MALLORCA

Mallorca, the largest of the Balearic Islands, is located in the Mediterranean Sea and belongs to Spain. The island is known for its diverse landscape, which includes the dramatic Serra de Tramuntana mountain range in the northwest, a green inland area full of olive trees and vineyards, and idyllic beaches with fine sand and turquoise sea scattered all along the coast. The capital is Palma de Mallorca, which offers a rich history, a lively cultural scene and architectural sights, including the majestic Gothic cathedral of La Seu, built over a former mosque.

Mallorca is a popular tourist destination not only for its beautiful countryside, but also for its pleasant Mediterranean climate, which ensures warm summers and mild winters. As well as swimming and relaxing, the island offers many opportunities for hiking, cycling, rock climbing and water sports. History lovers will also enjoy the island's traditional villages with stone houses and narrow streets that have retained their authentic character, in addition to Roman and Moorish remains.

Mallorca's gastronomy is another attraction. The local cuisine is based on fresh ingredients and includes specialities such as 'pa amb oli' (bread with oil and tomatoes), 'sobrasada' (spicy sausage) or the sweet 'ensaïmada'. The island has also built up a reputation in recent decades as a place for quiet holidays away from the main tourist centres. Mallorca is therefore an ideal destination for those looking for a combination of nature, culture, relaxation and active exercise.

WHAT TO SEE AND VISIT IN MALLORCA?

1. PALMA DE MALLORCA

Palma de Mallorca, often abbreviated to Palma, is the capital of Mallorca and the entire Balearic archipelago. Located on the south-west coast of the island, it is a vibrant centre with a rich history, beautiful architecture and a lively cultural scene. With a population of around 400,000, Palma offers a combination of modern city life and traditional Mediterranean atmosphere.

LA SEU CATHEDRAL

A masterpiece of Gothic architecture towering over the city like a massive jagged cliff. Construction of the cathedral began in the 13th century but was not completed until the 16th century. Its beautiful rosette windows make it the most radiant cathedral in the Mediterranean. Above the high altar hangs a remarkable wrought-iron canopy in the shape of a crown of thorns, designed by Antoni Gaudí, the creator of Barcelona's Sagrada Família, who spent 10 years working on the cathedral in the early 20th century.

The cathedral is entered through a small museum, which displays magnificent silver monstrances and several medieval paintings. The price of admission ranges from €9 to €25 depending on the type and extent of the excursion. For more information, please visit the website https://catedraldemallorca.org/en/

ALMUDAIN PALACE

The Royal Palace adjacent to the cathedral. Originally an Arab fortress, it is now the official residence of the King of Spain in Mallorca. It is a perfect combination of Islamic and Catalan Gothic architecture. Here you will find a beautiful courtyard and the Gothic chapel of the Capilla de Santa Ana. The palace is used for official events of the royal family and is decorated with royal portraits.

CASTELL DE BELLVER 

In the south-western part of the town is the Castell de Bellver, which has guarded the access routes to Palma since the 14th century. The castle has a circular structure with three towers and several loopholes. It is open all year round and you pay an entrance fee of €4. For more information, visit https://castelldebellver.palma.es/en/inici

2. SÓLLER

Sóller is a picturesque town situated in a valley between the mountains of the Serra de Tramuntana in the north-west of Mallorca. It is known for its historic architecture, beautiful nature and traditional atmosphere. Due to its location surrounded by citrus orchards and mountains, it is often called the 'valley of the orange trees'.

One of the most iconic experiences in Mallorca is the historic train ride from Palma to Sóller

One of the most iconic experiences in Mallorca is the historic train ride from Palma to Sóller. This railway opened in 1912 and runs through 13 tunnels and picturesque countryside. In Sóller itself, you can then change to a wooden tram that will take you to Port de Sóller in about 20 minutes. For more information, visit the website https://trendesoller.com/eng/index

HISTORY AND SIGHTS

• Plaça Constitució - The main square, with its fountain, cafés and palm trees, creating a typical Mediterranean atmosphere. It is very pleasant to sit here with a coffee or ice cream.
• Church of Sant Bartomeu - The dominant building of the square with a beautiful modernist facade. Next to it stands the bank building designed by architect Joan Rubio, a pupil of Antoni Gaudí.
• Can Pruner Museum of Modern Art - An elegant Art Nouveau villa with works by artists such as Miró, Picasso and Kandinsky and period furniture.

3. VALLDEMOSSA

Valldemossa is one of the most beautiful and romantic villages in Mallorca. It lies high in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, about 20 km northwest of Palma, and is surrounded by green hills, olive groves and terraced fields. The village is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, traditional architecture and historical links with important artists and personalities.

Valldemossa has retained its typical Mallorian appearance - narrow cobbled streets, honey stone houses with shutters, flowers and holy pictures on the walls. The village has a very intimate atmosphere and attracts especially lovers of peace, art and history.

Actor Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine-Zeta Jones holiday in Valldemossa every year

The village is famous for its "coca de patata", sweet potato loaves often served with coffee or hot chocolate. Don't miss them in the local cafés and bakeries. There are also several excellent restaurants in the village offering traditional Mallorcan cuisine in a cosy setting.

Valldemossa is world famous for the stay of Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin and French writer George Sand, who spent the winter of 1838-1839 here. They stayed in the former Carthusian monastery Real Cartuja de Valldemossa, which is now the main tourist attraction of the village.

The actor Michael Douglas, his wife Catherine-Zeta Jones and their children also holiday in Valldemossa every year. He bought a house and founded the Costa Nord cultural centre, which he also finances.

HISTORY AND SIGHTS

• La Cartoixa (The Monastery) - Historic building with monastery cells, pharmacy, museum, library and the room where Chopin stayed. In summer, classical music concerts are held here.
• Chopin's piano and personal objects - Part of an exhibition depicting their stay and correspondence with Parisian society.
• The book "Winter in Mallorca" - George Sand described her experiences in Mallorca, including the difficult coexistence with the locals.

4. ALCÚDIA

Alcúdia is one of the most picturesque and historically important towns in Mallorca. Located on the north-east coast of the island, between the bays of Bahía de Pollença and Bahía de Alcúdia, it is the ideal place for those who want to combine a seaside holiday with culture, history and a peaceful atmosphere.

The historic centre of Alcúdia is charming: narrow cobbled streets, sandstone houses, shady courtyards and cafés where time passes slowly. The town has retained its authentic Mallorcan character, despite its popularity with tourists. Every Tuesday and Sunday there are markets, which are among the liveliest on the island - you'll find fruit, vegetables, local produce, crafts and souvenirs.

HISTORY AND SIGHTS

Alcúdia has a rich history dating back to Roman times. The original Roman town of Pollentia, the remains of which still remain today, was founded around 123 BC.

• City walls - Medieval fortifications from the 14th century surround the entire old town. You can partially walk on them and admire the panoramic view of the red roofs and the surrounding countryside.
• Gates of Xara and Sant Sebastià - The two main historic gates leading into the old town.
• Roman ruins of Pollentia - Near the centre, you can visit an archaeological site with the remains of a Roman theatre, houses and a forum.Gates of Xara and Sant Sebastià - The two main historic gates leading into the old town.
• Church of Sant Jaume - An imposing 13th-century Gothic church, standing right next to the city walls. In the neighbourhood there is a small museum dedicated to sacred art.

5. SERRA DE TRAMUNTANA

The Serra de Tramuntana is a majestic mountain range that stretches along the northwest coast of Mallorca for about 90 km. It is the most important geographical formation of the island and also its heart in terms of natural beauty, cultural heritage and traditional life. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011 in the category of cultural landscapes.

The area alternates between wild mountain scenery, shady oak forests, terraces with olive and almond trees, and picturesque stone villages. The mountains are mainly made up of limestone, creating dramatic cliffs, gorges, caves and karst phenomena.

The highest peak is Puig Major (1,445 m), but it is inaccessible to the public because it is located in military territory. An accessible and popular alternative is Puig de Massanella (1 364 m), which offers breathtaking panoramic views.

6. TORRENT DE PAREIS CANYON

Torrent de Pareis is one of the most stunning natural wonders in Mallorca and is considered one of the most beautiful canyons in the Mediterranean. It is located on the north-west coast of the island in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and its mouth is located at the famous Sa Calobra beach.

It is a deep karst canyon, formed by the erosion of water, which winds through the limestone landscape from the inland to the sea. The torrent is dry for most of the year, but in the rainy season it can be very dangerous due to sudden surges of water. The very name 'pareis' means 'twin' in Catalan - a reference to the two main branches of the gorge that join at the mouth.

CANYON DESCENT

The most classic hike starts in Escorca and goes through the Torrent de Lluc and Torrent de Pareis canyons to Sa Calobra beach. The trail is about 6-7 km long, but technically challenging: over boulders, narrow passages, climbing and orientation in the terrain without signs. It is only suitable for physically fit and experienced hikers, and is in no way recommended in wet weather or after rain.

ACCESS FROM THE BEACH

If you want to experience the atmosphere of the canyon without a strenuous hike, you can approach it from Sa Calobra beach. A short tunnel in the rock will lead you to a sandy/pebble beach between the rocks where the canyon flows into the sea. The place has an almost mystical atmosphere, especially in the early morning or off peak season.

7. FARO DE FORMENTOR LIGHTHOUSE

Cap de Formentor is the northernmost tip of Mallorca and without exaggeration one of the most dramatic and photogenic places on the whole island. This rocky peninsula plunges into the Mediterranean like a stone finger, offering unforgettable views, wildlife and quiet places away from the hustle and bustle of the resorts.

The Faro de Formentor lighthouse is one of the most iconic and secluded spots in Mallorca. It is located at the very end of the Cap de Formentor peninsula, the northernmost point of the island, where high limestone cliffs, endless sea and wild wind meet.

The Faro de Formentor lighthouse is one of the most iconic and secluded spots in Mallorca

The construction of the lighthouse was extremely difficult in the 19th century. The terrain is steep and inhospitable, and there was no access road at that time. The material had to be carried out on the backs of animals and many workers worked in extreme conditions.

After its completion, the Faro de Formentor became one of the most important navigation points on the northern route around Mallorca. Today, it mainly fulfils a symbolic and touristic role, but it still functions as an automatic lighthouse.

HOW TO GET TO THE FARO DE FORMENTOR LIGHTHOUSE?

From Port de Pollença, the winding Ma-2210 mountain road leads to views that are worth the journey alone. The drive takes about 30-45 minutes by car, but is often narrow, crowded and challenging to drive.

During the summer (June-September), private cars are not allowed on the last stretch to the lighthouse during the day. Transport is replaced by a shuttle bus from Formentor Beach and Port de Pollença.

8. CUEVAS DEL DRACH (DRAGON CAVES)

The Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) are one of the most famous and most visited natural wonders in Mallorca. Located near the town of Porto Cristo on the east coast of the island, they offer a fascinating underground world of stalactites, stalagmites and a hidden lake.

A unique part of the visit is a live classical music concert right on the lake. Musicians play on a boat that slowly cruises through the dark lake while you sit in the silence of the underground hall. The music is usually by composers such as Chopin, Offenbach and Schubert. The music, combined with the acoustics of the cave, creates a magical, almost dreamlike experience.

Entry is only possible with an organised tour at certain times. Advance booking is recommended (especially during the summer months). For more information, please visit the website https://www.cuevasdeldrach.com/