Spain, Mallorca: attractions

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

The island of Mallorca, the sights of which will be described in this article, is a piece of paradise covered with an emerald forest. Against the background of the Mediterranean Sea, framed by graceful cypresses and fluffy pines, flowering almond trees and elegant palm trees, this island seems like a fragile mirage - it is so delightful and beautiful. Of course, this region is rich in various attractions that attract tourists from all over the world.

Aquarium

Sights of Palma de Mallorca (Spain) impress with their beauty and entertainment. Here is one of the most famous and luxurious oceanariums in the world. On a spacious territory of 41,000 m3 there are 55 thematic aquariums in which inhabitants of the underwater depths (about 700 species) live, brought from different parts of the world. Here you can see representatives of the flora and fauna of the Pacific, Atlantic, Indian oceans, as well as the Mediterranean Sea. Real masterpieces of aquarium design are on display for the curiousvisitors. To make a fabulous journey along the seabed not only spectacular, but also informative for you, it is worth joining the excursion. First, you will be introduced to representatives of the rich fauna of the Mediterranean Sea. The next stage of the tour will be a trip to the bright world of tropical seas. Palma Aquarium is famous for the deepest shark aquarium in Europe, as well as an impressive collection of live corals. The oceanarium is open from April to October, its visit will cost adults 24 euros, children aged 4 to 12 years old - 14 euros. Admission to the aquarium is free for children under three years of age.

Belver Castle

Several masterpieces of Gothic architecture can be seen on the island of Mallorca. Sights of this kind are always breathtakingly interesting. Bellver Castle was built at some distance from Palma de Mallorca. At first (in the 14th century) it was a luxurious residence of monarchs, then (in the 18th century) it became a prison for political prisoners. Since 1976, the Palma Museum has been opened in the castle, where an exposition is presented that tells about the history of the city - from the very first settlers to the Middle Ages. The unusual shape of the architectural structure is the only round castle in Europe. Its four towers are oriented to the cardinal points, the main and highest (25 m) looking north. Now entertainment events are held on the territory of the building: concerts, even weddings in a medieval style. A real gem of the castle's architecture is the spacious patio on the top floor, which offers panoramic views of thethe city and bay of Palma. This breathtaking spectacle is celebrated by all visitors to the Belver fortress on the island of Mallorca. The attractions reviewed in this article don't stop there.

Dragon Cave

The island of Mallorca, whose sights include unique objects created by nature itself, invites you to visit the Dragon Cave. In the enchanting underground realm of grottoes, stalactites and pristine lakes, you will lose track of time. For two kilometers, wonderful discoveries await you, fanned by ancient folk legends. Tradition says that the Knights Templar and the Mediterranean filibusters hid their treasures in the cave. The search for untold riches has been undertaken since the 14th century, but so far only a detailed map of the dungeon has resulted.

There are five lakes of different sizes in the Dragon Cave, among which Nergo, Delicias and Martel stand out. The latter is sometimes used as … a concert venue. The musicians play while sailing in boats on the illuminated lake. The acoustics of the cave vaults make such performances unforgettable. And the architect Carlos Buigas decorated Lake Martel with lighting effects. An unsurpassed master built an amazing fountain in the underworld, illuminated by hundreds of light bulbs that imitate dawn. It will take you about an hour to walk around the majestic halls of the Dragon Cave, but you will not regret the time spent.

City of Valldemosa

Thisthe fabulous town will enchant you with its sleepy serenity and provincial antiquity. The architectural sights of Mallorca impress with their elegance and simplicity.

Valldemosa boasts a Carthusian monastery, which housed the famous George Sand and Frederic Chopin. It is believed that this couple in love was the pioneer of Mallorca as a tourist resort. The great musician suffered from consumption, and he was nursed with his tinctures by the only monk of the monastery, which at that time became an inn. Later, Chopin would write the elegiac prelude "Raindrops", reminiscent of the sad time of his forced imprisonment in Mallorca. Now in the cells of the monastery there is an exposition dedicated to the writer and composer, and Chopin concerts are regularly held in the local chapel.

The narrow streets of the Moorish city of Valldemosa are lined with neat paving stones, each dwelling has a portrait of the local patron saint, Catalina. Valldemos cats roam the city streets with dignity wearing collars adorned with local pearls - a medieval tradition or a touching marketing ploy? Try asking this question to the people of Valldemosa.

Cape Formentor

The island of Mallorca (Spain), whose sights are known throughout the world, is famous for its unique views of the vast expanses of the Mediterranean. The landscape scenery of Cape Formentor is especially good: rocks covered with a dense evergreen forest, a picturesque steep coast washed by an amazing blue sea, and a whitea strip of sandy beach, leaving in transparent waves … The fermentor is located in the northern part of Mallorca. It contains some historical sights. A lighthouse was erected here in the 19th century. Given the inaccessibility of the place, the construction was truly revolutionary. Mike is still active, however, for this he had to be modernized. Worthy of attention is the medieval watchtower of the 16th century, built on the top of the cape. In order for tourists to enjoy the breathtaking views from Formentor without interference, the Mirador observation deck was erected at an altitude of three hundred meters.

Palazio de la Almudaina

The oldest royal palace that Spain can boast of. Mallorca, whose sights can be described endlessly, has several ancient fortresses, Palacio de la Almudaina is one of them. Moorish viziers and Arab overlords ruled here. Now the palace is the royal residence in Mallorca. It also houses the military commander's office and the National Museum.

Almudaina will meet you with a powerful medieval facade with four watchtowers. The top of one of its towers is crowned with the image of the patron saint of the city - Archangel Gabriel. The other was called the "Tower of Heads", which fully justifies its past purpose - the severed heads of executed people were exhibited here.

The Throne Room is a brilliant gem of a grandiose palace complex. It contains many artifacts. In the royal courtyard is the chapel of St. Anne, built in the 14th century. Promenade alongThe Royal Garden and visiting the Arab baths will seem no less entertaining.

Luc Monastery

This monastery was built in one of the most mysterious and sacred places of the island of Mallorca. The sights of this paradise often have a long and exciting history. According to local beliefs, Luke Monastery stands on the site of an ancient temple where pagan rituals were held to worship the spirits of the forest. Archaeologists have excavated at the site of the sanctuary and discovered objects from the Iron and Bronze Ages. According to legend, in the 13th century, a simple shepherd found the image of St. Mary at the site of the construction of the monastery and took it to a more suitable place - the local temple. However, in the morning the image was again in the forest, in the same place. It was there that the chapel was erected.

At the end of the 17th century, the monastery was reconstructed and stylized in the spirit of the Renaissance. Even later, the outstanding architect Gaudi worked on the facade of the building. Inside the monastery there is an ancient relic - a figurine of the Holy Virgin Luke made of dark stone. There is an archaeological museum inside the building, and a delightful garden around the monastery.

Alfabia Gardens

The magnificent gardens of Alfabia are another lovely place that Spain can rightfully be proud of. Mallorca, whose sights are worthy of close attention, is famous for its luxurious vegetation. Alfabia Gardens is a unique example of garden and park design. They surround the estate with the same name. Located on the west coast of Mallorca, at the foot ofrocky mountains of Tramuntana, the gardens beckon with their shady alleys lined with lemon, orange and other fruit trees and shrubs. Lush thickets of date palms and fragrant pines give the desired coolness to the traveler tired of the midday heat. Channels with fresh clear water, built in a lush Arab-Moorish style, delight the eye with picturesque ponds and fountains.

Alfabia gardens are divided into lower and upper. The latter are more extensive and completely given over to the cool power of delightful fountains and meandering water jets. In the lower gardens, you can find a pond overgrown with water lilies and thickets of outlandish palm trees.

La Granja Estate

One of the oldest estates on the island of Mallorca. Architectural sights are distinguished by elegant restraint in design. This local tradition is connected with the fact that once the island was subject to the invasion of insidious filibusters. Attracting the attention of pirates with excessive luxury was unwise.

La Granja Manor was built in this simple and noble style. It was built during the Roman Empire at the behest of a nobleman. In the 13th century, the building was given a more modern look, and two centuries later it was reconstructed to its current size. Now tourists can admire the numerous rooms of the estate filled with entertaining artifacts, as well as walk through the local garden with lush vegetation and transparent fountains.

Train

If you decide to inspectattractions of Mallorca on your own, you just need to take a trip on the historic train that runs between Palma de Mallorca and Soller. The original interior of the carriages of the early 20th century has been carefully preserved for more than a hundred years. The railway track was laid in record time during the same period, it stretches along the mountain serpentine and the numerous tunnels of Tramuntana. Through the huge windows of the cars you can admire the fruit grove, forests, dizzying landscapes. Six trains run daily to both end points of the route. They make several stops along the way, the most popular of which is Bunyola. In Soller, you can continue your journey the old-fashioned way by taking the electrified tram to the local port.

Baia de Alcudia

The most popular family holiday destination is the bay on the north coast of the island - Baia de Alcudia. Mallorca, whose attractions include magnificent sandy beaches framed by fragrant Mediterranean pine trees, offers a range of comfortable resorts in this part of the island. The charm of the local clean and calm waters of the bay will be appreciated by parents traveling with children. Along the huge sandy beach there are several resort areas: Port D'Alcudia, Platja de Muro, Platja D'Alcudia and others.

In the vicinity of the bay is the ancient city of Alcudia, the old part of which pleases the eye with its low stone houses built in the medievalstyle, massive fortress walls, narrow winding streets…