MallorcaGoldMine.com
An absolute mine of information sources, business services, tourist information and images pertaining to the Balearic Island of Mallorca / Majorca.
Mallorca By Day
Suggested Activities and Excursions.


Traditional lacework at La Granja. Aqualand, Magaluf, Mallorca. Historic Soller train. Aqualand, Magaluf, Mallorca. Scene in Soller.
Roman bridge in Pollensa Old Town. GW18756-50 La Reserva nature park.
Images of Mallorca by Geoff Williamson
Double click thumbnails to enlarge.
   

     

  Page Index.
 
GW24370-50 = Aerial view over Puerto Portals, Calvia, Mallorca. Palma cathedral and Paseo Maritimo at night. Conde de Barcelona Classic Boat regatta.
Tall Ship Simon Bolivar south of Mallorca.
GW04020-64 = San Sebastian Fiesta fireworks over Palma. Palma Boat Show looking towards Cathedral. GW24150-50 = Aerial view over Puerto Andratx, SW Mallorca.
GW24435-50 = Aerial image of Port Adriano, Calvia, SW Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain GW18756-50 Royal sailing yacht "Bribon" in Kings Cup Regatta.
Adventure and Theme Parks.

Western Water Park - Magalluf
"Mallorca's favourite water park - a great place for eveyone to have fun in the sun."
 

Aqualand Water Park  - Arenal, Playa de Palma.  Images.
"The biggest water park in Europe. AQUALAND EL ARENAL is located near the El Arenal beach in the south of the island of Mallorca. It offers visitors the opportunity to spend an unforgettable day with their families and friends enjoying state of the art attractions such as the Banzai, the Grand Canyon and the Devil’s Tail. Also, three great areas for children: the Mini Park, the Dragoland and Polynesia. Relax at the end of the day on our fantastic green lawns and in the Jacuzzi.


Marineland Mallorca - Puerto Portals.
The park is located at Calviá’s Costa d’en Blanes beach. This wonderful marine zoo is backed by 35 years of history in entertainment, education, research and interconnection with nature. The internationally awarded Dolphin Shows are the park’s top attraction, along with the Sea Lion and Parrot Shows.

La Granja de Esporlas.
LA GRANJA, situated 15 Km from Palma, is a beautiful 10th century mansion, surrounded by lush vegetation, beautiful gardens and natural fountains. A private farm with an agricultural museum in the historic mansion, exhibitions of traditional artisanat activities, food making with samples. Displays of traditional Mallorcan dancing on selected days. Restaurant facilities.

Es Calderas
http://www.idealspain.com/pages/Places/mallorca/calderas.htm 
Els Calderas is located close to Manacor off the Algaida to Vilafranca road and is one of the most impressive manor houses on Mallorca. It has now been converted to a very interesting museum and is well worth a visit.

Botanicactus
The largest botanical garden in Europe, covering an area of 150,000 m2, it also has the largest navigable lake in the Balearic Islands. A collection of over than 1,000 types of plants ranging from the common Majorcan cactus, to a 300 year old specimen of the “Carnegie Giant” cactus from Arizona. The Botanicactus is open every day of the year from around 9:00am to dusk and entrance to the park is quite reasonable at around Ł4.00 each for adults. Located in Ses Salines, SE Mallorca.
Ses Salines
 

La Reserva - Puig de Galatzo.
LA RESERVA PUIG DE GALATZO is a nature reserve with an area of 2.5 million m˛ situated in the south-west of Majorca, in Puigpuńyent, some 17 km from Palma. The park was founded in 1986 and declared by the Island Council of Majorca as a public utility and of social interest on 3rd August 1992. Its official inauguration took place on 24th October 1992. At present, a marked path leads through this unique landscape of Majorca. LA RESERVA is situated at the foot of the mountain “Galatzó”, one of the most famous mountains of the island with an altitude of 1,026 metres above sea level. Its valley is one of the most beautiful on the island and was one of the first districts to be inhabited by human beings. The Galatzó and its valley belong to one of the most enigmatic zones of the island. This is principally due to the legend of the Earl of Mal, a cruel nobleman, who owned this land in the 17th century and who's ghost still lives here. There are also other anecdotes to tell, such as that of the surviving Muslims in times of the Christian reconquest who took refuge here and that this mountain is considered to be the most magnetic one in Europe. LA RESERVA is an abundantly vegetated area with a great variety of plants. This is due to its variation in height from 200 metres above sea level up to 1026 metres of the Puig de Galatzó. The indigenous plants of major interest are described in a catalogue that can be obtained at the entrance of the park. Apart from plants, LA RESERVA accommodates three brown bears, ostriches, emus, deers, wild donkeys, goats, peacocks, geese and a great variety of ducks in a landscape of caves and waterfalls. The entire circuit through the park is about 3.5 km long. After a walk of approximately one hour, passing by several waterfalls, there is a large barbecue area and a kiosk-bar, where snacks and cold drinks are offered. Lunch can be served here at the table or barbecues be prepared by oneself. This is also the place where the famous bird of prey exhibitions take place twice a day.
 

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Palma Attractions.

Many of the principal attractions of Mallorca are to be found in the Capital City of Palma. A good way of obtaining an orientation of the City is to hop on the Red Double Decker Palma City Sightseeing Tour Bus ( bus line number 50). A ticket is valid for 24 hours and allow you to hop on and off the bus during that period at any of the 13 stops which include Almudaina Palace and Cathedral, Las Ramblas, Plaza de Espana, Pueblo Espanol, Bellver Castle, Porto Pi Commercial centre, Ferry Terminals. Tickets and guides can be obtained from the buses at any of the above stops. A variety of guides and leaflets are available from the tourist offices located at the airport, in Plaza Raina and in Plaza Espana.

Palma Cathedral.- this  immense Gothic structure with its dramatic arching spans also known as  La Seu was built on the site of a pre-existing Arab mosque. Construction was commenced in 1230 and not completed until 1601. Impressive from afar and from within.  Image-1 Image-2More detailed info.

Almudaina Palace - adjacent to Palma Cathedral -  formerly  the Muslim palace of the Banu Ganiya, at the edge of the port. The building was converted into a palace at the beginning of the 14th century on the orders of kings Jaume II. Now houses a museum and is used by the King of Spain, Rey Juan Carlos I for formal receptions during his summer holidays in Mallorca. In front of the Almudaina Palace are located a popular area of gardens and fountains. Image1 , Image2.

Bellver Castle - at 137 mtrs above sea level the 700 year old Castle occupies a commanding position overlooking the City of Palma. Originally the summer residence for the Majorcan Monarchy, it later became a prison. It is well  worth a visit for the magnificent views and to examine the Provincial Museum of Archeology, painting and numismatics. Used during the summer as a superb site for a series of concerts.  Image1, Image2 More Detailed Info.

Pueblo Espanol - features scaled down reconstructions of some 100 of the most renowned buildings and monuments of Spain.- built between  between 1965 and 1967 - a popular attraction and venue for various events and banquets. More Information.
 

Arab Baths - tenth century baths that are the only existing ruins of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa. Images and More detailed Information.

Guide to Palma by MajorcanVillas.com
A useful guide with map to the major features of Palma + Art Galleries and Museums.

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Excursions

Excursions - North East of Mallorca. ( Map ).

Pollensa Old Town. Boasts Calvari Church ( Image ) at the head of the 365 steps of Calvari ( Image )and an attractive square at the base of the Calvari steps. Also a Roman Bridge ( Image ).

Pollensa Port / Puerto Pollensa ( Aerial Image ). Boasts a long sandy beach ( Image ), a marina and fishing harbour (image ) which offer boat trips to the view the Formentor Headland and pleasant walks along Pine Walk ( Image1, Image2 ). The town square behind Pine Walk is the location for the Wednesday morning market.

Formentor Headland ( Aerial Image ). A magnificent headland which offers breathtaking views ( Image ) en route to the lighthouse and refreshment stop at the most Northerly point of Mallorca. The 5* Hotel Formentor ( Aerial Image  ) - a favourite with Churchill - offers afternoon teas in pleasant garden surroundings.

Cala San Vicente. Located North East of Pollensa Old Town comprises two small sandy bays backed by impressive hills.

Campanet Caves / Coves de Campanet ( image ). Provides regular escorted tours around an impressive collection of chambers. A short ride from Pollensa - off the Inca - Alcudia road.

Alcudia Old Town. A walled town dating from around 1300. The Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans have all settled in Alcudia. Boasts a market on Tuesday and Sunday mornings. The nearby Roman remains are signposted from the road to the Port Alcudia. Eastwards from Alcudia Old Town is a small promontory  which offers a pleasant drive past Bon Aire marina ( Image1, Image2 )to the Victoria Hermitage and restaurant - an ideal place for good value lunch break.

Port Alcudia. A major resort with long sandy beaches and a recently developed marina area which offers a wealth of open air bars and restaurants.

Aucanada peninsular - Eastwards from Port Alcudia - a pleasant ride with scenic bars and restaurants terminating at the scenic Aucanada Golf Club.

The drive from Alcudia resort passes the Parc Natural de Albufera en route to the resort of Can Picafort. The Parc Natural de Albufera is a wetlands area one of the most important ecosystems in the Balearic Islands - a protection area for birds and with eels, canals, bridges and vegetation. Access is by foot or by bicycle and is via the visitors Centre from which a free permit must be obtained. More information.

Arta and Capdepara. This North Easterly area of Mallorca is much less known to visitors to Mallorca than the more Northerly area of Pollensa and Alcudia. Arta boasts the hilltop San Salvador Santuary ( Image1, Image2 ).

Capdepera Castle / Castell del Capdepera near Arta. The largest fortress in Mallorca - built by the Romans and then enlarged by the Moors and then destroyed and replaced by the Christians ( More Info ).

Caves of Arta / Coves d'Arta. Substantial caves located on the coast near Arta. ( More Info ).

Cala Rajada / Cala Ratjada has a fishing port from which sea excursions can be taken. There are pleasant walks along the promenades, along the breakwater and Northwards along the coast. This part of Mallorca although well served with hotels is much less developed and well known than the South West.

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Excursions - East Coast Mallorca (Map).

Canyamel. A small coastal resort with rolling countryside hinterland. ( Some images ). 18 hole Golf Course nearby ( Info ).

Cala Bona. A medium sized resort with a small picturesque fishing port from which boat trips can be taken along the coast.

Cala Millor. Contiguous to Cala Bona with a long strip of quality hotels restaurants and bars. Sandy beach. The location of an annual hot balloon regatta. (Image)

Porto Christo. An older small resort with a small port and marina from which boat trips can be taken. Well worth a visit for walks around the port and along the coast. Nearby - a couple of kms South of Porto Cristo are the famous  Caves of Drac / Coves del Drac - extensive caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites and an underground lake over which glide performing musicians.

The Caves of Ham / Coves del Hams also also impressive and are located off the Porto Cristo to Manacor road ( More Info and images).

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Excursions - South East Mallorca (Map).

Calas de Mallorca. A modern purpose built  mini resort with pleasant walks along the cliffs and calas to the North and across a substantial sandy beach to the South. Well served with bars, restaurants and entertainment facilities.

Cala Murada. An older small resort with attractive beach which is becoming more developed.

Porto Colom. A very attractive and peaceful old style development around a large almost closed sheltered bay. Good walks around the bay and along the cliffs near the lighthouse. Plenty of traditional bars and restaurants in the small town ( Image1, Image2 ).

Some 5 kms South is the attractive Cala Sa Nou with a small beach at the head of a deep inlet and with a rocky coastline to the North and South ( Image1, Image2, Image3 ).

Cala D'Or is a long established and modern resort developed around a number of Calas / deeply indented bays. Beaches tend to be small at the head of the various calas. Boat trips are popular as is the hire of pedalos and swimming. The central pedestrianised area of restaurants and bars with outside tables is very popular during summer evenings.( Image1, Image2). Adjacent to the South of Cala D'Or is Porto Petit (Image)  -a well developed marina along an extended inlet / cala - with traditional mallorquin wooden llauts and a multitude of large motor yachts. Also a multitude of good eating and drinking establishments at various price levels on both sides of the marina. If you tire of walking there is a regular "tourist train" service running from the Porto Petit North to Cala D'Or. (See Cala D'Or Page).

Porto Petra is a few kms South of Cala D'Or - an attractive small harbour with traditional small boats. A popular small semi enclosed bay for learning to sail. A peaceful backwater in which to enjoy a stroll, and an ice cream or drink.

Santanyi - a small town which is the municipal centre of South East Mallorca - location of a twice weekly market ( Wednesday and Saturday mornings) and a variety of craft shops, galleries, bars and restaurants. Nearby are a selection of excellent and relevatively undiscovered beaches.

Cala Figuera. A picturesque narrow inlet lined by small fishing boats and white painted houses (Image). Pleasant walks, boat excursions and bars / restaurants with a view over the Cala and fishing port (Image).

Cala Santanyi - a small resort with a wide beach overlooked by small hotels, bars and restaurants (Image). Nearby is the popular wide beach of Cala Llombards (Image) and the beaches of Cala des Moro (Image1, Image2) and adjacent very attractive bay of Cala S' Almunia ( Image1, Image2 ). Access to the beach Cala des Moro involves quite a difficult scramble and access to Cala Sa Munar the negotiation of a long set of steps. Both beaches are popular with locals at the weekends and during summer evenings. A good map is recommended. Directions - some 1.5 kms on the Cala Llombards towards Santanyi road the turn South along a narrow road with signpost missing ????? and follow this zig zag road for some 2 kms until it terminates. Walk across the rocks to the left towards Cala des Moro or down the steps to Cala S'Almunia. Spellings vary.

Cap de Ses Salines. A drive through wooded terrain to the lighthouse and rocky coast.

Ses Salines. A small town with Botanicactus botanical garden nearby - "the largest botanical garden in Europe, covering an area of 150,000 m2, it also has the largest navigable lake in the Balearic Islands" ( More Info).

Colonia de Sant Jordi. A medium sized older resort with attractive port and walks along the attractive beaches to the North.(Image1, Image2). Early morning excursions available to Cabrera Island some 20 kms off the coast - a nature reserve with a 14th Century Castle. ( Tel: 971 649 034 for more information ).

Es Trenc beach - the most famous and popular beach in Mallorca - extends for several kms from Es Trenc towards Sa Rapita (Image1, Image2, Image3 ). Acess is via a narrow signposted road Westwards from the Colonia Sant Jordi road - via saltflats where sea salt is harvested. Paid parking in a large car park some 300 metres from the beach. The Colonia Sant Jordi end of the beach is popular with nude bathers.

Sa Rapita - access to the long Sa Rapita - Es Trenc beach. Parking areas and a modern marina with a bar and restaurant. Sa Rapita is a small older style strip of villas, bars and restaurants.

Capocorb Vell.- The most significant remains in Mallorca of the Taliotic culture which flourished in Mallorca 1300 and 800 BC. Located near Cala Pi  some 12 kms South of Llucmayor. Image (By MajorcanVillas.)

Cala Pi. Small picturesque resort.

Cala Blava - a developing area to the SE of Palma with Hotels, Bars and restaurants and expanding commuter belt. A rocky coast with sea bathing from a number of rock pools and mini bays.

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Excursions - South West Mallorca (Map).

The South West of Mallorca from Palma westwards is the most heavily developed area of the Island but there still exists a wide variety of spectacular coastal walks and small bays - some of which can become quite busy on summer weekends.

Cala Major. A small bay with Sandy beach. Formerly a popular resort but now primarily a residential suburb of Palma.(Image).

Illetas. An area of quality hotels and luxury villas. Sandy beaches which are very popular at the weekend. Nearby are the luxury property estates and golf course of Bendinat. (Image).

Portals Nous and Puerto Portals Marina. A magnet for both the rich and famous and not so famous .The area adjacent to Puerto Portals (image) is heavily sprinkled with Celebrity Pads. Many relaxing TV stars and famous personalities can be seen in the bars and restaurants in the Port - Wellies (image),  Michelin 2* Restaurant Tristans (image), Bistro Key West (image), Ritzi Italian restaurant  and many more. Regular visitors include East Enders star Steve McFadden ( who plays Phil Mitchell ) who owns a boat based in the port. Anthea Turner, former Blue Peter and TV  Programme presenter ( Travel programmes and National Lottery) and husband Grant Bovey own a luxurious Sunseeker Predator which is also based in the port. - as is Peter Stringfellow' Sunseeker "Stringfellow's". (image) Small sandy beaches at either side of the marina ( More images ).

Palma Nova. A major resort with sandy beaches, a multitude of Hotels and Apartment Blocks and a wealth of bars and restaurants. (Image1, Image2, Image3).  More Info from Magalluf and Palma Nova Scene.

Magalluf. Contiguous with Palma Nova. A fine sandy beach and famous for its lively bars, restaurants and discos. Nearby Water Parks, Go Karting  and the famous Pirates Adventure Dinner Show.  ( Image1, Image2, Image3, Image4More Info from Magalluf and Palma Nova Scene.

Portals Vells. Between Magalluf and Santa Ponsa is a large area of wooded and cliff top walks and a number of secluded coves which are popular with both bathers ( some nude beaches areas) and yachtsmen. Includes Cala Vinyes / Cala Vinas (Image),  Portals Vells with beaches and restaurant - Es Repos - specialities Paella and seafood. (image1, image2).

Port Adriano / El Toro. Port Adriano marina has been developed at the foot of the cliffs below the small residential town of El Toro. Houses / Berths somewhat fewer and smaller yachts than neighbouring marina Puerto portals. A good selection of bars and restaurants with gentle strolls around the marina. Adjacent sandy beach. (Image1, Image2, Image3).

Santa Ponsa. A popular family holiday resort with a fine, safe sandy beach, water sports, bars, restaurants and some discos. Hosts a colourful fiesta in September which commemorates the 1229 landing by Jaime I to repel the Moorish occupation. ( Image1, Image2, Image3 ). More information from Santa Ponsa Scene.

Peguera / Paguera. A well established resort with three sandy beaches, semi pedestrianised main street with a wide selection of bars, restaurants and shops. Beach side promenades and restaurants. (Image1, Image2, Image3).  

Camp de Mar. A small bay with sandy beach. Extensively developed in recent years with Golf Course, quality hotels and luxury villas on the hillside adjacent to the bay and surrounding the Golf Course. A long standing restaurant located on an small Island reached by a wooden bridge is popular for paella - particularly on Sundays when Spanish families enjoy leisurely lunches. ( Image1, image2, image3 )

Cala Llamp. A small Cala off the coastal road from Camp de Mar to Andratx. Swimming from an area of rocks and rock pools. Cala surrounded by high steep cliffs to which an increasing number of luxury villas are "glued". A popular beach club and restaurant provides a swimming pool and sunbathing facilities. (Image1, image2).

Puerto Andratx. A popular residential area and location for holiday homes located on the hillsides overlooking the Port and marina. Well supplied with quality restaurants, bars, boutiques and estate agents. A traditional fishing port and a base for a multitude of small boats and somewhat more luxurious craft. A good location to enjoy a drink and / patisserie and stroll around the harbour. (Image1, image2, image3, image4).

Sant Elm / San Telmo. An older resort reached by a pleasant but windy drive NW from Puerto Andraxt. A small bay with snady beach and a very popular mooring for boats. Many small restaurants and hostals provide paellas seafood and traditional spanish food. Main street pedestrianised. Small ferry operates to nearby nature reserve island of Dragonara. Popular but steep walk to remains of nearby La Trapa monastery. ( Image1, image2, image3).

Island of Dragonara. Operated as a nature reseve. Acess is via small ferry from San Telmo and is also a stopping point on many tourist boat excursions in SW Mallorca. Good swimming in the small harbour, walking for the fit up to the two lighthouses located at either end of the island and some 300 mtrs above sea level. (Image).

Excursions - West Coast Mallorca (Map).

The West Coast of Mallorca presents some stunning scenery ( Image1, Image2, image3 ) from the coastal road from Andratx in the South West to Soller in the North. The road has been greatly improved over the years but with a multitude of bends as the road skirts the Tramuntana mountain range care is required.

A  mirador / viewing point presents an early early excuse for a short break -  with a historic monument and bar / restaurant. Set several hundred feet above sea level good coastal views are obtained and stunning sunsets over the sea. About one km North of the mirador is a starting point for an energetic walk to the 1,026 meter high Puig de Galatzo.

The coastal road passes Estrellencs and Banulbufar ( image ) offering views of agricultural terraces cascading down to sea level. A short diversion off the coastal road in the direction of Esporlas and Palma is  La Granja de Esporlas.
LA GRANJA is a beautiful 10th century mansion, surrounded by lush vegetation, beautiful gardens and natural fountains. A private farm with an agricultural museum in the historic mansion, exhibitions of traditional artisanat activities, food making with samples. Displays of traditional Mallorcan dancing on selected days. Restaurant facilities. ( Image1, image2, image3, image4 ).

Onwards to Valldemossa which is set several kilometres inland. Valldemossa is a very picturesque town dominated by the Carthusian Monastery. Frederico Chopin very famously spent the winter of 1838/39 in Mallorca at the Carthusian Monastery at Valldemossa with his lover the writer George Sands.  During their stay at Valldemossa Chopin wrote his "Raindrop Prelude / 24 Preludes op 28" whilst his lady friend George Sands wrote the bestselling book "A Winter in Mallorca". ( image1, image2, image3). The Monastery is now a museum with a Chopin section and holds regular piano recitals. Valledomossa is also the location of the Costa Nord tourist centre and restaurant, created by Michael Douglas and showing tourist videos produced and narrated by Michael.

Movie star Michael Douglas and ex wife of 18 years Diandra time-share ownership of a historic property on the West Coast near the Port of Valldemossa - the large property called s'Estaca was formerly owned by Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria and has in recent years been extensively renovated by Michael and Diandra. Diandra Douglas, a mother, film producer, businesswoman and designer, was brought up in Mallorca. Michael Douglas and current wife Catherline Zeta Jones regularly visit Mallorca. House guests have included film director and film star Woody Allen and movie stars Jack Nicholson and Dani de Vito.

Returning towards the coast from Valledomossa take the fork Northwards towards Deya. A few miles before Deya is the church of Son Morroig and adjacent mirador with high level views over Sa Foradada ( Image ) a popular summer anchorage for yachtsmen and an energetic walk for the energetic.

A few kilometers onwards Deya ( formerly Deia ) ( image1, image2, image3 ) has long been a popular haunt for artists. The town of Deya is sourounded by lofty mountains. Port Deya reached by a steeply descending road is picturesque with a couple of rustic fish restaurants perched above the bay and shingle beach. Also popular with visiting yachtsmen.Until recently Sir Richard Branson was the owner of the 5* La Residencia Hotel in Deya with recent visitors including Sir Richard himself who still owns a nearby property. Diana, Princess of Wales, Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York have all been visitors to La Residencia (image1, image2, image3, image4). British poet Robert Graves spent most of his working life here in the 20th century and is buried in the village of Deiá - and where a museum to his memory has recently been opened..

The coastal road continues to wind northwards through the mountains until views are obtained over the town of Soller and Puerto Soller ( Image1, image2, image3, image4, image5, image6 ). The town of Soller contains a magnificent church , a town square and a myriad of bars and restaurants. The town is the terminus of famous historic train from Palma ( image )and of the connecting tram service onwards to Puerto Soller. Puerto Soller is a popular resort with a variety of modest and more luxurious accommodation and receives many day visitors attracted by the superb location surrounded by mountains, by the colourful fishing port ( Image1, image2 ). Puerto Soller offers tourist boat excursions along the mountainous coast and in particular to La Calobra ( image ) several kms to the East. Puerto Soller is served by many fine restaurants and bars. During May Puerto Soller is the location for a spectacular re-enactment battle of Christians versus Moors ( image1, image2 ).

The Soller tunnel opened some years ago provides a relatively fast return route back to Palma.

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Excursions - North Coast Mallorca (Map).

This section describes North Coast excursions between Soller and Pollensa.

A few kilometres North East of Soller lies the small town of Fornalutx surrounded by orange groves and mountains with a picturesque small square and winding stepped streets climbing through the town ( Image1, image2 ). Fornalutx can be reached via the main coastal road signposted off the Soller to Puerto Soller road or via the winding narrow road from Soller town.

Continuing the coastal road North East from Fornalutx  provides impressive mountain and coastal scenery and after some xxx kilometers to a fork where the road North leads via a series of many tight hairpin bends to the small port of LA CALOBRA with a bay and beach surrounded by mountains ( Image1, image2 ). A ravine ( Torrent de Pareis ) leading into the bay is the location for occasional concerts ( image ). Motorists visiting La Calobra may wish to observe the convention adopted by local coach operators of descending to La Calobra before 1 pm and only departing from La Calobra after 1 pm. The long winding road descent into La Calobra can be avoided by taking a boat excursion from Puerto Soller.

Retracing your route to the main coastal road you proceed North Eastwards for a few kilometres until reaching another fork. Turning South on the road to Inca will shortly bring you to a road leading East to the Monastery of Lluc.

The Monastery of Lluc is a large Monastery set in extensive grounds and complete with high quality accommodation for overnight visitors and a refectory. The impressive church holds a choir recital each day at 11.00 am. On the summit of a nearby hill is a statue of Christ reached by a path commemorating the stations of the cross. Picnic benches are provided within the grounds of the Monastery ( Image1, image2, image3, image4, image5 ).

Returning Northwards to the Coast road allows for the long winding scenic route to Pollensa in the North East of the Island from which the Alcudia - Palma motorway provides a easy drive to Palma.

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Excursions - Central Mallorca (Map).

Many of the inland towns and locations within Mallorca are well worth a visit. Most are relatively unaffected by tourism. You can visit Spanish bars and observe the activity in traditional Spanish squares.

ALARO - a small town located in the lee of the Tramuntana mountains. From Alaro an energetic climb may be made to the ruined Alaro Castle with magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. A small nearby refuge offers refreshment and simple overnight accommodation. A track passable by vehicles facilitates access to within one kilometre of Alaro Castle and passes a popular farmhouse restaurant well know for it's lamb dishes.

Beyond Alaro is the small town of ORIENT noted for two popular restaurants. The winding circuit - Alaro, Orient, Bunyola - provides excellent mountain and countryside views.

BUNYOLA, located off the Palma to Soller road, is the location of Alfabia gardens. Several kilometres in the direction of Palma is the Riaxa Estate and gardens - formerly a magnificent country estate which is now being restored to its former glory and is well worth a visit.

SANTA MARIA, off the Palma to Alcudia motorway, is a small town with town square, church, bars and restaurants and a famous Sunday morning market - noted for fresh vegetables and general merchandise.

INCA, on the main Palma - Alcudia highway, is the centre of the leather industry on the Island. A number of leather factories and associated showrooms may be visited. An extensive street market is held on Thursdays.

MANACOR, the second largest town in Mallorca, is the centre for furniture manufacture and noted for woodcrafts and ceramic manufacture. The wood and ceramic products can be viewed in a variety of establishments located along the main road to Arta.

CAMPOS is a centre for agriculture on the island where vegetables are produced for both export and to serve the local market.

BINISALLEM, located off the Palma to Alcudia highway, contains an impressive church and picturesque square. It is the centre for winegrowing and hosts an autumn wine festival ( Image1, image2 ). 

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Museums and Monuments.

Mallorca boasts a variety of significant museums and monuments many of which are to be found in Palma but many are located outside of Palma.

Palma Cathedral.- this  immense Gothic structure with its dramatic arching spans also known as  La Seu was built on the site of a pre-existing Arab mosque. Construction was commenced in 1230 and not completed until 1601. Impressive from afar and from within.  Image-1 Image-2More detailed info.

Almudaina Palace - adjacent to Palma Cathedral -  formerly  the Muslim palace of the Banu Ganiya, at the edge of the port. The building was converted into a palace at the beginning of the 14th century on the orders of kings Jaume II. Now houses a museum and is used by the King of Spain, Rey Juan Carlos I for formal receptions during his summer holidays in Mallorca. In front of the Almudaina Palace are located a popular area of gardens and fountains. Image1 , Image2.

Bellver Castle - at 137 mtrs above sea level the 700 year old Castle occupies a commanding position overlooking the City of Palma. Originally the summer residence for the Majorcan Monarchy, it later became a prison. It is well  worth a visit for the magnificent views and to examine the Provincial Museum of Archeology, painting and numismatics. Used during the summer as a superb site for a series of concerts.  Image1, Image2 More Detailed Info.

Pueblo Espanol - features scaled down reconstructions of some 100 of the most renowned buildings and monuments of Spain.- built between  between 1965 and 1967 - a popular attraction and venue for various events and banquets. More Information.
 

Arab Baths - tenth century baths that are the only existing ruins of the Arab city of Medina Mayurqa. Images and More detailed Information.

A Guide to the History of the Baleares and Monuments by Mallorjanvillas.com

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Guidebooks Featuring Mallorca / Majorca.

A selection of useful guides to Mallorca which should be available from Newsagents in Mallorca or from one of the specialist English Language Bookshops. Most of the Guides will also be available from Amazon.co.uk. and from MapsWorldWide.com.

Descriptions below courtesy of MapsWorldWide.com with links to the MapsWorldWide catalogue.

AA Essential Mallorca (AA Publishing, Paperback, 128pp, 192 x 105mm) Essential travel guides are one of the world's best selling travel guide series. Includes details of all the sites to visit, superb maps and tips on fitting into the local scene.

Berlitz Pocket Guide To Mallorca & Menorca (Berlitz Publishing Company, Paperback, 144pp, 145 x 105mm) A travel guide to Mallorca and Menorca. It features insider information and travel tips, hotel and restaurant details, language and culture tips, fold-out maps, and photographs. It...

Explorer: Mallorca (AA Publishing, Paperback, 208pp, 219 x 130mm) The Explorer Guides have a separate folded map, and each guide gives you the essence of the place today - local life, local issues, local people. The guide contains an extensive A ...

Landscapes of Mallorca (Sunflower Books, Paperback, 136pp, 210 x 100mm) One of the books that won us the Sunday Times 'Oscar' for best guide book publisher and since 1984 the most widely-used walking guide for Mallorca. It was the first walking guide f...

Mallorca (GeoCenter International UK Ltd., Folded map, Scale 1:160 000) This map covers the holiday destination of Mallorca. Tourist attractions are highlighted with a red flag. The map is supplemented with photographs and text....

Mallorca and Ibiza Insight Guide (APA Publications GmbH & Co, Paperback, 316pp, 220 x 150mm, Colour photographs and 13 maps) This is a travel guide to Mallorca and Ibiza. This edition has been updated, and includes revised essays and new photographs. It also features an updated, practical "Travel Tips" s...

Mallorca and Menorca Globetrotter Travel Guide (New Holland Publishers (uk) Ltd, Paperback, 128pp, 180 x 128mm,) This comprehensive, pocket-sized guide is crammed with information on Mallorca and Menorca, travel tips and recommendations for the traveller. The detailed text is complemented by ...

Mallorca and Menorca Globetrotter Travel Pack (New Holland Publishers (uk) Ltd, Mixed-media pack, 128pp, 180 x 128mm, 120 colour photographs, 20 maps) This pack combines a comprehensive travel guide with a full-size travel map to give tourists and visitors to Mallorca and Menorca, all the information they require....

Mallorca CityMap Guide (Everymans Travel Guides, Hardback, 18pp) ...

Mallorca Insight Compact Guide (APA Publications GmbH & Co, Paperback, 104pp, 8 tours, 195 x 120mm, 180 colour photographs, maps) Including a chapter detailing Mallorca's history and culture, this guide provides eight tours taking in sights ranging from the superb 15th-century La Llotja to Lago Marto's subter...

Mallorca: Thomas Cook Travellers (AA Publishing, Paperback, 192pp, 192 x 130mm, 200 colour photographs, 25 colour maps) Top quality travel guides to the best holiday locations. Each guide includes the top sights as well as the less well-known sights. There are walks and tours with specially drawn ...

Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Top 10 Guide to Mallorca.
Features the top 10 best of everything, beaches, castles etc etc.

"A stay in Mallorcan Monasteries" - A Guidebook by long time Mallorca residents Nick and Jill Carter - steeped in the history of Mallorca. Available in the Book Worm bookshop in Palma Nova.
 

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