanneries, for example in the city of Inca. These unusual sandals can be a great souvenir for family and friends, and will look great with both shorts and flowy dresses. Their cost varies depending on the materials from which they are made, but the average price of avarok is around 30 € per pair.
And this is where the famous artificial pearl factory is located. Majorica . If you find yourself in a company store, you definitely won’t be left without a purchase! Pearl beads and bracelets, earrings and pendants are distinguished by their elegance and excellent quality. Prices for pearls vary, for example, the average cost of a pearl necklace is about 300 €, but a pearl bracelet will cost you 100 €. By the way, the factory’s products have a 10-year warranty!
Of course, don’t forget about leather products. Head straight to the city of Inca, where leather factories and shoe and accessory shops are located at every turn. Popular shoe manufacturers here are: Camper, Bestard, Jaime Mascaro, Barrats, Tomeu, Bestard.
In Palma, go shopping in the areas: A vinguda Jaume III And Passeig des Born, as well as many shops you will find on the pedestrian street around Plaza Mayor. Will help you avoid getting lost again tourist map Palm trees, where all the main streets are marked.
As throughout Spain, the most popular shopping center here is considered El Corte Ingles (Address: Alexandre Rosselló, 12-16). There are 3 stops near the shopping center:
- 422 Grans Magatzems (buses no. 1, 15, 23, 30 stop here).
- 195 Grans Magatzems (buses no. 2, 6, 12, 19, 41, 46).
- 48 Grans Magatzems (buses no. 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 24).
And another 2 kilometers from Palma there is a large shopping mall Porto Pi(Avinguda de Gabriel Roca, 54). There are 2 stops next to it:
- 65 Porto Pi (buses No. 3, 20 stop here).
- 1127 Porto Pi (bus no. 1).
Sales in Mallorca traditionally take place in the winter from January to March and in the summer from July 1st to the end of August.
Bars
TOP 5 best bars in Mallorca:
- Cuba 58 (opening hours can be checked by calling +34 653 32 34 50, average price per drink - 15 €);
- Cafe Atlantico Cocktail Bar (opening hours: 13:00–02:30, average price per cocktail - 10 €);
- El Ancla (opening hours: 19:30–02:30, average price per drink - 7 €);
- Samoa Bar (opening hours can be checked by calling +34 971 26 37 01, average price for a drink is 5 €);
- Waikiki - Cocktail Bar (opening hours: 11–01:30, average price per drink - 8 €).
Clubs and nightlife
TOP 5 best clubs in Mallorca:
- Pacha (opening hours: 00:00–07:00, ticket prices depend on which DJ is playing in the club, the average price is 40–60 €);
- Tito's (opening hours: 23:00–06:00);
- Jazz Voyeur Club (opening hours: 9:15–03:00);
- BCM Planet Dance (opening hours: 22:00–07:00, average ticket price €25–30);
- RIU Palace (opening hours: 21:00–05:30, entrance fee, but you can get a flyer for a free party from promoters who hand them out on the beaches).
Mallorca - holidays with children
Holidays in Mallorca with children are a great idea as you can really enjoy the peace and quiet and the children will be impressed by the picturesque scenery and encounters with wild animals that you can find in the Natura Park, on the ostrich farm or in the nature reserves. When traveling with a child, you should pay attention to the southwestern, northern or eastern part of the island - in such places there are few noisy young people and parties, so here you can truly relax and gain strength.
Ski holiday
Conditional areas. Descriptions and features
The island of Mallorca is divided into 7 main areas:
- metropolitan,
- central,
- northwestern,
- southern,
- southwestern,
- southeastern,
- northeastern.
Capital area
Located closer to the southwestern part of the island, this is where the main attractions and the residence of the royal family are located. If you want to be in the center of all the events, then this is the place to live.
The city itself is quite noisy, there are crowds of tourists walking around, it is very hot and stuffy during the day, so I recommend renting an apartment or staying in a hotel, which is located a few kilometers from Palma. I lived in the vicinity of the Cala Major beach - this is a typical Spanish resort suburb, there are many hotels, cafes, shops, a large public beach and several museums. In general, an ideal place for those who like a relaxed, but not too boring holiday. Housing here will be more expensive than in other areas, since it is the capital, that is, the most main area islands.
Southwestern region
This area of the island is the most densely populated. Here are located such large cities as Illetas, Portals, Santa Ponsa, Paguera. It is best to come here with family and children, because in these places you can relax and enjoy the tranquility.
It is also here that the large Bendinat golf club is located, so the area is considered very prestigious and not at all cheap.
Northwestern region
Along the shore, in the shade of trees, there are townhouses and villas, which can be rented for the summer if desired, and here you can also admire beautiful mountain landscapes. Why isn't this a heavenly place?
Northern region
This area is famous for its unforgettable views and cleanest beaches. This is where the most high point islands - Cape Formentor, from which a magnificent view of the sea opens. Housing in this place will be quite expensive due to the extraordinary beauty of nature and due to the proximity to “star” villas.
Large cities in the area: Alcudia and Polença. There is a port near Poyença, from where you can sail around the island on a yacht.
Northeast of the island
It is distinguished by its beauty and serenity. Once you settle here, you will forget about all the problems and bustle of the city.
In this area you will find a large number of traditional farmhouses and farms, and you will also have the opportunity to chat with friendly locals, who may invite you to try oranges grown in their garden or their homemade jamon (cured pork).
Southeast
It is essentially very similar to the northeast, agriculture and sailing are also common here, so if you want to get to know local life better and taste fresh fruits, vegetables and seafood, as well as immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the island, get acquainted with its cultural and historical component, then this is a great option!
Southern part of the island
But it is famous for its long beaches, sports bars and noisy discos. The largest resort town is Arenal. This is where the largest water park on the island is located, an amazing aquarium with sharks and stingrays, and many bars. The place is considered quite budget-friendly for recreation, so all young people live in this part, and accordingly, the prices for accommodation here are not bad compared to costs in other areas.
If you like a bright, cheerful holiday, then this is the place for you. And just to the south is the longest beach of the island - Es Trenc. It is distinguished by snow-white sand and a light blue sea.
central part
These are picturesque estates, almond orchards, pastures and olive fields. Another great place in order to relax in peace, while being only half an hour from Palma.
Here is located Big City Inca, which is famous throughout the world for the production of high-quality leather goods, as well as the city of Sineu, which is definitely worth a visit to look at the magnificent churches and the former Royal Palace, and also go to the largest fair on the island, which is held there on Wednesdays.
I usually look for hotels on Booking, but you can check if there is a more attractive price somewhere.
Offers for renting private apartments can be viewed here.
How to get around the island
You can move around the city and the island itself different ways.
The most interesting one is on the island's historic electric train. It starts from Palma de Mallorca train station (Carrer Eusebi Estada, 1), travels along the island, winding between mountains and plains, and stops at train station city of Sawyer.
In addition, the island has high speed trains which run on several routes:
- Palma Inca Sa Sobla;
- Palma-Manacor.
The train starts from the underground train station in Plaza de España in Palma. Tickets can be purchased from the conductor or at the city ticket office.
And of course, you can rent a car.
Taxi. What features exist
And another comfortable option for getting around Mallorca is by taxi. The average cost of a trip is 20 €. List of popular taxi companies on the island:
- IB Taxi;
- Mallorcataxitransfer;
- Mallorca Taxi Car;
- Taxi PMI;
- majorcabdriver;
- Fono-Taxi.
Public transport
The most convenient way to get around Mallorca is by bus. If you plan to travel around Palma itself and its surroundings, you can purchase a pass for 10 trips for 10 €, which is very profitable, since a ticket for 1 trip costs 1.5 €.
Booking sites! Don't overpay. This !
Rent a Car- also an aggregation of prices from all rental companies, all in one place, let's go!
Anything to add?
In this review I will write about one of the islands of the Balearic archipelago - Mallorca. I will share photos and impressions. I’ll tell you about the most memorable natural attractions, about the roads on the island and the peculiarities of driving along mountain serpentines, about party and quiet areas, about how you almost got lost. About the places you must visit. Where did you go shopping and why did you choose the Riu Palace Bonanza Playa hotel? What time of year is best to visit the island? There was also an emergency.
Almost five years have passed, and we still remember with warmth the fabulous Spanish island in the Mediterranean Sea. It was this journey that changed our entire consciousness. It was far from the first in our lives; previously we traveled in organized groups throughout the country and beyond. But only this time we felt all the charm of an individual tour, when you are your own boss, you plan what, where and when to do. Ideally, of course, the first time is possible with a guide, and if you fall in love with the place and want to return on your own, then a lot of new things will open up during a leisurely visit.
They decided to celebrate one of their family dates on the island; they began to choose a place with history, natural beauty and a short flight. Mallorca was perfect.
The choice fell on Mallorca - a stunning island, there is a lot to see. Diverse nature - from rocky mountains to green pine forests, almond and olive groves. Everyone here will find a place to their liking. Incredibly beautiful sea, gentle sun, unique architecture and gastronomic traditions.
“Will I really be dreaming about Palma de Mallorca?” - I thought as the plane flew over the island, landing.
Flight 4.5 hours from Sheremetyevo to Palma de Mallorca by Nordwind airline Airlines. The entire flight took place in beautiful weather. All the way, from a height of 10,000 meters, I admired the clearly defined fields of Poland, the beautiful landscape of Germany, and the French Alps.
As we approached the Mediterranean Sea, the weather began to deteriorate, the sky became overcast with black clouds, and only when the plane was already descending, making its way through the clouds, could the approaching outline of the island be seen. The clouds were left behind, and the sun gave passengers the opportunity to take a few photographs of the island (although this is prohibited by safety rules, especially during landing, few could resist taking pictures for memory). And suddenly, simultaneously with the flash, there was a very strong shaking, everyone was seriously scared and froze, listening to every rustle. The plane also began to descend suspiciously quietly, shaking its wings. As soon as the landing gear touched the landing strip, everyone shouted in unison: “Hurray!” After landing, it turned out that lightning had struck the nose of the plane and damaged an impressive part of the outer skin. This is how our journey to Mallorca began with such an emergency.
In early June, the whole island is covered in flowers, lemons, and oranges. The air temperature did not rise above +24. The water in the Mediterranean Sea for me at that time was cool +22, perhaps this is due to frequent short-term summer rains. During the rest period there were short rains for several days, but this did not affect our holiday.
Along the entire coast there are villas and hotels, sandy and rocky beaches, and marinas for yachts.
There are areas of the island, for example, Magaluf, Arenal - noisy, party areas, where night life boils until the morning. German and English youth like to relax here: pubs, beer rows, bars, clubs, night discos.
We chose Illetas resort- a fashionable area seven kilometers from the capital of Mallorca, Palma, with picturesque bays, sandy beaches, clear water and calm measured life. An ideal holiday destination for people who prefer peace and quiet with easy access to the city center, airport, supermarkets and shopping centers. It literally consists of one street, on which 4 and 5 star hotels are located. Here is the summer residence of the Spanish royal family - Marivent.
All two weeks of vacation were completely occupied with excursions and self-study The island, fortunately it is small, the farthest point is 80 km.
Majorca- one of the most beautiful places in the world, for lovers of the sea and picturesque landscapes. Many famous people own villas on the island.
Mallorca is a favorite destination for water sports enthusiasts. On its shores there are 42 ports and marinas, more than 250 anchorages, bays and beaches. Various prestigious regattas are constantly held, including the Royal Cup and the Princess Sofia Trophy, as well as international sailing competitions.
Coves, most often with clear turquoise water, a sandy bottom and white beaches framed by pine forests. Many beaches are marked with a sign of environmental cleanliness - the Blue Flag. The airport ranks third in Europe in terms of passenger turnover (20 million people per year).
The port of Palma is one of the most important in the Mediterranean, located in the very center of Palma,
Near the labyrinth of medieval streets of the Old Town, where everything is permeated with the air of the city’s glorious history.
Of course, we had great pleasure walking around the capital of the island - the city of Palma with its magnificent palaces and temples. Visited La Seu Cathedral. It took a very long time to build - about 400 years.
La Seu is located on the seashore - this is the heart of the city, its business card- a grandiose structure, a Gothic masterpiece, main temple all Balearic. It is one of the four most beautiful cathedrals in the world, rivaling Notre Dame in Paris and the Duomo in Milan. Externally, the cathedral looks quite familiar for such buildings, differing only in its power and grandeur. But inside, the famous architect Gaudi worked on the interior, who went down in history with his unconventional form of lines and proportions. Our attention was attracted by the huge painted stained glass windows and a rose window with an image of the Star of David with an area of 100 square meters, and a beautiful altar. The cathedral also hosts organ concerts once a month.
Royal Palace of Almudaina is the residence of the King of Spain in Mallorca during official events on the island, and the military commandant’s office is also located here. Unfortunately, the visit was postponed until later, but we never managed to get there.
Other attractions of Palma include the Arab Baths, the Gran Hotel, Rambla and Paseo del Born, the Colosseum, the round white stone Bellver Castle on a hill outside the city, the former residence of the king, now there historical Museum with an observation deck.
Touched my heart Palma de Mallorca, immortalized in Shufutinsky’s song. And how wonderful it is to walk along the observation decks on the roofs during sunset and along the city embankment at night with a wide pedestrian zone.
If you rent a car, it is better to do it at the airport with full insurance. The roads are great! There are few gas stations, mostly near cities. There are entrances to almost all bays and beaches. Parking there is free, except for very popular ones. tourist places, there are paid ones.
Most of Mallorca's attractions are easy to see on your own, but you can also use the services of a travel agency.
We stayed at Riu Palace Bonanza Playa. Our choice was influenced by the architectural design of the building, which was built into the rock and all rooms had sea views.
We really liked the hotel - good breakfasts with champagne and incredible buffet dinners. The waiters are all respectable men in tuxedos and bow ties. Beautiful area, beach with an emerald clean bay. The manager Tatyana is Russian, attentive and friendly, helps with any question, excellent service. In the evenings at the bar next to the pool live music, and in the lobby near the reception a musician plays the piano. The music is not loud and did not disturb our rest.
Bus stop next to the exit from the hotel, 15 minutes - and you can walk in the beautiful, charming city- Palm tree.
I liked the platform made of wooden planks with sun loungers by the pool,
Own access to the sea, which not all hotels in Mallorca have.
An excellent spa complex with three types of saunas, two swimming pools with hydromassage.
We loved drinking tea on the balcony or snacking on delicious Spanish fruit while admiring the sea.
It is interesting to watch how huge cruise ships. Small sailing ships circling on the blue surface, yachts. Near the shore, diving enthusiasts have been observed more than once, and in the sky in the distance a line of planes first landed, then took off just as quickly. Even a rainbow after a warm summer rain created a mood.
The hotel's travel agency ordered trip to Sa Calobra bay.
It included two excursions. One of them is a visit to the spiritual center of Balear - an ancient Ljuk Monastery in the Tramuntana Mountains at an altitude of 525 meters above sea level.
Here is a statue of St. Mary of Luca, she is the patroness of Mallorca and is revered in the Balearic Islands. Being in this place, you really feel calm and grace. Every year in August thousands of pilgrims from different countries the world walk from Palma to the monastery to atone for their sins.
There is a legend associated with this place: a shepherd found a black figurine of the Holy Virgin Mary in the mountains, brought it to the church, but in the morning it disappeared. They found her in the same place in the mountains, returned her to the church and again she disappeared, and this continued several times, after which it was decided to build a church and monastery on this place to worship Our Lady of Luke.
The roads in the mountains are very narrow, but the drivers are polite, and driving is a pleasure. True, you watch with bated breath as two large buses pass between a rock and an abyss. Usually one of them looks for a wider place and then tries to pass by a millimeter by folding the side mirrors.
Our path lay towards Sa Calobra Bay, where there is a beautiful, fabulous gorge, with a wonderful pebble beach and clear sea water. The fairy tale about Sinbad was filmed in this place.
The road leads only to the bay, 15 kilometers of dizzying serpentine descent, sharp turns 180 degrees. We were told that there are more than two hundred of them.
The bay is divided into two parts by rocks. In the first part there are cafes, shops, parking, an embankment, observation decks, and a pier.
The second part of the bay is a pebble beach with turquoise water, between huge rocks. You can only get here through two illuminated pedestrian tunnels.
The rain did not spoil our mood, and the colors of the sea did not fade at all.
There is a beautiful sea everywhere in Mallorca. At the depth it is unrealistically blue, as if it had been painted with blue. Such colors are given to the sea by the plankton living in it, which colors its waters in an amazing color. Closer to the shore there is turquoise, and in small bays the water is of all kinds of emerald shades. It’s impossible to convey in words or photos, but the sea is simply mesmerizing.
On a pleasure boat arrived in the picturesque Port of Soller, famous for the sweetest oranges.
Would definitely go back to see this amazing Cape Formentor again. On the way to Formentor, the beauty of the views will take your breath away. We take a boat to Formentor beach, famous for its crystal clear water and fine sand. It’s not for nothing that this place is called “paradise.”
The beach is decorated with spreading pine trees, creating a unique atmosphere. Barcelo Formentor is considered the most luxurious five-star hotel on the island. Outwardly it does not look pretentious, but the very fact that this hotel is an architectural monument, surrounded by stunning botanical garden, whose alleys were walked by Elizabeth Taylor, Mikhail Gorbachev, Charlie Chaplin, Winston Churchill, Jacques Chirac, Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Placido Domingo and many other celebrities, is very inspiring.
It is incredibly beautiful here, quiet, calm and fabulous air mixed with citrus fruits, flowers and eucalyptus.
Then the road along a mountain serpentine leads to a cape, a lighthouse and an observation deck on a cliff 210 meters above sea level. And the beauty revealed by such a bright blue color, the harmony and peace cannot be conveyed in words or photographs! Crazy energy!
Became interesting and memorable Dragon Caves. Three halls with high vaults surrounded by stalactites, stalagmites and an underground lake with backlights, lamps with lighting effects and a small amphitheater. Enthusiastic emotions were left by the musicians floating on the smooth underground lake and performing Chopin, and two more boats circling to the music with good acoustics. After this you can take a boat ride on the lake. The water is so clear it's like floating on air. You can't take pictures there with a flash, and without it the photos wouldn't work. For this fifteen-minute concert, I would visit the caves again.
IN Safari Park We didn’t get there, it started to rain heavily, although it was also quite interesting there. Animals roam freely and you can enter by car. You cannot get out of the car; for safety reasons, it is also better not to open the windows. Zebras, giraffes, not to mention monkeys - in search of delicacies, will immediately stick their heads into the car at the right opportunity.
Due to the rain, the trip to the natural reserve did not take place. Galatzo park, which is located in picturesque place mountain valley. This is an adventure park where you can admire the beauty of about thirty waterfalls and swim in them, walk along suspension bridges, practice rock climbing and rappelling, and bungee jumping. This is an ideal place for those who love nature and animals. After the bungee ride, visitors are given a glass of sangria and marinated meat, which they need to cook themselves on prepared grills. At the end there will be a show of birds of prey - eagles and falcons.
The weather couldn’t spoil our mood, because we went to the pearl capital - Manacor. Here is the most famous organic pearl factory. The history of its production began in 1890. The entire process of the factory is kept in the strictest confidence. There was no excursion to the factory itself; everyone was in a 2-story store, where you could see how the master applied a special organic composition to cultured pearls. The store has a lot of cheap jewelry and items decorated with gold, silver and diamonds.
In memory of the wonderful trip to Mallorca, we also bought jewelry. Majorica pearls recognized as the closest in composition and properties to natural pearls, it undergoes careful control at 25 stages, is completely identical to natural pearls and even surpasses it in strength.
We were issued a certificate guaranteeing the replacement of the product if its quality somehow deteriorates within 10 years. Not every jewelry manufacturer provides a guarantee for such a time. If a defect is detected, the jewelry can be exchanged in any country in the world where there is a Majorica branch.
I chose a dyed one with a silver clasp, which is protected from blackening. The quality is amazing. But the pearl jewelry, bought at a souvenir stall for 6 euros, became stained after 3 months.
The island is very interesting, we visited many places, and I would like to visit even more. Two weeks in Mallorca flew by quickly, like one day. During this time, we took an excursion to, where we also spent an eventful day. We flew there on local airlines, which was fast and convenient.
On one of our free evenings we went to performance at Es Foguero. This concert hall and a restaurant rolled into one; the ticket price includes dinner. In the first part of the show program there is flamenco, in the second there is the ballet “Carmen”. The performance is bright, colorful, there are even horses dancing flamenco, we were pleased. Dinner was mineral water, juice, wine, salad, paella or meat of your choice, ice cream.
Didn't go unnoticed wine cellars winery Bodegas Macia Batle. We went on an excursion and tasted wine there, which wins prizes at major international exhibitions. Wine of different names, quite pleasant to the taste with a delicate aroma, after an appetizer of Sobrassada sausage (my husband did not like this sausage, similar to pate, at all) and amazing olives, we soon seemed to taste the same and incredibly tasty. :)
Best shopping on the island in the six-story El Corte Ingles department store, the Porto Pi shopping center and in the shops on the streets leading from Placa Major. In the small town of Inca, a fair is held every Thursday, attracting people from all over Mallorca.
There is a holiday here for every taste and budget. Water parks Aqualand and Western Park, Maryland Dolphinarium with various shows. Cactus Park, Alfabia Gardens, a miracle of Moorish park art, historical places, architectural monuments, nature reserves, 40 of which have national status, oak groves, orange orchards, pine forests along the slopes of mountains, endless valleys and incredibly beautiful bays, sandy beaches, all this is Mallorca.
In addition to this, a high level of service, friendliness, and a desire to help. We remember with gratitude the dear old lady who helped us find our way. My husband and I walked for a long time along the flower-filled streets of Palma Nova, it was already getting dark, we went quite far and realized that we didn’t know the way back. They took out a map and began to study it. A grandmother of about eighty came up to us and started asking questions in the Catalan dialect, which is even significantly different from Spanish, we speak to her in English - we don’t understand each other. And then she took the map from us, we showed where our hotel was, she shook her head, smiled, took my arm and walked us two blocks to the stop.
Mallorca - interesting island, despite the fact that we stayed there for two weeks, we were not able to cover everything interesting. And we even had time to just laze around the pool to the sound of the waves of the Mediterranean Sea only early in the morning before breakfast. The beaches in Mallorca are all municipal, and hotels do not have their own private access to the sea. The beach of our hotel, due to its unique location in the rock, is sandy on one side of the pool, and decorated with huge stones on the other.
The air is filled with the aromas of flowers, citruses and pine.
Everyone with whom I had to communicate were very friendly, good-natured, unobtrusive people. Although, we noticed one peculiarity - the locals do not like to speak English; if you ask anything, they will definitely answer in Spanish. And only when they are convinced that they don’t understand at all will they repeat it in English.
Our trip turned out to be interesting and meaningful.
And the biggest and beautiful island among the Balearic will forever remain the pearl of our memories. It was unforgettable.
We had a wonderful experience on our family holiday that makes us dream that someday we will return there again.
Well, first of all, I wish everyone to relax on the island at least once in their life!
- Time of year to go to Mallorca. I definitely recommend the second half of May or the first half of June – the whole island is in flowers. Later, a lot of tourists arrive on the island, it gets hot, the grass burns out under the scorching Mediterranean sun, and it will also be difficult to admire the sights without waiting in line.
- Best area, best hotel. Recommend area of residence Illetas I can safely. AND Hotel Riu Palace Bonanza Playa I would recommend it, but I can’t say that you won’t find a better hotel than this. The layout, of course, is above all praise. When booking even a standard room, you are already guaranteed that it will have a sea view. That they will treat you like family for sure. The employees are Russian speaking, which is also a big plus. The food is amazing. On our recommendation, friends vacationed there last year and were absolutely delighted with the hotel’s cuisine. The plus is that they did a renovation there, updated it externally and internally. If I had the opportunity to visit Mallorca again, I would only stay in this hotel. The only very significant disadvantage for me is that the price of everything has increased very much. If during our vacation we paid 100 thousand rubles for accommodation, meals and flights with transfer for two weeks, now we will have to pay this amount only for 4-5 days of stay.
- Rent a car in Mallorca possible and necessary, at least for a few days to travel around the island. The roads are excellent, the speed limit is 120 km/h outside the city. There is a lot of parking, but you can't park your car in private territory or the location marked with a yellow stripe. There are a lot of signs, everything is clear.
- Trip to Palma de Mallorca. In the capital it is better to walk, everything is close there, the city is small. Public transport comfortable, goes often.
- What to eat in Mallorca. The Spaniards cook deliciously, the portions are large. For two of us, we could still eat one portion of paella with seafood, but without additional dishes. They cook a lot of delicious lobsters and shrimps. Fresh Mediterranean fish, for example: bream with fried potatoes majora style, salmon in champagne with vegetables. We became big fans of Iberico jamon and sangria there, the kind that comes in a jug with fresh fruit. Eh! And what delicious ice cream, pastries, and amazing fruit! No, I can’t go there, otherwise it’s goodbye to my figure, I’ll inevitably bring extra pounds.
- Weather. During our vacation, it rained 8 days out of 14, which made the colors of nature even brighter, the air fresh, and there were fewer people. Warm summer short-term showers do not last more than half an hour, they do not happen often in Mallorca, we are so “lucky” with the weather. But this once again confirms that you shouldn’t worry if the forecast for the duration of the trip is rainy, it certainly won’t ruin your vacation.
- At trips to the Tramuntana mountains either on your own or with a guided tour; if you don’t tolerate steep serpentines well, stock up on tablets for motion sickness, the road twists 360 degrees. But it's worth watching. If you can’t stand such a road at all, then you can get there by boat.
- Visa to Spain. The Spaniards are friendly and generous people, even if you receive a Schengen visa for the first time, they will give you a visa for six months.
- Excursions and activities in Mallorca there is a lot, you can order anywhere, the prices are the same everywhere, or you can create your own unforgettable route, which is what we will do next time.
See you soon, beautiful Mallorca! She left many pleasant memories in our hearts.