Major
resorts and holiday rental areas on Majorca
Alcudia
Algaida
Arta
Buger
Cala d'Or
Cala Mandia
Cala Vingas
Calas de Mallorca
Campanet
Campos
Ca'n Picafort
Ca'n Cocos
Colonia de Sant PEre
Felanitx
Inca
Llubi
Lucmajor
Manacor
Palma de Majorca
Pollensa
Porto Colom
Porto Criso
Port Petroott an
Puerto Pollensa
Sa Pobla
Santa Ponsa Golf
Selva
Sineu
Son Servera
Valldemossa
Holidays
on Majorca, Spain
Palma is the capital and sits on the
seafront. The old town has a cathedral and a maze of narrow streets.
Some of Palma's best attractions are to be
found near the port. These include the Royal Palace, the Stock Exchange
and the Castle of Bellver that has dominated the skyline since the 14th
century. From here the views are breathtaking. Built in 1309, it is the
only castle in Spain that is totally circular in design.
However, Palma's pride must be the
Cathedral, one of the world's finest and largest Gothic structures.
Started in the 13th century by Jaime I. It has high arches and elegant
columns. There are many interesting tombs including those of Jaime I and
Jaime III of Mallorca.
Magaluf is one of the biggest tourist
resorts on the island of Mallorca offering a wealth of entertainment such
as water sports, golf, casinos and water parks. The resort has a 1km long
beach with a new, palm-lined promenade.
At the southern end of Porto Cristo are the
Caves of Drach.
Although not the largest on the island but they are certainly the most
impressive and the most commercialised. There are only a few guided tours
each day so check with the tourist office.
Regardless of the outside temperature, in
the caves it is a constant 22C.
Alcudi has a spectacular beach - at 7
kilometres in length, you'll be amply rewarded with equal parts solitude,
stunning scenery and sun-worshippers.The old town, dating back to 1300,
was settled originally by the Romans, who made Alcudia the original
capital. Today's old town is a couple of kilometres from the holiday
resort's centre, which, naturally is closer to the coast. The resort, at
the western edge of the Bay of Alcudia, features a pleasant port area,
with bars and fish restaurants. Porte D'Alcudia, the old fishing village
might not look much like it did, but it's a great place to head for
leisurely evenings.
Arenal is a lively resort boasts a strong
European feel and features miles of glorious sands and a palm-lined
promenade to compliment it.
Cala D'Or is a cool enclave which attracts
the more discerning Majorca fan. It's not all designer-brands and designer
prices, though. You can still enjoy cheap holidays to Cala d'Or if you
know where to look. And, by saving on accommodation, you've more to splash
out in the resorts' many tempting shops. And its array of fabulous fish
restaurants. The beach, though small, is perfectly formed, a cove of
golden sand (that's Cala D'Or, in Spanish) framed by a rocky headland
where, perhaps, your hotel may overlook the Mediterranean.
|
Small coves continue out from Cala D'Or's original cove, with its pine
plantations and pedalo rentals. Cala Llonga's marina, just on the edge of
town, is where to head to enjoy looking at luxury yachts.A maze of tiled
alleyways and avenues offer all manner of activities when the sun goes
down.
Neighbouring with Cala Millor on Majorca's
east coast, Cala Bona sits just outside the island's biggest tourist
attraction - the magnificent Caves of Drach. Small beaches are sheltered
between rocky outcrops and although some are man-made, they offer fine
stretches of golden sand for sunbathing.
The interior of Mallorca is largely the
preserve of a thriving agricultural community, dotted with windmills,
olive and almond trees.
Fiestas on Mallorca
The procession of the three kings takes place on January 5 the day before
Spanish Christmas Day.
During February and March,
as in most major towns throughout Spain, Carnival takes place with fancy dress balls marking
the end of Carnival, a period involving processions and parties before Lent. Palma hosts the
biggest and most spectacular fiesta event.
The end of February also marks the Festival of the
Balearic Islands,
a three day fiesta of events.
Semana Santa, the Easter celebrations, mark one of the most important
religious festivals and are held on Maundy Thursday in Palma with
processions also on the Friday.
San
Sebastian festivals
are held all over the island on January 19-20 with bonfires and
barbeques particularly in Felanitx and Capdepaera and
Palma.
Corpus
Christi is probably
the second most important religious festival in
Spain
after Semana Santa and is held the Thursday following eighth day of
Whitsun in Pollenca. The feast has been celebrated in
Spain
since the 14th
century.
St John Festivals are held the third week in June in
various parts of the island notably Calvia.
The Virgin del Carmen, the patron
saint of fishermen all over
Spain,
is celebrated on July 15-16 with street processions and an effigy of the
Virgin Del Carmen carried out to sea, loaded into a fishing boat and
sailed along the shore.
Santa Maria del Carni (Saint Margarita Festival) is
held on July 20.
Palma Nova's big festival runs
August 5-15 culminating in the Assumption of the Virgin, a major
religious festival celebrated all over
Spain.
Saint Bartomeu festivals climax on August 24 in
Montuiri and Ses Salines.
The festival of Santa Margalida is held the first week
of September with the highlight being the procession of the Beatified in
Santa Margalida.
Majorca Day is held mid-September
San Miguel feria is held towards the end of September.
October 12 is a national holiday
– Dia de La Hispanidad – marking Christopher Columbus discovering the
New World
in 1492.
The Day of the Tourist is held towards the very end of
October when holidaymakers can benefit from free paella at beach venues.
Besides
the traditional New Year’s Eve parties, December 31 also marks a special
event in Palma,
the Christian conquest of the city by King Don Jaime 1. It is considered
good luck to swallow a grape on every stroke of
midnight.
Many other local fiestas take place throughout the
year.
|
