Mallorca: the pearl of the Mediterranean
The largest island of the Balearic archipelago is a place where everyone will find something for themselves. There are monuments, there is nature and there are party locations.
A few weeks ago I was spending a vacation with my son in Majorca. The largest island of the Balearic Islands is a favorite destination of many holidaymakers and to be honest it does not surprise me at all. The capital of Mallorca – Palma de Mallorca – is a beautiful city, rich in history, many monuments and beautiful beaches. Other major cities are Inca, Sa Pola and Manacor, where Rafa Nadal comes from.
In Mallorca, everyone will find something for themselves – beautiful beaches are practically all over the island, except for the north-western part, where Sierra de Tramontanta is located, i.e. a 90 km long mountain range. If someone is attracted to partying, he will have more than one opportunity to do so in numerous coastal towns. On the other hand, lovers of history will be charmed not only by Palma de Mallorca, but also by Valldemossa (which most of us know at least from hearing thanks to Fryderyk Chopin, who spent some time there with George Sand), or the medieval Pollensa. Beautiful Mediterranean nature in various forms is another advantage of the island.
Today I have prepared for you a short guide to four places: Palma, Valldemossa, Port Soller and Cabo Formentor.
Palma de Mallorca
The capital of the island is, of course, the largest city and gate of the Balearic Islands. The airport here is one of the busiest in Europe. Of course, it is associated with tourist traffic and the influx of tourists practically all year round.
The Gothic-Renaissance cathedral of La Seu, the medieval Bellver Castle, the Maritime Consulate, and practically the entire old town are worth visiting. I will not undertake to mention all the wonders of this area – suffice to say that Casco Antiguo is beautiful buildings, narrow streets, numerous patios and spectacular squares. You can see that the Romans, Arabs and Spaniards left their mark on the history of the city.
Valldemossa
Apparently, Chopin said about this town that it was the most beautiful place on earth. Indeed, Valldemossa cannot be denied its exceptional charm. Located in the Sierra de Tramontana mountain range, it has always attracted painters and artists. It is not surprising then that this small mountain town is the second – after Palma – the most visited point on the map of Mallorca.
Soller and Port Soller
In fact, there are two locations: a small town famous for its oranges and a trendy holiday resort. A town with a population of 10,000 is a reminder of the agricultural traditions of the island, and the surrounding Valle de los Naranjos (Orange Valley) is famous for these citrus fruits. They are connected to the port by a historic tram that crosses the cultivated areas. Both in the town and in the port, it is worth taking a walk, and finally in one of the numerous cafes, order tinto de verano (red wine with lemon carbonated drink) or clara (beer with gaseosa, a kind of Spanish orangeade) and enjoy the moment.
Cabo Formentor
Cape Formentor is the most northerly part of Majorca. From the high, cliff coast you can see Minorca and the beautiful panorama of the Mediterranean Sea. A road winding like a serpentine leads to the view point, which is a great attraction in itself. I do not recommend it to people who suffer from fear of heights – the El Mirador de la Paloma viewpoint located at nearly 200 m offers spectacular views.
