Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic islands and is situated in the Mediterranean. Its capital is Palma. The main features of the island's landscape are bays‚ limestone mountains‚ citrus plantations and‚ in particular‚ the Tramuntana mountains. Running parallel to the northwest coast for around 90 kilometres‚ this range is made up of several peaks reaching over 1000 metres. At 1445 metres‚ the highest of these is Puig Major. Mallorca’s temperate subtropical climate means that holidaymakers on the island can enjoy hot summers with temperatures of up to 40 degrees inland and ideal bathing conditions on the coast. It hardly ever rains in the summer‚ and winters are generally short and mild. This Balearic island has a coastline of around 550 kilometres‚ and ¾ of the island is used for agricultural purposes.

Mallorca’s beaches – a sea of possibilities

Mallorca’s picturesque beaches and bays attract lots of tourists to the island every year.From white sand and dunes to clear water and unspoilt beaches‚ you're sure to find your favourite spot here.

Together‚ Alcudia bay and the adjacent Playa de Muro beach run for 8 kilometres‚ constituting the longest beach on the island. The sand is fine‚ and the water is turquoise and clear. As the water is shallow on entry‚ it is an ideal bathing area for children‚ but even experienced swimmers go further out at their own risk. If you're in the northeast‚ Formentor beach is sure to appeal. This picturesque beach is located in a delightful setting between the water and the cliffs‚ and is dotted with little sunbathing spots. If you’ve always wanted to learn to surf‚ this is the perfect place for you‚ as there's a surfing school on the beach.

Playa de Palma is probably the most famous beach on Mallorca. The reputation of this party beach‚ also known as “Beach Club 6”‚ precedes it. This wide and beautiful sandy beach is made up of 15 sections (balenarios)‚ and relaxed sunbathing or trying out various water sports is easily possible here.

The whole island is full of gorgeous beaches. Playa Es Trenc is regarded as the most beautiful beach in Europe. Even the locals love to come and bathe on this natural beach with its dune landscape. Other fine sites are Cala Sa Nau on Mallorca’s east coast‚ the rocky bay of Calo des Moro in the southeast‚ the snorkelling paradise of Cala Pi tucked away in the rugged cliffs in the south of the island‚ Cala Mesquida‚ which gives divers a great opportunity to explore the underwater world‚ and Sollér bay with Playa d´en Repic. This sandy and shingle beach is popular with families‚ and its beach promenade is a great place for them to shop and hang out.

Mallorca sights

As well as its beautiful beaches‚ Mallorca has lots of other fabulous highlights.

For instance‚ the Balearic island is famous for its annual almond blossom. There have been between 6 million and 7 million almond trees on the island for over 1‚000 years. The main blossom season is from early January to mid-February. That is when the blossom can be seen in all its glory.

If you’ve always wanted to explore the island's caves‚ you really should go to “Coves del Drac”‚ a set of dripstone caves in Porto Cristo. It is one of the largest dripstone caves in Europe‚ and has a breathtaking atmosphere. Alternatively‚ you can visit the caves of Artá.

Do you want to immerse yourself in the island's history?

Where better to start your journey through history than the capital‚ Palma? “Le Seu” cathedral has three naves‚ and was built on the old city walls of Palma de Mallorca. The Gothic structure dates from the 14th century‚ and took 400 years to complete. It is the capital's defining feature.

The royal palace of La Almudaina is another relic of the past. Now a castle‚ it was built by Muslim rulers around the 13th century. You can explore the king's and queen’s palaces‚ the rectangular tower‚ the king’s chapel‚ the Tinell hall and the beautiful courtyards. The Spanish royal family still spend part of their holidays here and hold official ceremonies in the summer.

Completed in 1309‚ the castle “Castell de Bellver” in the west looks down on the city of Palma. The circular building covers 2 floors‚ the lower of which is of Roman and origin and the upper Gothic. There is also a chapel on the second floor. Today‚ the lower section is home to a museum that charts the island’s history‚ and the castle serves as a viewing point for tourists.

Other sights and excursion tips are the Roman ruins of Pollentia in Alcúdia‚ the Carthusian monastery of Valldemossa where Chopin once lived‚ the country estate of Son Marroig with its magnificent grounds‚ the museum of modern & contemporary art‚ Cala Figuera harbour‚ and a trip on the “Ferrocarril de Sollér”‚ the electric railway dating from 1912.

If you are visiting the island of Mallorca with your children‚ aqua parks‚ the dolphinarium and car safaris make a welcome change from lounging on the beach.

Culinary Mallorca

Here are 3 of Mallorca’s finest cakes and pastries:

Ensaïmada de Mallorca:
This speciality can be eaten at any mealtime or as a snack‚ and is available at nearly all restaurants‚ bakeries and even bars on the island. It's a spiral pastry covered in icing sugar. Records show that ensaimadas have existed since the 17th century.

Almond cake:
Almond cake‚ a Mallorcan speciality‚ is as famous as the island's almond blossom. What makes it so special is that it’s made entirely without butter or flour‚ and cake connoisseurs say it’s the tastiest almond cake in the world.

Sobrasada de Mallorca de Cerdo Negro:
Last but not least‚ we suggest a trip to a butcher's shop or one of the islands markets. At any one of these‚ you’ll find the distinctive sausage “Sobrasada de Mallorca de Cerdo Negro” for you to try. These Mallorcan sausages are made of pork sourced solely from black pigs bred on Mallorca‚ along with bacon‚ salt‚ paprika and spices. The designation of origin “Sobrasada de Mallorca” has been legally protected since 1996.

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