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Majorca
Majorca Introduction
Majorca, the largest of the Balearic islands, lies in the Mediterranean Sea off the south east coast of mainland Spain. With white sandy beaches and warm blue sea, Majorca is the ideal destination for those wanting a lively fun packed holiday in beautiful Mediterranean surroundings.
Why Go To Majorca?
Majorca offers a typical Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters. Although the capital city of Palma is very much a tourist mecca, with shops, markets and numerous restaurants and bars, the inland towns have retained their rustic charm and unique culture. The countryside is at its best in spring and early summer when the almond trees blossom and lemons and oranges are in plentiful supply. The resorts on Majorca vary greatly from the clubbing towns with their emphasis on young people, through to the quieter family areas. The lively pace of Magaluf and Palma are contrasted with the quieter resorts which combine natural beauty with a pleasant bustle, fine cuisine, safe swimming and a whole range of sports including golf, tennis, snorkelling, fishing, cycling and windsurfing.
Who Is Majorca Popular With?
The superb climate and varied landscape makes Majorca a favourite destination for families with children, young people and couples of all ages. With a wide selection of sporting facilities, water sports, museums, water parks, gardens and walks, there are plenty of activities to choose from whilst soaking up the fantastic Majorcan sun.
When To Go To Majorca?
Majorca is a year round destination but us most popular in the hot summer months when temperatures average 25-30C. The winters are mild with warm days but cooler nights and can be wet from October to January. Palma is ideal for a winter break with its lively restaurants and shops open throughout the winter season. January is a good time to visit Palma to experience the festival of Sant Sebastian which is celebrated with large outdoor barbeques and live music culminating in a spectacular firework display.The springtime is a popular season for walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers. The warm temperatures and quieter beaches make it a perfect time to catch some early sun. Easter is an important festival on the island and is celebrated in typical colorful style, with local fiestas in most villages and towns.
Majorca - The Place
Majorca boasts spectacular rocky mountains and cliffs in the northwest, and long stretches of sandy beach and secluded coves to the east and south of the island. Secluded coves backed by shady pines nestle below the peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, and several quaint old towns and villages represent a thriving agricultural community, dotted with windmills, olive groves and almond trees. Whilst the main resorts are vibrant and colourful with an amazing array of nightclubs, bars and restaurants, the capital Palma still retains some of its historical flavor, with grand mansions and a magnificent Gothic cathedral in its bustling centre. It is worth taking a break from the beach resorts and heading off for a tour of the island by car, or even bicycle, to discover the romantic fishing villages, historic monasteries, monuments, museums and spectacular landscapes.
Majorca Culture
Majorca offers something for everyone and can be enjoyed on foot, bike, by car or by boat. Majorca is a Catholic country and shoulders and legs should be covered when visiting churches or holy places.
Majorca Nightlife
The nightlife in Majorca varies from resort to resort. The southern resorts on the island tend to be the livelier ones, with a wide selection of bars and discos. The northern resorts are a lot quieter in comparison, and the main nightlife is centered around bars and restaurants. Nightlife in the south of Majorca in the busy, popular tourist resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova cater for the large numbers of British tourists, and there is a large selection of English style pubs, along with clubs and discos which in the summer rarely close before dawn. Palma is the quieter resort, and more suited to families, with a large selection of restaurants and sport and family friendly bars.
Majorca and especially Palma are a haven for shoppers. Stores in Palma offer everything from designer goods to handicrafts, elegant leather goods, Majorcan pearls, and fine needlework. It is useful to note that most shops close on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. There are weekly markets throughout the island on every day of the week, selling local goods, souvenirs and food. As with all markets, be prepared to haggle. Most of the shopping districts in the resorts are arranged around little squares and streets and are open until late in the evening, making shopping a relaxing and pleasant experience.
Majorca Eating
The flavors of Majorcan cuisine are mainly Spanish and traditional restaurants specialize in tapas, paella, sobrosada and Sangria. The local Majorcan dishes make full use of delicious local almonds, olives, walnuts, and the local tomato called Ramallet which is native to the island. As in all Balearic cooking, fish is the predominant ingredient. The tourist influx has had a profound influence on the range of restaurants to be found in Majorca and the main resorts offer English, Chinese, Italian and Indian as well as traditional Spanish cuisine.
Local Majorca Customs
Many shops and supermarkets close for siesta between 1.30pm and 4.30pm. Many shops close on Saturday afternoons, Sunday and Holy days.
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