Mallorca, The Myth And The Beauty!
No other Spanish resort is as misunderstood as the Balearic island of Mallorca. So much so that Spanish people talk of a mythical fifth island called ‘Majorca’, the bastardized English pronunciation, overcrowded with foreigners looking for the three ‘S’s, sun, sangria and sex. This myth arose from the pell-mell development of the sixties, but hides the true beauty of the island.

It’s true there is a section of the coastline with high rise buildings, shopping centers and broken only by dual carriageways that give access to more of the same. But it is limited and confined to the Bay of Palma around the capital and several large resorts on the east coast. The rest of the island is amazing.

Palma itself, the Balearics one real city, is a bustling historic place where grand mansions and gothic cathedral surprise and delight the visitors. More traditionally rewarding is the medina-like maze of streets at the back of the cathedral. Look carefully here and you will find the Banys Arabs. One of the few genuine reminders of the Moorish presence, this hamam is an elegant horseshoe arched and domed chamber. The Basilica de Sant Francesc is the finest among many medieval churches.

If your interests are of a more Earthly nature Palma has acluster of late night bars where music and entertainment give a good backdrop to drinks and tapas.
Nightclubs are not Mallorca’s forte (they prefer the family market) but there are several exceptions of merit such as El Torreno in palma. Restaurant prices of course will go up in summer but the food is always good, the portions generous and with a Spanish flourish in all dishes.

Equally surprising and delightful is Mallorca’s northwest coast, where you can find the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range. These are rugged and magnificent with hidden sandy coves, two intriguing monasteries at Valldemosa and lluc and a whole series of traditional Spanish villages and towns. There are an incredible variety of geographical features and beautiful views wherever you go.

The mild Mediterranean climate is the main attraction that has brought tourists and retiring moneyed ex-patriates in their thousands to Mallorca. Many people have settled here throughout the last two centuries including writers and artists of all kinds such as Robert Graves and Roger McGough.

Welcome to our mallorca travel guide, we hope you enjoy this beautiful island as we do!