Top Eight Things To Do In Mallorca

There are many things one can do when visiting Mallorca, the biggest of the Balearics Islands (Spain). There is not only sun, beach and sangría in the island.

1. Segway visit to Palma's old town

Cultural sight seen could be somewhat boring sometimes, or maybe one is just too lazy to get a Mallorca guide and walk himself into the old town. Make it funny: get a Segway tour (book at your hotel or call +34 697 574 282) and have a quick 2 hours guided tour into Palma's old town for just 40 euro.

2. Visit Sóller, Deía and Valldemossa

A trip for a day. Rent a car or take the old train to Sóller which leaves from the centre and visit the villages on the north coast of the Island, along the Sierra de Tramuntana: Sollér, Deía (well known for being Robert Graves home during many years, and now the place for foreign and local artist looking for inspiration) and Valldemossa, once Frederic Chopin3. Sailing along Mallorca's coast

If you can, rent a boat with a skipper (ht
http://www.yates-alemanes.de provides a good service). If not, take any of the organized tourist trips along the coast which can be joined for a small amount of money. For the latest, check Cruceros Iberia (+34 971 71 71 90) for a Palma - Sant Elm (and back) morning trip, or Barcos Azules in Puerto de Sóller for a north coast sail up to Sa Foradada.

4. Eating tapas

As in other place in Spain, "tapas" (small amounts of food usually shared with other friends while drinking a "chato" -a tiny glass of whatever- of wine or beer) are a must try if visiting Mallorca. There are many places where you can do that, but it's either recommended to go to La Boveda (Plaza La Lonja, in Palma de Mallorca +34 971 714 863) or just simply enter in to the any bar that looks like frequented by locals.

5. Discovering Mallorca's unending and unspoilt sandy beaches

Well, not really discovering, as there is nothing which has not already covered by any of the millions Mallorca visitors. But going to Es Trenc in Campos, which is more than 4 kilometres long (and perfect for sky surfing) or to Cala Varques, a small hidden virgin beach next to Cala Millor, only reachable by walking 20 minutes, is something you must do if visiting the Balearics during the hottest seasons.

6. Visiting any of the Street Markets in the villages

Mallorca markets are pretty different from those at the major cities in Europe. Mostly, they sell food, leather goods and some clothes. There you will find a lot of locals and see the mallorcan way of live.

Recommended: either the Sineu one on Wednesdays or the one at the main square in Santa Maria on Sundays. Keep in mind that markets starts early in the morning so be ready to be there by 10:00.

7. Late night drinks and night spots.

In Palma, Pacha Disco and El Garito, both of them near the Can Barbará Darsena in the Paseo Maritimo (the way along the sea front) are a must. In La Lonja, next to the Cathedral, visit the Abaco Bar (a luxurious, impressive and magnificent courtyard bar) or the Atlantico Cocktail Bar, once the place for marines stopping in the island and now meeting point for many expats living in the island.

If you are accommodated in Magaluf, Palma Nova or around and like clubbing, you must visit either the BCM Disco Empire or Bananas. If not, just walk around the streets of Punta Ballena which is full of nice bars and British people.

In Alcudia nightlife is mainly hotel based. However, the people of Lokita organize great parties at the Menta Disco (Avda. Tucán s/n) during all summer. An inside pool, 7 bar desks and Deejay's like the Groove Armada group for a great night of fun.

8. Having a seaside breakfast

There are many bars, restaurants and hotels by the seaside of Mallorca where you can enjoy a late sunny seaside breakfast after a night out (check http://www.portixol.com for a hip one). Spanish eat usually late, and breakfast can be taken at any place until 12:00. If you can, try the typical ensaimada (a pastry) with your café con leche (white coffee).

Holidaying in the Mediterranean - Majorca's Major Pull

Many people like to travel in the winter in search of a bit of sunshine when it is normally absent from the UK. However, with much of Europe suffering the same fate at that time of year, the only viable option to see the best of the continent is to go during the summer - for families with children this is perfect as they are off school for longer periods and in recent years the sun has been a stranger to British skies in the summer as well as the winter.

One area that is traditionally popular with Britons is the Mediterranean. Spain, southern France and Italy in particular see a huge influx of tourists each summer. In recent years the Balearic Islands, just off the east coast of Spain, have become increasingly popular. This island group - consisting of Majorca, Minorca, Formentera and Ibiza - is an autonomous state, with Palma, situated on the island of Majorca, its capital.

The cathedral of Palma - also know as La Seu - is one of the most prominent landmarks of the capital as it boasts one of the highest naves in Europe at 44 metres. The building was founded in 1229 but it took 372 years to complete. Built in a shorter time - started and completed in the 14th century - is Bellver Castle. The circular castle is still in good shape and stands on a hill overlooking Palma. Up until the 1950s it was used as a prison but nowadays it is purely a tourist attraction.

Whilst the sun and the beaches are the main attraction to many holidaymakers, Majorca also has the Serra de Tramuntana - a mountain range that peaks at 1,445 metres. The Tramuntana Range receives significantly more rainfall than the rest of the island and snow often falls on the crest in the winter.

Majorca has also become the home to many celebrities who appreciate the diversity of the island. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones have a holiday home there, and Michael Schumacher, Claudia Schiffer and Peter Stringfellow all have homes on the island. One of the most famous Majorcans is tennis star Rafael Nadal - who won his first Wimbledon title in 2008 and in so doing became the first player since 1980 to win both Wimbledon and the French Open in the same year.

With so much to offer, the majority of Majorca holiday reviews are positive, meaning that anyone who decides to take a trip to one of the biggest Mediterranean islands is in for a treat.

The Peaceful Resort of Puerto Pollensa on the Island of Mallorca

Located on the north-west coast of Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, the quiet resort of Puerto Pollensa is a popular and attractive resort. Sheltered by the Cap Formentor and the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, Puerto Pollensa enjoys a temperate Mediterranean climate with long hot summers and mild winters making it a perfect all year round location.

The resort has not been spoilt by development as have many of the other popular Mallorcan towns and it retains much of its original fishing village charm. Attracting families and the older generation it became a holiday destination as early as the 1920's when rich British citizens started looking for holiday homes away from the cold damp winters of the UK. Cheaper flights and increased leisure time made the town even more popular during the 1960's and 1970's and a good range of hotels and privately owned rental accommodation appeared to cater for the demand.

The nearby historic town of Pollensa (Pollença) was built takes away from the old to protect against attacks through the centuries Barbary Coast sailed this many, has a history that dates back to Roman occupation of Majorca (Mallorca), although its Pont Roma (Roman Bridge) is probably built later. Pollensa was named by settlers from nearby Alcudia to their former capital, during the 14th century occurred.

The old town has a number of interesting sites, including Calvary Churchwith its old wooden cross on top of 365 steps lined with cypress traitors, the former Jesuit monastery, now the Town Hall (Ayuntamiento), the old Plaza Mayor (main square), where to get the residents to enjoy the coffee outdoor cafes, the City Museum in a former Dominican monastery with its exhibition of prehistoric sculpture of the pre-Roman in Mallorca and some interesting churches, including the Parroquia de Our positionSenyora del Angels dating from the 13th Century.

Puerto Pollensa itself has the well known Pine Walk is possibly the best loved part of the resort, fronting onto a sheltered part of the larger Badia de Pollença. The lovely old fishing harbour now boasts numerous colourful luxury yachts moored alongside wind-warn Mallorcan fishing boats which have plied their ancient trade in the surrounding waters for many centuries. The beaches of Puerto Pollensa are safe and clean although not yet awarded "Blue Flag" status, they are great for famililies, and there are also other smaller beaches nearby, none too crowded or noisy. The resort also has excellent water sports facilities for those with a little more adventure in their blood, sunbathers watch with interest as they skilfully practise their sports some distance off the sandy beaches. Market day in Puerto Pollensa is on Wednesdays in the main church square - a popular place to pick up fresh produce or maybe a gift or two.

Puerto Pollensa is situated on the MA-2200 between Alcudia and Pollensa around 58 km from the capital of Mallorca, Palma. The trip from the airport takes about an hour and a half.

Majorca Family Holidays on Two Wheels

The beautiful island of Majorca is visited by thousands of families each year, some of whom want nothing more than to enjoy relaxing on the beach, strolling around the local towns and villages and indulging in a spot of holiday shopping. When it comes to more active families, however, there is a wonderful alternative in Majorca. Family holidays for those who enjoy cycling are becoming more and more popular on the island, which not only offers stunning scenery, but also a variety of terrains for beginner and more experienced cyclists.

Get the Whole Family Involved

If you have young children or active elderly relatives who enjoy cycling but aren't quite up to strenuous excursions, then going up and down hills all day may not be ideal. Majorca family holidays on two wheels, however, are perfect for getting the whole family involved as the island offers plenty of flat terrain. Whether you are looking to cycle near the coastline and take in the spectacular sea views as you go adventuring on your bike, or prefer travelling around the small villages which offer a glimpse into the truly Spanish culture and way of life, there is something for everybody when you cycle in Majorca. Since most of the roads are virtually traffic-free, you will also feel very safe when cycling on this island paradise.

Things to See On your Travels

Cycling around Majorca, you will come across secluded beaches and gorgeous little villages everywhere, but there are also plenty of places which can be reached by bicycle that you may want to set out for specifically during your visit. The Monastery of Bonany, described as one of Majorca's best-kept secrets and located above the town of Petra just south-east of the centre of the island is a fascinating place to explore. There is a climb however towards the end of the journey so this may not be suitable for all of the family. When visiting Majorca, family holidays are also not complete without visiting the bustling city of Palma. If you choose to cycle there, you will pass through some stunning neighbourhoods surrounding the city and, when you arrive, you will be rewarded by some of the best restaurants, shops and bars on the island. No matter whether you want to explore the delightful countryside or the island's towns and villages, you will find something of interest around every bend and corner, and of course the friendly locals are always on hand to point you in the direction of interesting and fun places for you to explore.

Go That Little Bit Higher - and Leave Mother-in-Law Behind!

If you're looking for some truly breathtaking views, and to see the plant and animal life of the island at its most glorious best, (as well as to escape from mother-in-law for the day) then trips up the hills and into the mountains of Majorca are ideal. With a variety of terrains to challenge those muscles, the Soller Valley offers a superb on and off-road experience on a single track along the coast, while Sa Comuna in Bunyola will take you through the pine forests and up to a height of over 800 metres above sea level. With routes which are ideal for sheer enjoyment or for training, the cycling experience will allow visitors to see a completely different side of Majorca. Family holidays spent cycling in the mountains and on the island's many cycle paths offer the very best in terms of spectacular views, so just remember to take your camera with you!

Top 10 Beaches in Majorca

There are plenty of attractions that draw people in for cheap holidays to Majorca, ranging from the some of the best nightclubs in Europe to outstanding water parks and family friendly attraction centres. But every holiday in Majorca will inevitably centre around one thing and one thing only - the beach.

Every year, millions of holiday goers from all over Europe come to Majorca for their summer dose of sun and sand, and researching the island's beaches is essential before booking your hotel in Majorca. There is no single best beach in Majorca - some are perfect for families, others are secluded and romantic, and there are also Majorca's most vibrant beaches close to the island's nightlife. Whatever you want from your cheap holiday to Majorca, there's a perfect beach for you - here are ten of the island's best...

Magaluf

Magaluf's beach has been awarded the European Blue Flag for cleanliness and quality, and is a glorious long stretch of golden sand. Renowned as the resort with the best nightlife on the island, Magaluf's beach is the perfect place to relax in the day before hitting the clubs at night.

Palma Nova

Reckoned by some to be the best beach in Majorca, holidays to this resort are rewarded with access to a Blue Flag beach with beautiful fine sand and shade provided by the thick patches of trees.

Playa de Palma

This bustling beach isn't the place to go if you are dreaming of a quiet holiday in Majorca, but it is big, active, and close to some of the island's best nightclubs. The excellent promenade that runs along the top of the beach is filled with great bars, restaurants and shops, and if you want an active and sociable cheap holiday to Majorca, Playa de Palma will be your beach of choice.

Sa Coma

With the fine sand shelving gently into calm waters, Sa Coma is highly popular with families on holiday in Majorca. The resort itself is quieter than some of its more bustling neighbours, and the beach itself also has a wide range of waterskiing and windsurfing facilities for avid water sports fans.

Illetes

This small and secluded beach, located near the capital of Palma city features two little coves and pine trees almost down to the shore itself, making it a welcome break from the more crowded beaches such as Playa de Palma and Palma Nova. Those looking for a little peace and quiet while on holiday in Majorca will be well served by Illetes.

Alcudia

Set in the more peaceful north coast of the island, Alcudia's beach is one of the most child friendly beaches in Majorca; holidays here are justifiably popular with families. The water is clear and calm, and this long, beautiful beach is loved by adults and children alike!

Cala D'or

Cala D'or's beaches offer something a little different for those on a cheap holiday to Majorca. While most beaches on the island consist of long, flat stretches of golden sand, Cala D'or has a series of small coves, giving it a quieter and more natural feel. The town itself hasn't been colonised by tourists like some of the larger resorts, making Cala D'or's beaches especially popular with families and couples.

Es Trenc

Despite being a highly popular beach, Es Trenc is also one of the best preserved beaches on the island. With no local hotels you'll need a car to get here, but the drive is well worth it - this is one of the most beautiful and isolated beaches in Majorca.

Peguera

This quiet and peaceful resort beach is the perfect place to go for a relaxing holiday to Majorca, with beautiful sand, crystal clear water and encircling pine trees offering a little shade for the sunbathers.

Santa Ponsa

Another fine family beach, the busy resort combines long stretches of beautiful sand with perfectly still waters. The promenade along the beach front offers plenty of bars and restaurants to keep you occupied, and there is also the option of taking a boating trip out from the marina.

Mauritian Economy

Economically speaking, this tiny island paradise has one of the highest per capita incomes in the entire region of Africa and the Indian Ocean, while the capital, Port Louis, is the second largest financial trading center in the region. Its political stability and ethnic tolerance make this one of the most attractive places to invest.

If asked, the majority of people would probably say that sugar-cane was the largest economic sector in Mauritius. While nearly 90% of all cultivated land is devoted to the sugar cane crop, it accounts for only a quarter of all export earnings. In the 17th century the economy was entirely dependent on sugar, hence the large number of slaves brought from Africa to work in the plantations. Even as late as the 1960s, long after the abolition of slavery, Mauritius was still reliant solely on sugar and had to import goods for local consumption.

In 1971, Mauritius established Export Processing Zones, known as EPZs, in order to encourage the production of goods for export. To this end, Mauritius imports semi-finished goods duty-free. The goods are then completed in Mauritius and are re-exported. Unsurprisingly, the EPZs have been a magnet for large amounts of foreign investments and, as they deal mainly in clothing and textiles, the textile industry is now one of the main sectors of the economy. Brand name clothing such as Boss and Hilfiger is manufactured in Mauritius for export to Europe and America. With a strict emphasis on quality control and good work ethic, Mauritius now enjoys a sound reputation for textiles all over the world.

Tourismis obviously another one of the stalwarts of the Mauritian economy. With an almost unbroken coral reef, warm, blue tropical water, white sand beaches and the natural hospitality of the people, it is no wonder that so many people, mainly from Europe and South Africa, flock there every year. In recent times, furthermore, eco-tourism has been given priority by the government to help preserve the natural beauty of the island.

Offshore investments are another large contributor to the Mauritian economy, with commerce being aimed mainly at India and South Africa. Offshore business is a relatively recent newcomer to the economy as it only became active in 1992 when the Mauritian Offshore Business Activities Act was passed.

Holidays in Majorca - Featuring Calla Bona and Calla Millor

Majorca is the largest island of the Balearic Islands, a group of islands that are part of Spain and situated in the Mediterranean. Majorca's history as a popular holiday destination dates back to the 1960's when the package tour industry was born.

Young and vibrant south coast

The older resorts are to be found on Majorca's south coast and tend to be the ones that attract groups of young singles looking for a vibrant nightlife. Some are particularly popular with a certain type of young British holidaymakers whose rowdy behaviour has earned them the name "Lager Louts"

Scenic and sophisticated north and east coast resorts

On Majorca's beautiful north coast, things are very different. Here the resorts are generally more sophisticated, much quieter and attractive to older, more cultured holidaymakers. These resorts can provide some feeling of what Majorca was like before the days of mass tourism and still attract people who want to experienced traditional Spanish / Majorcan culture amidst beautiful, unspoilt scenery.

Most of Majorca's east coast resorts will also suit the tastes of the more sophisticated tourist. Less rugged than the mountainous north, the east coast is a series of pretty coves and creeks. The bays in which many of the resorts are found are called "Calas". Some retain a little their original fishing village look but most have long since developed into purpose built vacation urbanizacions (a Spanish word meaning a group of accommodations sharing common facilities.) Cala Bona is an example of a quiet resort that has retained some of its original style, whilst neighbouring, Cala Millor is an example of the tailor-made, modern holiday village type. The bay of Cala Millor is bigger than most others and the resort's sandy beach is over six kilometre long. Many people consider this beach to be one of the best on the island and two high, headlands shelter it, keeping its waters calm and clear. This, combined with gently sloping sands makes the resort ideal for swimming, water-skiing and snorkelling. Further out in the bay, however there is usually sufficient wind to create good windsurfing conditions.

Majorca's weather with tips about when to visit.

Majorca enjoys a Mediterranean climate of hot summers and warm winters but unlike many areas of mainland Spain, unpleasantly hot conditions are extremely rare occurrences. There is nearly always a breeze and even at the height of summer, a sunny day is still a most enjoyable one to experience. Majorca is however very mountainous in the north and the mountains pull in any wet weather that is around. The Balearic islands are generally wetter than mainland, Mediterranean, Spain; with late August and early June experiencing more rainy days than the resorts of the Spanish Costas. If you want to have a virtual guarantee of hot, dry weather for your holiday in Majorca, probably the best time to visit is between late June and the middle of August.

Majorca holiday accommodation tips.

The young person looking for lively nightlife on Majorca's south coast will probably find a hotel offering all inclusive, full or half board deals in resorts such as Arenal, Magaluf or Palma Nova, most suitable for their requirements.

The resorts of the north and east coasts are far less hotel dominated and self catering accommodations in the form of apartments or villas are the most popular. For holidaymakers who like a hotel atmosphere combined with the freedom of a self catering holiday, aparthotels exist in most major resorts. Both Cala Bona and Cala Millor accommodations are advertised on many websites. Villas and apartments can be booked online and rented from private owners as well as several large holiday companies. Aparthotels can also be booked online mainly with the larger companies or their agents.

Tips for Travelling to Majorca.

One of the main attractions of Majorca as a holiday destination is that it is only a short flying time from the UK with many cheap flights available from practically every UK airport. The best travel tip is to use the Internet to make flight price comparisons and to book online with a budget airline such as EasyJet or RyanAir.

From the USA or Canada, it is a good idea to include Majorca as part of a European vacation, perhaps flying to London, Paris, Barcelona or Rome and then taking a budget flight to Majorca to enjoy the "Sunshine, sea and Beach" part of your holiday.

Look before you book.

Majorca is the biggest of the Balearic Islands and has something for everyone. Despite its somewhat tarnished image, caused by the distasteful excesses of mass tourism experienced in some south coast resorts, the island is still one to be much recommended as a holiday destination. To get the best out of a vacation there, you need to choose your resort with care by researching travel tip websites that feature articles about Majorca before booking your accommodation.