Mallorca - Mediterranean Paradise
What exactly does a visit to the Balearic Island hold in-store for the tourist?
Located to the East of the Spanish mainland, Mallorca (Majorca) is very much about the three words you would expect of any Mediterranean Island...... sun, sea and sand.
Beneath the predictable exterior of the Balearic Island lies a relaxing paradise suitable for families and holidaymakers alike looking to get the most out of the tropical climate during their time away from home.
Mallorca's Vital Statistics
· Mallorca's capital is Palma which is on the west coast of the 3,640 sq km island.
· Popular visitor towns include Manacor and Alcudia.
· The population is estimated at around 869,100 (Figure courtesy of Lonely Planet.com)
· Famous Mallorcan's include NBA guard Rudy Fernandez, tennis players Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya, as well as FC Barcelona's former captain Miguel Angel Nadal
Roman Occupation, Byzantine Conquering and the Beginnings of Emigration
The discovery of burial chambers and other traits suggest that Mallorca was inhabited as early as 6000-4000BC, but it's certain that the island was occupied by the Romans in around 125BC when Alcudia and Palma were first founded during the beginnings of a thriving local economy.
It wasn't until 534 that Mallorca ceased to be under Roman control, as the Byzantine Empire helped Christianity rule and linking the island with the province of Sardinia.
Through time Mallorca was the subject of a conflict between the Spanish and North Africans, both of whom claimed it as their own, but in the early 18th century, the War of Spanish Succession resulted in a unified Spanish monarchy claiming right to the territory of all the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca.
The late 19th century saw Mallorca witness mass emigration from the Spanish mainland and the British Isles, and it remains today as a haven for both the retired and the holiday-goer.
The Island's Thriving Tourism
A huge attraction for many visitors to the island it it's climate. Mallorca has a traditionally Mediterranean climate throughout twelve months of the year. Summers are bright and humid with the occasional storm over night.
As well as the temperature, many visitors are instinctively drawn to the beautiful sand covered beaches which litter the island's coastline. Most of Mallorca's more outstanding beaches are located on the north and east coasts, and although many of them will be swamped by early arriving tourists during the summer, there are hidden exception which can be discovered with perseverance and a willingness to travel a little further afield.
Sandy beaches are not all the province has to offer though.
Mallorca's delights begin very much in it's capital. Palma is the major centre of the island and is a good location for shopping. The northern coast is home to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range which hosts pine forests, olive groves and a much more rugged shoreline. To the south Mallorca is mainly rocky cliffs intermingled with beaches and coves which makes it a good location for leisurely walks on a hot Mallorcan day.
Making the Most of a Visit
Naturally, during the summer months, Mallorca is swarming with tourists, and due to it's prosperous economy largely based on the number of people who visit, there are plenty of hotels and apartments available for those wishing to visit.
As with most destinations blessed with summery climbs, relaxing at the beach all day is the simplest option. For those wanting to get out and explore more, there is plenty to do with your time as well as work on your tan.
Palma particularly has its fair share of notable buildings including the Basilica de Sant Francesc, a reconstructed 13th century church and further north is Lluc Sanctuary, Mallorca's most sacred site set in the spectacular mountain range.
Castles, and the ruins and remains of such buildings are plentiful in Mallorca with Santueri and Capdepera Castles both located in small villages which hold the heritage of the country deep within their roots. Capocorb Vell is also another option with its Bronze Age ruins demonstrating Mallorcan history between 1300-800 BC.
Other non-beach options on the Mallorcan coastline include the impressive Cap de Formentor (Northern tip of the country) which provides and excellent view from its 400m tall cliffs. Those more adventurous can head to Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) where dark and mysterious limestone caves lead you on a 2km underground adventure through Porto Cristo.
There is evidently much more than the 3 S' to Mallorca's makeup, and plenty on offer for those who are willing to seek out it's joys during their holiday. The king of the Balearic Island is a holidaymakers dream and caters extremely well for those visitors with different tastes.
Located to the East of the Spanish mainland, Mallorca (Majorca) is very much about the three words you would expect of any Mediterranean Island...... sun, sea and sand.
Beneath the predictable exterior of the Balearic Island lies a relaxing paradise suitable for families and holidaymakers alike looking to get the most out of the tropical climate during their time away from home.
Mallorca's Vital Statistics
· Mallorca's capital is Palma which is on the west coast of the 3,640 sq km island.
· Popular visitor towns include Manacor and Alcudia.
· The population is estimated at around 869,100 (Figure courtesy of Lonely Planet.com)
· Famous Mallorcan's include NBA guard Rudy Fernandez, tennis players Rafael Nadal and Carlos Moya, as well as FC Barcelona's former captain Miguel Angel Nadal
Roman Occupation, Byzantine Conquering and the Beginnings of Emigration
The discovery of burial chambers and other traits suggest that Mallorca was inhabited as early as 6000-4000BC, but it's certain that the island was occupied by the Romans in around 125BC when Alcudia and Palma were first founded during the beginnings of a thriving local economy.
It wasn't until 534 that Mallorca ceased to be under Roman control, as the Byzantine Empire helped Christianity rule and linking the island with the province of Sardinia.
Through time Mallorca was the subject of a conflict between the Spanish and North Africans, both of whom claimed it as their own, but in the early 18th century, the War of Spanish Succession resulted in a unified Spanish monarchy claiming right to the territory of all the Balearic Islands, including Mallorca.
The late 19th century saw Mallorca witness mass emigration from the Spanish mainland and the British Isles, and it remains today as a haven for both the retired and the holiday-goer.
The Island's Thriving Tourism
A huge attraction for many visitors to the island it it's climate. Mallorca has a traditionally Mediterranean climate throughout twelve months of the year. Summers are bright and humid with the occasional storm over night.
As well as the temperature, many visitors are instinctively drawn to the beautiful sand covered beaches which litter the island's coastline. Most of Mallorca's more outstanding beaches are located on the north and east coasts, and although many of them will be swamped by early arriving tourists during the summer, there are hidden exception which can be discovered with perseverance and a willingness to travel a little further afield.
Sandy beaches are not all the province has to offer though.
Mallorca's delights begin very much in it's capital. Palma is the major centre of the island and is a good location for shopping. The northern coast is home to the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range which hosts pine forests, olive groves and a much more rugged shoreline. To the south Mallorca is mainly rocky cliffs intermingled with beaches and coves which makes it a good location for leisurely walks on a hot Mallorcan day.
Making the Most of a Visit
Naturally, during the summer months, Mallorca is swarming with tourists, and due to it's prosperous economy largely based on the number of people who visit, there are plenty of hotels and apartments available for those wishing to visit.
As with most destinations blessed with summery climbs, relaxing at the beach all day is the simplest option. For those wanting to get out and explore more, there is plenty to do with your time as well as work on your tan.
Palma particularly has its fair share of notable buildings including the Basilica de Sant Francesc, a reconstructed 13th century church and further north is Lluc Sanctuary, Mallorca's most sacred site set in the spectacular mountain range.
Castles, and the ruins and remains of such buildings are plentiful in Mallorca with Santueri and Capdepera Castles both located in small villages which hold the heritage of the country deep within their roots. Capocorb Vell is also another option with its Bronze Age ruins demonstrating Mallorcan history between 1300-800 BC.
Other non-beach options on the Mallorcan coastline include the impressive Cap de Formentor (Northern tip of the country) which provides and excellent view from its 400m tall cliffs. Those more adventurous can head to Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) where dark and mysterious limestone caves lead you on a 2km underground adventure through Porto Cristo.
There is evidently much more than the 3 S' to Mallorca's makeup, and plenty on offer for those who are willing to seek out it's joys during their holiday. The king of the Balearic Island is a holidaymakers dream and caters extremely well for those visitors with different tastes.