The island of Mallorca (Mallorca) is one of the Balearic Islands that make up Spain. Translated from Spanish, the name of the island means the largest. About 12 million tourists annually come to Mallorca for holidays.
There are no rivers on the island, fresh water is extracted from underground sources and reservoirs. Despite the limited resources of fresh water, there are 40 reserves in which oaks feel great and green meadows are green.
The capital of the island is Palma de Mallorca. The island has two languages: Spanish and Catalan. Due to the large influx of tourists, every second resident speaks English.
Climatic features and sea temperature
The island has a very mild climate, suitable for relaxation at almost any time of the year. Tourists begin to arrive in April, the season continues until October. The maximum number of tourists is recorded from July to August. Knowledgeable people come to the island in September, when the temperature of water and air is comfortable, and the influx of tourists is small, respectively, and prices are lower.
Mallorca water temperature for months:
- maximum in December and January + 17 ° C;
- in February, March, the coldest water, and its maximum temperature is from + 15.1 ° ;
- in April, the thermometer can already rise to + 17.5 ° C;
- in May, the water temperature reaches + 21 ° C;
- June-July, from + 25 to + 27 ° C;
- in August the warmest water, last year the maximum temperature was fixed at + 27.9 ° C;
- from September, a gradual decrease to + 26 ° C begins;
- in October, the maximum water temperature is + 24 ° C, in November + 22 ° C.
Beaches
Despite the rampant urbanization, the beaches of Mallorca can still surprise with their pristine and beautiful. The island has 208 beaches, almost all of them are sandy. One of the most popular is S'Amarador. This is the east coast, which in 2008 was recognized as the best in Europe.
The special sign of the “Blue Flag” last year marks 31 Mallorca beaches. Only 46 Balearic beaches participated in the competition. The expert assessment was based on environmental indicators, quality, water purity and safety of the services provided. The leaders are:
- Sant Elm;
- Camp de Mar en Andratx;
- Puerto de Andratx.
For families, one of the best beaches in Santa Ponsa is considered. Located 23 kilometers from the capital, it is a wide and long coastline in the southeast of the island. Camp de Mar beach is also ideal for swimming with children, there is always calm water.
Cala d'Or - these are 5 natural beaches in the bays. There are diving schools, and in the district of extraordinary beauty is nature. For lovers of peace and solitude, there are still wild beaches on the island of Mallorca. One of them is Alcanada. There are no restaurants and hotels on the coastline, not even small shops; it is complete silence and countryside. The beach here is pebble and many algae in the sea.
Another secluded pebble beach is Cala Portals Vells. It can only be reached by car along a bumpy road that runs along pine groves. Although in the high season it is not so deserted. There are no completely nudist beaches on the island of Mallorca, but there are places where you can sunbathe and swim in the sea without a swimsuit: Coll Baix, Son Serra de Marina and S'Almunia.
Where to settle and how much the accommodation will cost
Despite the fact that the island is famous for its high cost, a budget tourist will still find a place on it where to spend the night. A hostel can be found for 25 euros. If the budget allows, then you can settle in a three-star hotel for 30 euros. In this case, the stay will be more comfortable and, most likely, the room will be air-conditioned, and the price will include a buffet, but only for breakfast.
For a room in a hotel with 4 stars you will have to pay 50 euros per night, but the conditions here are better. In comfortable hotels in Mallorca, the cost of living starts from 150 euros.
Five three star hotels
On the seafront (200 meters) in the resort of Santa Ponsa is Hotel Globales Playa. It is only 20 minutes drive from the city of Palma. This is ideal for families on a budget. The hotel is part of a group of hotels located nearby, has a common infrastructure with them.
According to reviews, a good hotel Arenal Tower (Blue Sea group of companies). It is located in the resort of El Arenal, the capital is only 5 kilometers away. The hotel is designed for couples without children and newlyweds. Within walking distance of shopping centers, restaurants, all kinds of entertainment and the sea.
Not far from this hotel is another hotel that is part of the same group of companies - Costa Verde, designed for couples with children. Hotel Fergus Tobago is located in Palma Nova for family vacations. On the territory there is infrastructure for children's recreation.
For a quiet holiday, you can choose the tourist area of Pager, located 22 kilometers from Palma. There is a small hotel almost on the seashore called Cupido Boutique.
Five three star hotels
Beach holidays on the island of Mallorca in Spain can not be imagined without luxury hotels. One such is the Blau Porto Petro Beach Resort & Spa. It is located in a picturesque bay, surrounded by a pine forest in the town of Port Petro. The total area of the complex is 140 thousand square meters, which provide a lot of services, including SPA. Rest at the hotel is designed for couples, both with children and without them, for single people of different ages. It has cozy rooms of a small area of 35 square meters, and there are luxurious rooms from 100 square meters. m
Naturally, in all rooms all the amenities, air conditioning, a bar and a TV with cable channels. It offers vacationers - surfing and diving instructors, equipment rental, the ability to rent a canoe or a yacht. For lovers of leisure on land - 13 tennis courts and golf courses, other entertainment. There is a special kids club for kids, there are sports grounds, you can hire a nanny.
You can not ignore the Castillo Hotel Son Vida, because it is housed in a castle that is more than 800 years old. And there are 500 acres of green spaces in the county. In summer, Mallorca offers magnificent views of the subtropical vegetation from its windows. You can walk around the forest for hours, many tourist routes are laid here.
The complex has golf courses, a gym, a wellness and relaxation center. However, the beach will have to go about 10-15 minutes. Dorint Royal Golfresort & Spa is located in the Tramuntana Mountains, near Camp de Mar Bay, surrounded by golf courses. The beach is only 300 meters away. The hotel provides all the services of a 5-star hotel, from the gym and spa, to the golf club, pool and restaurant.
Hotel Hipotels Hipocampo Palace & Spa - is also a "network" hotel. Located in the city of Cala Millor, surrounded by lush vegetation. Its area is 19 thousand square meters, located 100 meters from the sea. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay. An on-site spa, jacuzzi, sauna and ice grotto are on site.
Hotel The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort is located in Costa Den Blanes, surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana Mountain. The hotel complex has created excellent conditions for recreation for both children and adults. And of course, golf courses.
To enjoy all the comfort, various procedures and playing golf, you will have to spend a substantial amount on a ticket to Mallorca, as living in a 5-star hotel will cost a pretty penny. But in order to enjoy the Mediterranean coast, it is not necessary to settle in such expensive hotels.
What to see in Mallorca
Holidays on the island are not only a game of golf and swimming in the sea, but also an opportunity to see the most beautiful places, because in Mallorca there is something to see. This and ancient architecture, unique caves, beautiful water parks.
Drach Caves - Del Drach
This is one of the main attractions of the island located in the eastern part. The total length of the cave is 1.2 kilometers, and from the maximum point, the depth is 25 meters. Inside is Lake Martel, which is huge and recognized as the largest underground water reservoir in the world.
The inhabitants of the island became aware of the caves in the Middle Ages. For inspection by tourists for several years (from 1922 to 1935) arranged passages, laid paths and stairs. They also had electric lighting.
Modern excursions last about 60 minutes, which include a small concert of classical music. Inside the cave there is very high humidity, about 80%, and the air temperature is not higher than + 21 ° . The cost of the tour is about 40 euros.
Valldemossa and Soller
As a rule, excursions in Mallorca to Valdemossa combine with other interesting places, in particular with Soller. After all, they will make it possible to better understand how the islanders lived in the province several hundred years ago.
Valldemossa is a colorful village on a mountain. Travelers are offered to walk along the winding paths among the ancient buildings, visit the Cartesian monastery, built in the XIII century. Vacationers must visit the Chopin Museum in the monastery, located in one of the cells, where he spent 3 months with his companion George Sand. A visit to the house of St. Catalina Tomac, which is the patroness of the island, is also provided.
The town of Soller is located in a grove among orange trees, rocks and the sea coast. It is here that you can ride a wooden tram, as well as the oldest train, Orange Express. The train path runs through 13 tunnels in the mountains and approaches Palma itself. On average, such an excursion will cost 50 euros, not including a visit to museum complexes.
Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca
This tour in Mallorca is perhaps the most popular, because the cathedral is the main attraction of all the Balearic Islands and the most important religious building in the whole region. Locals call the temple "La Sey", and the official name is the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The cathedral rises in the most prominent place on the island, so it can be seen from afar. This building is huge, its height is 44 meters. It seems that the structure literally soars in space.
The temple has many stained glass windows, so the inside is always very light. Inside and outside the building is inlaid with stones and precious metals. The cathedral was built in the 15th century. But most importantly, it will be possible to see the main shrine of the temple - the ark of the Holy Cross. The walls of the cathedral often host organ concerts. The entrance to the shrine is 6 euros.
Art Caves
What to see in Mallorca yet? Of course, he will go to the northeast of the island to the caves of Arta, which were discovered back in the 16th century. The most famous priestess of the island, Nurreduna, hid in these caves. According to the assurances of local residents, her spirit still flies here. In the cave you can see stalagmites, one of which is the highest in the world - 22 meters. At the end of the walk, travelers will enjoy a light performance accompanied by classical music. For the tour you will have to pay at least 35 euros.
Flamenco show "Carmen"
In the capital of Mallorca, in a modern concert hall, you can see the most famous show called "Carmen". The concert was compiled based on the works of Spanish artists, but put on a modern dance style. It is on this show that you can see all the passion of flamenco and Sevilla. The cost of visiting is from 53 to 67 euros.
Water parks and other activities
Today it is impossible to imagine a single resort without a water park. Mallorca has 4 large water zones. They all work until 6 pm. From all major resort villages you can get to any water park by special bus, and it’s completely free.
The island has developed sailing, there are many competitions, even the notorious Royal Sailing Cup. The event is held annually in the first week of August.
There are many golf courses in Mallorca that host a professional tournament called Open de Baleares. Horseback riding is popular among the local population. You can see this show at the racetracks on weekends.
Of course, the island is famous for diving. Diving into the abyss of the sea, you can see tropical coral reefs and shipwrecks, amid huge caves. Judging by the reviews of vacationers, Mallorca is really incredibly beautiful. Tours are not very expensive, and you can save on vacation if you properly manage your budget. The doors of the best Mallorca hotels are open to tourists, and the service there is top notch.