The island of Mallorca (Mallorca) is one of the Balearic Islands that are part of Spain. Translated from Spanish, the name of the island means the largest. About 12 million tourists come to Mallorca every year.
There are no rivers on the island, fresh water is extracted from underground sources and reservoirs. Despite the limited fresh water resources, there are 40 reserves in which oak trees thrive and water meadows turn 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 knows English.
Climatic features and sea temperature
The island has a very mild climate, favorable for recreation 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 water and air temperatures are comfortable, and the influx of tourists is small, respectively, and prices are lower.
Mallorca water temperature bymonths:
- maximum in December and January + 17 °С;
- in February, March, the coldest water, and its maximum temperature from + 15, 1 °С;
- in April the thermometer can already rise to + 17.5 °С;
- in May the water temperature reaches + 21 °С;
- June-July, from + 25 to + 27 °С;
- in August the warmest water, last year the maximum temperature was recorded at + 27.9 ° С;
- from September a gradual decrease to + 26 °C begins;
- in October the maximum water temperature is + 24 ° C, in November + 22 ° C.
Beaches
Despite rampant urbanization, Mallorca's beaches can still surprise with their originality and beauty. There are 208 beaches on the island, 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.
31 Mallorca beaches were awarded the Blue Flag last year. Only 46 Balearic beaches participated in the competition. The expert assessment was based on environmental performance, quality, purity of water and safety of the services provided. The leaders are:
- Sant Elm;
- Camp de Mar en Andratx;
- Puerto de Andratx.
Santa Ponsa beach is considered one of the best for families. Located 23 kilometers from the capital, it is a wide and long coastline in the southeast of the island. The Camp de Mar beach is also ideal for swimming with children, it is always calm here.water.
Cala d'Or is 5 natural beaches in coves. Diving schools are located here, and nature is of extraordinary beauty in the district. For lovers of silence and solitude, there are wild beaches on the island of Mallorca. One of them is Alcanada. There are no restaurants and hotels on the coastline, not even shops, it is complete silence and the countryside. The beach here is pebbly and there is a lot of algae in the sea.
Another secluded pebble beach is Cala Portals Vells. It can only be reached by car on a bumpy road that runs along pine groves. Although in the high season it is not so deserted here. There are no completely nudist beaches on the island of Mallorca, but there are where sunbathing and swimming in the sea without a swimsuit are allowed: Coll Baix, Son Serra de Marina and S’Almunia.
Where to stay and how much will it cost to stay
Despite the fact that the island is famous for its high cost, even a budget tourist will find a place to spend the night on it. A place in a hostel can be found for 25 euros. If the budget allows, then you can stay in a three-star hotel for 30 euros. In this case, the accommodation 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 4-star hotel 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 the Globales Playa hotel. itonly 20 minutes drive from 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 Arenal Tower hotel (Blue Sea group of companies). It is located in the resort of El Arenal, only 5 kilometers from the capital. The hotel is designed for couples without children and honeymooners. Within walking distance of shopping centers, restaurants, all kinds of entertainment and the sea.
Not far from this hotel is another hotel belonging to the same group of companies - Costa Verde, designed for couples with children. The Fergus Tobago is located in Palma Nova and is designed for families. On the territory there is an infrastructure for children's recreation.
For a quiet holiday, you can choose the tourist area of Paguera, located 22 kilometers from Palma. There is a small hotel almost on the seashore called Cupido Boutique.
Five three-star hotels
A beach holiday on the island of Mallorca in Spain is unimaginable without luxury hotels. One of these 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, where a lot of services are provided, including SPA. Rest in the hotel is designed for couples, both with children and without them, for single people of different ages. There are cozy rooms of a small area of 35 square meters, and there are luxurious rooms from 100 square meters. m.
Naturally, in all rooms, everyoneamenities, air conditioning, bar and TV, with connected cable channels. It offers vacationers - instructors in surfing and diving, equipment rental, the ability to rent a canoe or yacht. For lovers of rest 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.
Not to be missed is the Castillo Hotel Son Vida, housed in a castle that is over 800 years old. And there are 500 acres of green space in the county. In Mallorca during the summer, this hotel offers great views of the subtropical vegetation. You can walk through the forest for hours, there are many tourist routes.
The complex has golf courses, a gym, a he alth and relaxation center. However, it will take about 10-15 minutes to get to the beach. Dorint Royal Golfresort & Spa is located in the Tramuntana Mountains, by the Bay of Camp de Mar, 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, swimming pool and restaurant.
Hipotels Hipocampo Palace & Spa is also a chain hotel. Located in 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. There is a spa, jacuzzi, sauna and ice grotto on site.
Hotel The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort is located in Costa d'enBlanes, surrounded by the Serra de Tramuntana. On the territory of the hotel complex there are 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 buying a ticket to Mallorca, as accommodation in a 5-star hotel will cost a pretty penny. But to enjoy the Mediterranean coast, it is not necessary to stay in such expensive hotels.
What to see in Mallorca
Recreation on the island is not only playing golf and swimming in the sea, but also the opportunity to see the most beautiful places, because there is something to see in Mallorca. This includes ancient architecture, unique caves, beautiful water parks.
Drac Caves – Del Drach
This one of the main attractions of the island is 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 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), passages were equipped, paths and stairs were laid out. Also installed electric lighting.
Modern tours last approximately 60 minutes and include a small classical music concert. Humidity is very high inside the cave, about 80%, and the air temperature is not higher than + 21 °C. Priceexcursions about 40 euros.
Valldemossa and Soller
As a rule, excursions in Mallorca to Valldemossa are combined with other interesting places, in particular with Sollera. After all, they will allow you to better understand how the islanders lived in the province several hundred years ago.
Valldemossa is a picturesque village on the mountain. Travelers are offered to walk along the winding paths among the ancient buildings, visit the Carthusian 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. There is also a visit to the house of St. Catalina Tomac, who is the patroness of the island.
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, the Orange Express. The train path runs through 13 tunnels in the mountains and drives up to Palma itself. On average, such an excursion will cost 50 euros, not including visits to museum complexes.
Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca
This excursion 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 of the entire region. The 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 of the island, so it can be seen from afar. This building is huge, its height is 44 meters. It seems that the building is literally floating.in space.
The temple has many stained-glass windows, so it is always very light inside. Inside and outside the building is inlaid with stones and precious metals. The cathedral was built in the 15th century. But most importantly, you will be able to see the main shrine of the temple - the ark of the Life-Giving Cross. Organ concerts are often held within the walls of the cathedral. Entrance to the shrine is 6 euros.
Artha Caves
What else to see in Mallorca? 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 show accompanied by classical music. You will have to pay at least 35 euros for the tour.
Flamenco show "Carmen"
In the capital of the island of Mallorca, in a modern concert hall, you can see the most famous show called "Carmen". The concert is based on the works of Spanish creators, but put in a modern dance style. It is at this show that you can see all the passion of flamenco and sevillana. The cost of visiting is from 53 to 67 euros.
Water parks and other activities
Today, it is impossible to imagine any resort without a water park. Mallorca has 4 large water zones. All of them are open until 6 pm. From all major resort villages you can get to any water parkon a special bus, and completely free of charge.
Sailing is developed on the island, many competitions are held here, even the notorious Royal Sailing Cup. The event is held annually in the first week of August.
Majorca has many golf courses that host a professional tournament called the Open de Baleares. Horse-drawn sleigh rides are popular with the local population. You can see this show at the hippodromes at the weekend.
Of course, the island is famous for diving. Diving into the abyss of the sea, you can see tropical coral reefs and shipwrecks, against the backdrop of huge caves. Judging by the reviews of vacationers, Mallorca is really incredibly beautiful. Excursions are not very expensive, and you can save money on vacation if you manage your budget correctly. The doors of the best hotels in Mallorca are open to tourists, and the service there is top notch.
