2009-12-22

Majorca – Sights and Stops

A Majorca tour in the course of a holiday is perfectly feasible, given the relatively small size of the island. You should then start in the island capital, Palma de Mallorca, not least because most holiday flights are landing here, and the city therefore provides an ideal base for exploring the various tourist attractions. The city itself offers a picturesque old town – especially the Gothic cathedral La Seu is a must-see for tourists. In addition there are – believe it or not – 31 more interesting churches and an old town, which also reveals Arab influences at every turn. An insider’s tip is the suburb Cala Major, where the famous Spanish painter Joan Miró lived for a long time and where today his former studio and numerous artworks can be visited.

Being a traffic hub the streets are leading from Palma to every corner of the island. You should opt for s’Arenal also known as El Arenal, as this beach resort is well worth visiting. How long the stay in El Arenal in fact lasts depends first and foremost on to what extent the travelers are in need of rest, as it is still the undisputed center of mass tourism in Majorca. Also in El Arenal is the beach section Balneario 6 located, after which then the beach bar “Ballermann 6” has been named.

We continue to Manacor in the east of Majorca. With approximately 40,000 inhabitants, the city whose name translates as “hand on the heart,” is the third largest municipality on the island and a vibrant regional center. Extensive forests are sprawling around Manacor, and in particular people with a prehistoric interest will get their money’s worth. That is because near Manacor the settlement Hospitalet Vell can be found, which provides an insight into the life some 3,500 years ago.

Manacor is also a good place for souvenirs, for here the two pearl manufactories Majórica and Perlas Orquidea are residing. In their shops you can find many small treasures.

We then continue to Son Servera, also in the east of the island. Here, in the tourist heart of the Llevant you can confidently take a break from everyday life and have a swim in the beautiful bay Badia de Son Servera. Interesting is also the market, which is held in the heart of the village every Friday.

Now we leave Son Servera and turn towards the north of the island. The name of our next travel destination originates from Arabic and translates as “the hill”. But don’t worry: Alcudia isn’t too hilly anymore nowadays, though the city center is a little elevated. In addition to the picturesque beaches it is mainly the churches and monasteries, which makes a visit to Alcudia worthwhile, but also the cave of Sant Marti is well worth a visit. Otherwise Alcudia is the unofficial capital of the sailors and it hosts a marina, which holds space for about 100 sailing boats.

The penultimate stop of the tour is Valldemosa, north of the island’s capital Palma. Located in the Sierra del Norte, late spring is a particular good season to travel there. Then the fruit trees are blooming and are transforming Valldemosa into a real blaze of color. Moreover, the famous composer Frederic Chopin lived in Valldemosa and composed some of his best known works there. Just walking in the footsteps of the musician makes a visit to this small town a must. The wide range of colors and the picturesque surroundings go one step further.

Right before we arrive back in Palma de Mallorca, we take a rest in Puigpunyent. The place is hardly spectacular but that’s precisely where its charm lies. Located near the fast-paced metropolis of Palma, one can justifyingly speak of an insider’s tip. The little village church of Santa Maria Asunció is worth a visit, but above all it is the golf courses and hiking trails in the area that ensure that holidaymakers are feeling comfortable in this small town.

This post was originally posted by Gesa @ Escapio Blog..
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