Mallorca
Puerto Pollensa, Pollensa, Cala San Vicente, Alcudia, Puerto Alcudia, Campanet, Binissalem, Tramuntana, South West Mallorca . . . .
Mallorca the Top Holiday Destination for Both the British and German Markets
Come and explore ‘The Island of Calm’ as it is so commonly known. It is the perfect all year round destination. In addition to the sun worshippers who visit during the summer months it is an ideal location to enjoy golf, cycling, walking, bird watching, painting, cultural visits and company conferences. Over recent years it It has become a poplular short break destination for spa pampering, weddings, family celebrations or just an escape from the daily routine in a local monastery. Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands with 3,640 sq kms, and over 300 kms of coastline.
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the capital of the Island and perhaps one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. Dominating the city is the great Gothic Cathedral (La Seu) sat on Palma seafront which was finally completed in 1610 and the 14th century Bellver Castle which is the only round castle in all of spain and sits high on a hill offering fantastic views across to the Bay of Palma. Whether you decide to have a day shopping, visiting art galleries, sightseeing or strolling along the elegant promenade admiring the luxury yachts there is something for everyone to enjoy including a fantastic nightlife headed by the Auditorium whose entertainment ranges from famous ballet, opera, modern music to theatre and musicals. The easiest way to enjoy Palma is to jump on the familiar bright red ‘sightseeing’ buses which provide commentary in several languages and allow you to hop on and off at your leisure.
Puerto Andratx
The exclusive resort of Puerto Andratx is located in the south west corner of the Island and some of the most expensive yachts can be found moored here. Puerto Andratx is a working fishing village where you can purchase fresh fish daily from the harbour. Gaze at the luxury sea view villas built into the hillside. Enjoy fine dining at the excellent selection of trendy bars and restaurants positioned on the waters-edge. There is a lively market every Wednesday in the inland traditional town of Andratx. Popular tourist areas of Camp de Mar, Sant Elm and Cala Llamp are less than 10mins drive from the Port. A short boat trip can be taken across to the natural park of Sa Dragonera, named after the lizards who live there.
Travel
Early visitors to the island arrived by steam ship however Mallorca now offers excellent flight connections from almost every European City into Son San Juan airport in Palma and a good infra-structure allowing you to reach your destination easily whether by hire car, public transport, coach transfer or private taxi. Mallorca is cosmopolitan, easy and relaxing with some of the best properties and restaurants in the Mediteranean.
The island is protected by the spectacular rugged Sierra de Tramuntana to the west and the smaller Sierra de Llevant to the south east. The highest mountains are all to be found along the west coast with Puig Major 1,445m being the highest. Mallorca enjoys a sub-tropical climate, characterised by the short comfortable winters and long warm summers. Average daytime temperatures for January are 12c rising to an average 30c in July with 11hrs sun and just 1 rainy day! The sea temperatures range from a cool 11c in February to a very enjoyable 24c from June to September.
For those of you travelling with children Mallorca offers fantastic safe beaches as well as plenty of entertainment to keep them amused. Pirates Adventure, Palma Aquarium, Marineland and thrilling water parks are the most popular choices. Why not consider a fun family boat trip or a journey on the historical wooden train to Soller? I can organise a reliable english speaking babysitter for a special romantic night out alone but of course children are welcome in almost all the local restaurants.
Palma Nova, Portals Nous and Puerto Andratx are popular resorts in the south west of the Island; Cala D`or, Porto Colom and Santanyi on the east coast; whilst Puerto Alcudia, Puerto Pollensa and Cala San Vicente are the favourite spots in the north of the Island offering a more relaxed pace along with beautiful beaches and scenery.
Pollensa Town
Pollensa town lies just 7kms inland from the popular resort of Puerto Pollensa and offers an interesting local atmosphere with its selection of churches, art galleries, museums, bustling Sunday market, traditional restaurants and famous Calvary Steps, Roman bridge and hilltop monastery. Be sure to take your camera on a visit to Pollensa town as there are so many memories you will want to capture.The International Music Festival held in August and September each year attracts many visitors and artists from all over the world (advance booking recommended) and is often visited by the King and Queen of Spain. The annual town fair in November is also very popular with locals and visitors alike along with the San Antonio fiestas in January. On 2nd August there is the famous re-enactment of the battle of the Moors and Christians proceeded by a week of music and dancing and finalised by a fantastic firework display.
Cala San Vicente
Cala San Vicente is a tiny picturesque coastal resort between Puerto Pollensa and Pollensa town and offers three attractive coves with crystal clear waters against a backdrop of rugged mountains which drop dramatically into the sea. The resort boasts a long list of famous writers and artists who count themselves as regular visitors to the area due to the almost perfect lighting and inspiring spectacular scenery. Several art exhibitions take place within local hotels during the year offering the visitor the chance to admire or even purchase some of the local artists work.
Many visitors enjoy the 45min walk over the hills from Puerto Pollensa to be rewarded by the breathtaking scenery and a dip in the cool waters of Cala Molins. The sandy beaches of Cala San Vicente are a popular choice with Spanish families, especially during August, who after several hours soaking up the sun retreat to one of the excellent beach front restaurants for a first class paella accompanied by a bottle of local wine or sangria. The waters of Cala San Vicente are also a popular choice for the local scuba diving schools which have offices in Puerto Pollensa.
Campanet, Moscari, Sencellas, Selva
Traditional and picturesque villages located in the centre of the Island and providing stunning scenery due to the location at the foot drop of the Tramuntana mountain range. These villages offer traditional handifcrafts and some wonderful accomodation for those preferrng the real Mallorca, the quieter life and often at more economical prices. Enjoy the famous Caves of Campanet, walking country lanes and estates, wine cellars in these all year round venues which are very popular with cyclists and walkers alike. Ideal choice for a taste of Mallorca at its best.
Puerto Pollensa
Once a small fishing village, the beautiful resort of Puerto Pollensa, tucked away in the north west corner of Mallorca, is now a thriving holiday destination with a generous hint of sophistication set amongst the backdrop of spectacular mountains. Many visitors have been returning over and over again for many years considering it their second home – come and discover why.
Puerto Pollensa is an ideal location for everyone, totally relaxing but with enough options to keep all members of the party entertained. Swim, snorkle or sail in the safe crystal clear waters of the breathtaking horseshoe shape bay, sunbathe on the 2km sandy beach, windsurf in the afternoon breeze, a round of golf at Pollensa Golf course, haggle for the best prices in the bustling weekly market, play tennis on one of several local courts, horseride, cycle along the country lanes, birdwatching at the recently preserved Natural Reserve of Albufereta, and then after your siesta prepare to be spoilt by the choice of truly fine restaurants where you can spend several hours relaxing over culinary delights and a local bottle of wine watching the world go by.
Much of the resort is flat and pedestrianised making it the perfect destination for familes with young children as well as those people with walking difficulties. From the centre reference point of the ever popular traditonal ice cream kiosk, one can stroll along the promenade, passing the selection of restaurants with their spacious terraces and elegant sea front hotels before joining the famous cobbled pine walk which finishes at the Military Base, just past the elegant Hotel Illa d’Or. The gentle sound of the sea lapping and the pine trees blowing in the breeze reminds you why Puerto Pollensa is considered one of the most beautiful resorts in the Mediterranean.
Puerto Pollensa celebrates its lively annual fiestas in the middle of July to co-inincide with the patron saint of Carmen (16th July). The resort enjoys fantastic sporting events, live music and colourful shows ending on the Sunday closest to 16th with a spectacular firework display which really should not be missed. An amazing experience to sit on a beach full of people at midnight waiting in anticipation for the spectacle to begin! On a lower scale, Puerto Pollensa also celebrates the patron saint of the fishermen, San Pedro on 29th June with holidaymakers and locals enjoying the grilled sardines, ripe tomatoes, local bread and wine with traditional live music all compliments of the local fisherman and town council.
On a practical note you will find a huge variety of familiar products in the local supermarkets which stay open 7 days a week during the summer season. The restaurants cater for young children and almost everyone speaks some English making communication easy. Local buses provide a regular service to many destinations and taxis are available 24hrs. too. We have three chemists here in Puerto Pollensa and several private doctors who also speak English. Excursions to all the popular tourist venues operate from the resort and I will be happy to provide further information.
So, what are you waiting for – come and discover Mallorcas closely guarded secret.
Alcudia, Puerto Alcudia, Playa De Muro
Similar to Pollensa and Puerto Pollensa, Alcudia enjoys the benefits of a historic old town and busy coastal resort.
Alcudia town was at one time the capital of Mallorca and offers todays visitors remains of a Roman village to explore, along with the great walls which surround the entire town. Alcudia has a bustling market every Sunday and Tuesday along with a generous selection of traditional bars and restaurants in its pedestrianised town centre. The annual fair is held the first Sunday in October and is a most popular event providing the opportunity to view and purchase artesan products, gastronomic delights, flowers and plants, livestock, agriculture machinery along with cars, motorbikes and boats.
Puerto Alcudia is proud to offer the longest stretch of safe sandy beach on the Island – appox 10kms – making it a first choice for many families. The resort is livelier than neighbouring Puerto Pollensa and attracts visitors from all over Europe. An attractive marina and busy port, pedestrianised sea front promenade, selection of sea front restaurants as well as the fun filled water park for a great day out.
Alcudia has several beaches providing distinct landscapes and atmosphere. Barcares, Mal Pas, Aucanada, Puerto Alcudia and Playa de Muro are amongst the most popular, all of which have been given the blue flag distinction of a quality beach. Aucanada is also home to the first class golf course. Alcudia is home to the famous Albuerfera Natural Park, a protected area of natural marshlands which delight nature lovers and birdwatchers with glimpses of protected species of birds and fauna, especially during the spring and autumn months.
Binissalem
Binissalem boasts a fantastic location just 20mins drive to Palma and 30mins to the coast. It sits between Palma and Inca, linked to both by a reliable train line. Binissalem is a traditional Mallorcan town.
It is considered to be the capital of the local wine industry. Wandering the narrow streets you will discover several family run wine cellars. Be sure to enter and sample the excellent wines. Binissalem is rich in ancient history and charming architecture. It has a friendly ambience. Binissalem is surrounded by acres of vineyards and the spectacular backdrop of the Tramuntana mountain range. The town has a popular choice of restaurants and bars. Full of character and ambience. Naturally all serve excellent wines by the glass or bottle.
Friday morning the small local market is held in the church square. The impressive church is 18th century baroque. Dancing is held almost weekly in the summer too.The town hosts an amazing wine festival during the month of September. This popular festival receives visitors from across the Island. Also a demonstration of traditional stone cutting in late spring. Both events are popular with locals and visitors alike. Binissalem is perfect for home hunters in search of a property with land. Old stone townhouses are available to reform too.
Many offering quirky original features. Prices are solid due to the great location and ease to travel to Palma. Holidaymakers have discovered this friendly town over recent years. Choosing wonderful large countryside villas with swimming pool. Original townhouses where clients can wander into the church square. There is a great offer for everyone in Binissalem. Perfect for families, cyclists or couples. Exploring the beautiful Island is easy from this town.