One of the archipelagos of Spain is the Balearic Islands, comprising of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. In 2019, I spent a week in Mallorca or as some spell it – Majorca. The Mediterranean Island is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be uncovered. From its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to the dramatic mountains and charming villages, whether you’re a sun-seeker, an adventure junkie, or a culture enthusiast, this island offers a little something for everyone. Plus, let’s not forget the mouthwatering cuisine and vibrant nightlife that’ll keep you fuelled and entertained. So, grab your camera and suncream, and get ready to discover the magic of Mallorca in this mini guide! Trust me, your Instagram feed will thank you!
Stay
Although we didn’t stay here, we spent a day at Sol Katmandu Park & Resort and it was quickly clear to see how it would be the perfect stay for anyone with kids or those who consider themselves as big kids! If you are going with kids, the children’s activity programme encourages young guests to play, imagine, create and become ‘awesome explorers’, whilst the adults take some time relax poolside or indulge in one of the 7 restaurants and bars.
Not only does Sol Katmandu Park & Resort have a theme park onsite (with the play pass included for everyday of your stay), but it’s located in walking distance from Playa de Palma Nova, one of the top rated white-sand beaches in Mallorca! And for some water action without having to leave the resort, there’s also a splash park onsite!
Katmandu Park has its own Expedition mini-golf course where you can play either an 18 or 36-hole round through a mythical world of your choice: fire or ice. If you want even more golfing action, play a round of the 18-hole course at its sister attraction, Golf Fantasia set amid waterfalls, caves and tropical gardens.
Beach
Palma Nova beach is located in the southwest region of Mallorca. A strip of restaurants, shops and hotels are conveniently placed nearby, making it the perfect place to be at any time of the day. There are so many fun activities to do at this beach other than swimming and sunbathing such as snorkelling, paddle boating, stand-up paddle boarding, parasailing or even a wakeboarding class.
We decided to be adventurous and check parasailing off our bucket lists. After the descent back down to earth, I thought I would’ve had an adrenalin rush! Instead, I felt kind of blank… it’s hard to put into words, the feeling of floating high above sea level!
Looking for somewhere less crowded? Within the small village of Sa Calobra is a hidden delight surrounded by a handful of cafés and restaurants serving local cuisine. Due to the rugged nature of the coastline and all the pebbles, I would advise wearing water shoes if you do decide to go for a dip. However! As inviting as the crystal-clear waters may look, be warned, there were tonnes of jellyfish lurking inside! Don’t let that steer you away from visiting this idyllic spot though, because there is another beach just a short walk through rocky tunnels. The official beach, Torrent de Pareis is situated between the cliffs where the canyon and has a little more sand than at the smaller village beach.
Transport
As with other islands, you can easily get around Mallorca by bus, bike or car. But there is one method of transportation that I recommend you give a go - the tram!
The town of Soller is connected to the coastal region of Port de Sóller by a historic tram line known as the "Red Lightning" which runs across an iron bridge over the Torrent Major. Enjoy the views as they turn from coastal to countryside to city (town) on your journey.
Nature
Stretching across almost 90km, the Serra de Tramuntana is a wild rugged mountain range situated in the northwest of Mallorca. In 2011, it was declared a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO due to its scenic diversity. Nestled deep within the canyons and rugged mountain ridges are idyllic mountain villages, such as Deià, Valldemossa, Fornalutx and Sóller which have proven to be attractive hiking destinations as the rural landscape is dominated by ancient dry stone terracing and walls, pine forests and olive groves. Set within Serra de Tramuntana is the Mallorcans’ beloved Lluc monastery, visited by thousands of pilgrims every year. The aim of the pilgrimage is to pray to the black Madonna statue, the patron saint of the region.
History
Long before the Romans settled on the island, Mallorca was inhabited by Arabs, who referred to Inca as ‘Inkán’. One of the biggest contributions of the Islamic era was the management and distribution of water; The formation of the underground system of canals transported water from the well to the surface to be used for human consumption and irrigation.
𝟯 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗮
1. Inca is Mallorca's third-largest town, well known as the 'city of leather’, therefore a trip to the museum of footwear and leather ‘Museu del Calçat i Ia Pell d'Inca’ is not to be missed!
2. Every Thursday a local market brings the little town alive with vendors selling a range of items from fresh produce to souvenirs as well as real leather products - of course!
3. If you’re looking for historical culture, your best bet is to stop at a church, particularly the Baroque-style parish church of Santa Maria Maggiore which was originally built in the year 1248
𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝘂𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗹 𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵 (𝗗𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝘃𝗲𝘀)The stunning caves, or "Coves del Drach," were discovered in the 19th century; they were formed over millions of years by the slow erosion of limestone. The caves feature glittering stalactite and stalagmite formations and house one of the largest underground lakes in the world, Lake Martel which you have the opportunity to take a short boat trip across - it is a rather pitch-black journey, have a light of some sort handy!
The caves were opened to the public in the 1930s, and now visitors can enjoy guided tours, complete with a live underground instrumental concert which takes places in front of Lake Martel with background light effects simulating a sunrise over the lake. Talk about a dramatic entrance!
I seem to be on a roll with visiting Spanish destinations that begin with an ‘M’ – Madrid, Málaga and Mallorca. Let’s not forget Fuerteventura and Lanzarote while I’m taking note… Barcelona is next on my list! Anyway, enough about my trips to Spain. Now it’s time to pack your bags and discover the wonders of Mallorca for yourself!
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