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Information on Majorca 









Majorca is situated just off the east coast of Spain, traditionally known as the island of Mallorca it is the largest of the Balearic Islands, which collectively are the most popular holiday destination in the world. The development of the island began in the 1960's when Mallorca became a top holiday destination and hundreds of high-rise hotels and apartments were built. The island's coast is now lined with a variety of luxury hotels, self-catering apartments and an assortment of shopping centres due to its development. However the capital city of Palma offers a chance to explore the historical side of the island, with several impressive mansion houses and an exceptional Gothic cathedral in the busy city centre. In addition Majorca is also home to many quaint old towns, picturesque villages and the Serra de Tramuntana Mountains, which include some secluded and beautiful coves just below the peaks.

Hot climates and beautiful beaches ensure a relaxing holiday in the sun in Majorca, with a lively nightlife and variety of activities available in the beach resorts. For those who wish to explore the island, touring by car or bicycle is the best option and with historic monuments, ancient monasteries, enchanting fishing villages, some excellent museums and panoramic landscapes. Majorca has a variety of areas of interest away from the madding crowd and the agricultural community takes up a large part of the island's interior, with almond and olive trees and windmills scattered across the vibrant, rural, landscape.

Catedral O la Sea

The main landmark in Palma's city centre is the Catalonian Gothic cathedral. The magnificent cathedral is dedicated to Palma's patron saint San Sebastian and has historical artefacts, including pieces of the True Cross inside its treasury. Overlooking the ocean and located in the old town the cathedral towers over the old town at forty-three meters high and Catedral O la Sea dates back to the 1300's, with a main altar that was a added by Gaudi in 1909.

Telephone: 971 72 31 30; Opening time: 10am to 6pm weekdays, 10am to 2pm Saturday, closed Sunday (summer); 10am to 3pm,

Closed weekends (winter)


Palau del'Almudaina

An austere fortress faces the cathedral in Palma, built by the Moors it was later used as the royal residence for the Kings. The majority of the rooms are bare, but you can see some enchanting Flemish Gobelin tapestries on display here and some historic antiques, suits of armour and works of art. Moorish style gardens surround the perimeter of the palace on the Plaza Reina and the location offers panoramic views of the harbour.

Telephone: 0971 72 7145; Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 6.30pm, Saturdays 10am to 2pm, closed Sundays (April to

September); Monday to Friday 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 6pm, closed weekends (October to March)


Castell del Bellver

Castell del Bellver is a circular castle on a hilltop that was built in 1309 as a summer residence for the short lived Royal family of Mallorca. In it's time the castle was also used as prison, due to its double moat and fortified walls. Currently the historic building is the location of Palma’s Municipal Museum, which displays a variety of archaeological relics and models of archaeological digs.

Telephone: 97 173 0657; Opening time: 8am to 8.30pm, closed Sundays


Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani

With an impressive collection, including works from Dali, Juan Gris, Miro and Antoni Tapies, Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani is Palma's most renowned art gallery. Located on the Carrer Sant Miquel in a restored mansion house, the gallery also houses the works of Juan March Foundation and Picasso’s Head of a Woman.

Opening time: Monday to Friday 10am to 6.30pm, Saturdays 10am to 1.30pm, closed Sundays


Banys Arabs

Residing in the medieval quarter of Palma is the only fully intact Moorish built building on the island, which is a bathhouse containing an impressive horseshoe shaped arched chamber that is supported by twelve columns. The Banys Arabs also has impressive gardens with picnic tables, for visitors who wish to enjoy their lunch in beautiful surroundings.

Opening time: Daily 9.30am to 8pm


Beaches near Palma

Majorca has a wide range of impressive beaches near to the capital city of Palma. El Arenal is a long white beach, with blue/green clear waters and it tends to cater mostly to German visitors. Just seven miles from Palma, it boasts a wide selection of bars, hotels and restaurants, most of which have a German flavour. Illetes and Palma Nova are only six or ten miles from the capital and are also popular beach resorts, with beautiful beaches and a wide range of accommodation and restaurants available. Marineland is a marine park where sea lions and dolphins can be seen along with a variety of other marine life and activities, which is located on the road to Palma Nova. Other excellent beaches in Majorca include El Molinar, Can Pastilla, Portixol and Coll d’En Rebassa. Es Trenc is the most popular beach on the island and is located on the southeast coast between Cap Blanc and Cap de Salinas, with long stretches of golden sands and azure waters lapping gently at it's shores.

Soller

A popular destination for day trips is Soller, which is located between the sea and the mountains in an abundant valley of orange groves. Set on the northwest coast of Majorca, part of its popularity is due to the train ride from Palma on a vintage train. The quaint town boasts a variety of tapas bars, ice-cream parlours, bakeries and picturesque squares. It also contains some fine examples of modernist architecture and a few museums. The church of Saint Bartomeu is a prime example of the architecture, dating back to 1912 and with an intricate rose window overshadowed by an arched tower. The Natural Science Museum displays a wide range of fossils and relics from the natural world and the Museu Municipal is a treasure chest of beautifully detailed antiques and historical artefacts.


Valldemossa

The Cartoixa Reial monastery in the little town of Valldemossa was made famous by a visit from Frederick Chopin and his lover in 1838. The story became a piece of tabloid gossip at the time, as Chopin and his partner George Sand stayed in a former monk's cell in the monastery to continue their affair away from the prying eyes in Paris. Locals were shocked by the relationship and shunned the couple and the affair ended during a miserable and dark winter in the monastery. The ancient library and pharmacy can be explored and the cells in which the couple stayed is also open to the public. In addition the town contains an art gallery, which displays the works of Picasso, Juli Ramis and Miro.

Opening time: Cells open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 6pm, and Sunday 10am to 1pm


Castell d’Alaro

The town of Alaro offers a hiking trail, which is a popular climb for a visit to the ruined castle and chapel at the top. In addition to the panoramic views of the plains and sea as far as Palma, the 15th century ruins at the top make the two-hour hike worth it. There is also a refreshing restaurant and bar at the summit, and a quaint hill top chapel to explore.
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