Magical Mallorca
In the UK it’s known as Majorca. But in the local Catalan dialect it’s called Mallorca. But whatever you call it the largest of the four Balearic Islands is a dream holiday destination. Basking in a wonderful Mediterranean climate and boasting great beaches and stunning scenery. Best epitomised by the pine clad slopes of the Tramantuna Mountains – which dominate the north of the island.
Mallorca is also more densely populated than its near neighbours of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera and is home to an official population 700,000 citizens. A figure which is massively boosted by tourist arrivals – as the island welcomes around 6 million visitors every year. The bulk of them from the UK and Germany.
In part the islands popularity reflects the fact that it is the jewel of the Mediterranean and very easy to reach form most countries on the European mainland. With regular flights available from countries such as the UK and ferry services to the island available from Valencia and Barcelona.
During the 1980´s the island started to gain a slightly downmarket image. The legacy of boozy holidaymakers in mega resorts such as Magaluf. But that is largely in the past now – as the island is regarded as a sophisticated holiday destination. Attracting plenty of moneyed and VIP visitors – such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones.
The north of the island is regarded as a little more upmarket than the south. As it is home to a nunber of historic and photogenic little towns such as Pollensa. As well as some of the most opulent holiday villas in Mallorca. Many of which were built at least a century ago with traditional Mallorcan stone.
The capital of Palma is the real cultural heart of the island though. Best exemplified by the awe inspiring structure of Palma Cathedral. Which has been a work in progress ever since the 13th century. When it was first built on the site of a former Mosque. Symbolising the victory of the Christians over the Moors.
There are a lot of different resorts on the island for visitors to choose from. The north is popular with those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the mega resorts in the south. With plenty of tourists seeking to book holiday villas in Puerto Pollensa and nearby Alcudia. The two most popular destinations in this part of Mallorca.
Alcudia is a real magnet for tourists as it is home to the biggest beach on the island as well as a selection of reasonably priced hotels and apartment complexes.
