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Scenic beaches, historic castles, museums and an aquarium make up this picturesque city on the Mediterranean island of Mallorca.
Mallorca
(Majorca) is the largest of the Balearic Islands, measuring approximately 110km
long and 76km wide. The island has 7 cities, Palma (its capital), Manacor,
Llucmajor, Soller, Felantix, Inca and Alcudia.
Most
travellers come to Mallorca for its stunning beaches. Most of the coastline
comprises of gentle sloping fine sandy beaches and crystal clear water.
Numerous beaches and coves make it a perfect place to indulge in water sports
and sun bathing.
However if you do visit, it is worthwhile hiring a car and heading away from the
beaches to explore the rest of the island. You will discover romantic fishing villages,
historic monasteries, monuments, museums and spectacular landscapes.
The
island is dominated by the Serra Tramunta Mountains that stretch from Cabo
Formentor to the area near Isla Dragonera on the west coast. The highest peak,
Puig Major, is 1455m high. Further east is a second, lower mountain range,
Sierra de Levante. Its highest peak is 562m (Atalaia Morella).
The
central plain of Mallorca (Es Raiguer) is large and flat. This area is
dominated by agriculture with its many almond trees, vineyards, carob trees and
orchards.
For
more cultural pursuits, Palma still retains some of its historical flavour sporting grand
mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling centre.
Mallorca enjoys a temperate,
Mediterranean climate. The maximum temperatures are not excessive, even in high
summer, owing to the cooling influence of the sea making it an ideal holiday
location, particularly for families. The climate during the winter is generally
mild and dry with occasional showers.
The average monthly
temperatures are:
|
°C |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
Sep |
Oct |
Nov |
Dec |
|
Day |
14 |
15 |
16 |
18 |
21 |
25 |
29 |
29 |
26 |
22 |
18 |
15 |
|
Night |
6 |
6 |
7 |
9 |
12 |
16 |
19 |
20 |
18 |
14 |
10 |
8 |
Each of the resorts on
Mallorca offer shopping facilities. Often, as with Magaluf, Alcudia and the
other larger areas, this means there are plenty of outlets selling beach wear
and souvenirs and other touristy things. However if you want some serious
shopping the place to head for is Palma.
If you are looking for
chain stores, international names, boutiques or that something a little bit
different, Palma is the place for you. The Passeig d’es Born is lined with
numerous chain stores and smaller shops. If you are looking for clothing
accessories, boutiques, beauty and perfume stores, head for Carrer Sindicat.
For those that love browsing high quality shops and international brands, head
for Avenida Jaume III.
Mallorca is great for
glass, leather, footwear, ceramics, cultured pearls, olives and wine. If you
want to find some of these local specialities, head for Passeig per l’Artesania
for stores selling genuine Mallorcan products.
To mix your shopping with
a bit of culture head for Carrer Sant Miquel. This pedestrianised area is great
for shopping and seeing the stunning churches of Sant Miquel, Santa Margalida
and Sant Antoniet.
If all those shops haven’t
quelled your shopping appetite, then you could always head for one of the
commercial shopping centres such as Festival Park (Marratxi), Porto Pi (Palma)
or Al Campo (Marratxi).
Cala d'Or is known as the
best shopping district on Mallorca. Its main shopping street, Avinguda
Tagomago, is full of chic boutiques, leather shops and galleries. Designer
clothes and shoes, in particular, are available at reasonable prices. For your
souvenir shopping, the Sunday morning flea market in Felanitx is excellent.
Shopping in Mallorca isn’t
just about chain stores and shopping centres. The Marcat de l’Olivar, in the
centre of Palma is one of the oldest markets in Mallorca. Each town has its own
regular market where you can pick up local produce, mingle with the locals and
pick up a bargain or two.
The southern part of the
island is where the serious partying happens after dark, especially in Palma,
Palma Nova and Magaluf. The northern resorts have a much more laid back feel
with their nightlife mainly centred on bars and restaurants.
Palma and Magaluf both
offer exciting entertainment after dark however Palma’s is more sophisticated
while Magaluf’s is aimed at the young British tourist and is loud and brash.
Palma offers several
venues for live music (classical, jazz and rock) such as the Auditorium,
Castell de Bellver and the Jazz Voyeur Club. If you enjoy the opera, you can
indulge your pleasure at the Teatre Principal and there is a cinema at the
Centro Commercial Porto Pi.
As for bars and clubs, the
main areas in Palma are along Passeig Maritim and La Longa. A few of the names
to look out for are Tito’s, Art Deco and Abraxa.
In Magaluf the onus is
very much on the young British tourist. The nightlife is wild, loud and
raucous. The famed Punta Ballena Strip is full of bars, themed parties, discos
and clubs such as BCM, Carwash, Bananas and Boomerangs.
But Mallorca isn’t all
about bars and clubbing. The island also offers 3 excellent dinner/show
evenings which are very popular with tourists of all ages – Pirates Adventure,
Son Amar and Es Foquero.
Depending on where you stay
on the island, there is a wealth of places and beaches to visit
during your holiday.
Here are a few more
possibilities you might like to add to itinerary:
The tap water is safe to
drink in Mallorca and the island has excellent health facilities. However you
should ensure you have sufficient medical insurance in place before travelling.
Instances of crime on the
island are low however you should always exercise the usual precautions with your valuables especially when in
crowded areas.