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Mallorca Guide |
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Welcome to Mallorca!
Tour supplied by MAI Technology Ltd
MALLORCA (MAJORCA) in English is an ideal choice for a holiday. It is an island of contrast. From mountains to windmill dotted plains, small coves to long golden sandy beaches and remote villages to the wonderful seafront location of Palma city. A haven of peace where life still goes by at an agreeable, unhurried pace. February is a delightful time of the year to enjoy the winter sunshine and display of almond blossom all over the island. In the summer the sun and the beaches are an open invitation to relaxation but whatever the time of year Mallorca is joyous and carefree The island has appeal for everyone.
CLIMATE
Mallorca enjoys an enviable Mediterranean climate of hot summers and mild winters. In the city of Palma, the island capital, the average temperature is 20ºC. In the mountain areas the temperatures are lower. Sprimg and summer brings splendid sunshine to be enjoyed on the beaches of fine white sand. The Coveted blue-pennant status has been awarded by the European Union to a number of Mallorca´s beaches in recognition of their being safe, clean and well tended.
HOW DO I GET TO MALLORCA and the resorts ?
Palma´s Son Sant Joan airport lies just 8 kilometers from the capital of Palma.
Prima Travel have an Airport desk situated just out the arrivals hall - ideal for last minute bookings "upon arrival" Direct and connecting flights, scheduled and charter, link Palma with all main European destinations. Buses leave the airport for the city centre every 15 minutes or alternatively you can book airport transfers to anywhere on the island from one person to groups from the website www.prima-travel.com Just click on "Airport Transfers". Alternatively Car Hire can be arranged through the same site
LANGUAGES
The official languages are Castillian Spanish and Catalan (Mallorquin) In tourist resorts, hotels and restaurants, English, French and German are also spoken.
CURRENCY
The Euro.
ACCOMMODATION
Befitting its importance as a tourist centre, Mallorca has hotels to suit all tastes and pockets. From 5 star luxury hotels to very comfortable 1 and 2 star "good value for money" hotels. For those who prefer peace and tranquility check out the VILLAS and APARTMENTS on the above website www.prima-travel.com
SPORTS AND LEISURE
Apart from football, tennis (Carlos Moya is from Mallorca !) and cycling, other sports enjoying a long tradition in Mallorca are sailing, golf and horse racing.SAILING: A number of regattas are held in the first week of August - Kings Cup Yacht race. (Info Tel 971 402412) The National Sailing school in Cala Mayor offers intensive courses for beginners and the very young. Tel 971 402512. Royal Nautical Club, Palma has open air swimming pool, bars and restaurants tel 971 726848.HORSE RACING: Harness or sulky racing is a well established sport on Mallorca. Races are held every week-end at the Palma and Manacor racecourses. Tel 971 468508.GOLF COURSES in Mallorca:
Alcanada - 18 holes - Tel 971 220966
Andratx - 18 holes - Tel 971 236280
Bendinat - 18 holes - Tel 971 405200
Canyamel Tel 841313
Capdepera Tel 971 818500
Son Antem Tel 971 129200
Pollensa Tel 971 533216
Poniente, Magalluf Tel 971 130148
Pula Golf, Son Servera Tel 817034
Santa Ponsa 1, II & III Tel 690211
Son Termens Tel 617862
Son Vida Tel 971 791210
Vall Dór, Felanitx near Cala Dor Tel 971 837001
LOCAL FIESTAS AND FESTIVITIES
Traditional fiestas and feast days will fill the calender. There are festivities, profane and joyous connected with the harvest and with food. Enjoy Mallorca at its best:The eve of 17th January - Sant Antoni de Portmany - Bonfires (Foguerons) - celebrated all over the island.20th January -San Sebastian - Patron saint of Palma.February - Carnival - "SA RUA" - Colourful parades in Palma city. Adults and children alike dressed in fancy dress.Easter week - Easter parades (Mostly religious) in most towns throughout the island.Ses Valentes Dones - Soller and Port Of Soller -First Monday in May - Not to be missed! This fiesta commemorates the attack on the city by the Turkish pirates in 1561. Vigorous mock battles between Moors and Christians are staged.29th June - Alcudia Fiestas2nd Sunday in September - Fiesta de Villafranca - Harvesting the Melons and grapes
PALMA - Capital city of Mallorca
Simply impressive. It combines all the elements of a modern cosmopolitan city, bustling by day and lively by night. Palma is full of history, charm and sophisticated elegance. Elegant designer shops in the trendy Avenida Jaime III. The boulevards and avenues are lined with chic boutiques and spanish cafes. The old medieval quarter is a labyrinthe of cobbled streets with historical buildings.
Places of interest: Palma Cathedral, Palace of Almudaina, Arab Baths, Pueblo Espanyol, El Rastrillo - Street market every Saturday morning, Castle of Bellver. Take the "hop on and off sightseeing bus" around the city - frequent service stop starting from the Borne, near the cathedral.
ILLETAS
South west coast
Quality and Tranquility are the words that best describe the small "upmarket" resort of Illetas. The resort has a few select bars, shops and restaurants. Illetas has a small sandy beach and is an excellent choice for those in search of a relaxing holiday.
PALMA NOVA & MAGALLUF
South west coast
The most popular resorts on the south west coast. The white neighbouring sandy beaches offer fun in the sun for all ages.Lively nightlife, watersports, Aquapark water theme park, bars, restaurants, shops and wonderful promenades.Nearby Dolphin show in Marineland, Costa den Blanes.Enjoy the fabulous "Pirates Adventure" night excursion as shown on British television or an evening at the nearby Casino.Poniente Golf course - 18 holes (Tel 0034 971 130148) in the surrounding area. El Mago Nudist beach for naturists 2 kms outside the resort.
SANTA PONSA
South west coast
The very popular resort of Santa Ponsa lies around a broad sweeping bay renowned for its clear blue waters and fine sandy beaches.
Very good selection of holiday accommodation in hotels, and apartments. E.g. hotel Pionero/Santa Ponsa Park was featured on ITV´s "Wish you were here" holiday programme (Click on www.prima-travel.com - "hotels & Descriptions" and the south west area). Lots of local craft shops and souvenirs. Many watersports available. Lively resort at night with lots of bars, restaurants, and entertainment and nightlife.
Santa Ponsa Golf Courses I, II & III surrounding resort - Excellent facilities Tel (0034) 971 690211
CAMP DE MAR & ANDRATX
South west coast
Ideal for couples and families looking for a quieter holiday.
Camp de Mar is a small resort surrounded by pine trees. Its has a small sandy beach. This resort is certainly a place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby resorts.Nearest local market - Andratx - Every Wednesday morning.Puerto Andratx village and Yacht Marina is well worth a visit.Andratx Golf Course, Camp de Mar - 18 holes Tel (0034) 971 236280
VALLDEMOSSA & DEIA
West coast
Beautiful hillside villages set amongst idyllic scenery irresistable to writers and painters for centuries.Deya - Renowned for its music festivals and once home to the famous writer Robert Graves (I, Claudius) who is buried there. Wonderful country hotels and the famous "La Residencia" country retreat inaugurated by Richard Branson and enjoyed by Princess Diana.Valldemossa & the Carthusian Monastery, especially famous for composer Chopin and his controversial lover Georges Sands who spent the winter of 1838/9 there and wrote some of his loveliest preludes. Costa Nord cultural centre opened by famous actor/director Michael Douglas. King Sancho´s Palace - Opposite the monastery...not to be missed. Local Market on Sunday morning.Visit nearby Esporlas - La Granja - A wonderful country estate and mansion belonging to one of the noble families of Mallorca dating back to the 10th century. View the antique arts and crafts of Mallorca - Open every day
SOLLER & PUERTO SOLLER
West coast
This area is known as the garden of Mallorca for it is surrounded by orange and lemon groves. Soller town and Puerto Soller are connected to Palma city by the oldest train (1912) made up of wooden carriages endearingly refered to as the "orange and lemon grove mountain express".Soller town nestles amongst the hills and has breathtaking scenery. Narrow cobbled streets, craft and art galleries, chic cafes and bistros. Try the pastries and the famous Soller orange and lemon sorbet.Market day - Saturday Morning. The Port of Soller can be reached by taking the old tram which winds its way down through villages to the seafront.Local "Fiestas" traditional dancing and music Patron saint San Bartolome 23rd & 24th August
CALA DOR & CALA MONDRAGO
South east coast
Approx One hour 15 mins from Palma airport
Made up of small coves and beaches and deep inlets, Cala Dor is renowned for its enchanting harbour with waterfront bars and cafes. Here you will see typical spanish white washed buildings set amongst pine clad scenery. Enjoy the pedestrianised paved streets in the centre of Cala Dor with craft shops and local boutiques Many sports facilities are available here. This resort tends to be quiet in the winter months from November to March. Most hotels / apartments open up just before Easter for the summer season (Mid March to end of October). 18 hole Vall Dór Golf Course tel. 971 837001
ALCUDIA & BAHIA DE MURO
North coast
Kilometers of sweeping bay with fine golden sands. Alcudia & Bahia de Muro is ideal for couples and families. An extensive range of watersports, waterskiing, wind surfing, paragliding, jet skiing or just a ride on the pedaloe! Wide range of nightlife from quiet waterside cafes, and restaurants to livelier bars and shops open until the early hours of the morning. A must is a daytme trip to the historical town of Alcudia. Market day in Alcudia - Tuesday & Sunday.
POLLENSA
North coast
Puerto Pollensa surrounds a large natural bay with a small marina. There is a long sandy beach with a lovely promenade, quality shops and boutiques and fine restaurants and wonderful waterside bars and bistros. Alcanada Golf course tel (0034) 971 220966. Markets - old town of Pollensa every Sunday morning & Puerto Pollensa on Wednesday morning
CALA SAN VICENTE
North coast
This is the ideal resort for a relaxing and peaceful holiday. A small resort which nestles at the foot of a pine clad valley which leads down to two separate sandy coves. There are just a few shops, cafes and restaurants grouped around the two bays. Golden sands and the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean sea. Two hotels that are very popular with many repeat clients every year: Hotel Cala San Vicente, a character hotel full of charm, good food and friendly service and the Hotel Molins right overlooking the bay.
PORTO CRISTO
East coast
Once a small fishing village. Porto Cristo has retained its charm. The marina is surrounded by small waterside cafes and craft shops and small character hotel. There´s not a tourist who returns home without having crossed the threshold of the magical world carved beneath Mallorca´s limestone core by the timeless dripping water. Do not miss a visit to the Caves of Drach (Open every day) to walk through the under ground wonderland of stalagtites and stalagmites. Enjoy the classical concert on the underground Lake Martel In nearby Manacor enjoy a visit to the Majorica Pearl Factory.
CALA BONA & CALA MILLOR
East coast
Most of Mallorca´s east coast is dotted with tiny creeks and coves however the beach at Cala Millor stretches for more than one kilometer along with clear blue waters and gently sloping sands The twin resorts of Cala Bona and the neighbouring Cala Millor are both a firm favourite with holidaymakers every year. Cala Bona is not a purpose built holiday resort but a traditional fishing village that has grown and adapted to cater for the islands tourist market. The town still has its original narrow streets and small working harbour. The new promenade links the two resorts. Cala Millor tends to be the liveliest of the two resorts. There is a wide selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Tourist Information centre tel 971 585864 |
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