Majorca is a lovely Mediterranean Sea Island getaway situated off Spain‘s southeast coast that draws people from the entire globe. Majorca is the largest city in the Balearic Islands, which are located in the western Mediterranean Sea. It has two hilly areas that cover the western and eastern thirds of the island, each being roughly 50 miles (80 km) in length. A plain that ends at Palma Bay on the south and Alcudia and Pollensa bays on the north divides the two regions.
At Mayor Peak, the western mountains climb to a height of 4,741 feet (1,445 meters), making them the highest of the two (Puig Major). Much of the north shore is characterized by precipitous cliffs that are frequently approximately 1,000 feet (300 meters) high. Pine trees, olive orchards, steep gullies, heavily terraced hills, and rich valleys are among the island’s diverse topography.
The huge limestone cave systems and underground lakes are famous features of the less rocky highlands in the southeast. The central lowland is a productive agricultural region with distinctive two-tier agriculture. The upper tier is made up of olive, fig, apricot, orange, and almond trees, while the lower tier is made up of cereals, alfalfa, and legumes. This region benefits from the shelter that the mountains in the northwest provide.
Mallorca or Majorca?
Only the British and Irish use the alternate spelling “Majorca” when referring to this famous sun-drenched island. While its neighboring island, Menorca, is known as a “smaller island,” the title “Mallorca” originates from the Latin phrase “insula maior,” which means “bigger island.” These two, together with Ibiza and Formentera, are the Balearic Islands.
Attractions on Majorca Island, Spain
Numerous attractions may be found in Mallorca, such as renowned beach resorts, imposing limestone mountains, shady coves, historic Moorish and Roman ruins, a thriving nightlife, art galleries, and festivals. Visit ancient Roman fortifications, the early-medieval Moorish Almudaina royal residence, and the Gothic Santa Maria Cathedral, which was built in the 13th century, as you stroll through this area’s 4,000-year history.
Visit destinations like Pollenca, a stone-built hamlet filled with art galleries, for breathtaking works of art by renowned painters and artisans throughout history. This town is well known for hosting an annual music festival that attracts the biggest stars from across the globe. Along with the Tramuntana Mountains, white and gold beaches, and uninhabited coves, it is also renowned for outdoor activity.
Majorca Island’s Regions
Majorca is the ideal vacation spot for every traveler with its numerous diverse locations. Here is a brief description of the island’s regions:
Majorca east coast
There are several locations on the east coast to suit every taste. Whether it’s the well-known tourist destination Calla Millor with its long, sandy beach that’s perfect for families or quaint, idyllic settlements with little bays and beaches. On the east coast, you may enjoy all of this. It also includes locations like Arta, which has a historic town center, or the bustling Cala Ratjada, which has a large number of lounge bars and restaurants in addition to stores. Of course, there are many opportunities for water activities in this area. Scuba diving and surfing are both available here, while other sports like golf, horseback riding, tennis, and cycling are the most popular ones on the mainland.
Majorca west coast
There are several options for your vacation on the island of Majorca throughout the whole west coast. It is absolutely worthwhile to explore the little communities along the entire coast as well as the cliffs with breathtaking sea views. Everyone should include the well-known town of Valldemossa on their list because of its narrow streets and Frederic Chopin’s old home. Additionally, villages like Soller, which has a charming historical district and is home to the famous “Red Lightning” train that travels through the mountains to Palma, are worth seeing. Along this road are several little artist settlements.
Majorca South
The renowned and distinctive natural beach “Es Trenc” is one of the attractions in the south of Majorca. This particular stretch of coastline is a protected natural area, and just next to it are the well-known salines, or salt mounds, where you can purchase salt-related goods straight from the manufacturer. In addition, this is the area where the renowned Flor de Sal is made. There are several ways to utilize fleur de sel, including with herbs and black olives. In fact, the south offers a lot more charming villages and lovely beaches, all of which call for several-day excursions. A sand bay of dreams may also be found at Cala Pi.
Majorca north
Numerous well-known tourist destinations with long, shallow, sloping beaches, such as Alcudia or Can Picafort, can be found in the north. These destinations are great for family vacations. Of course, there are other day trip options, including visiting the Cap Formentor or Alcudia’s ancient town center. Beautiful beaches and bizarre rocky shores with breathtaking views may be found here. The oldest hotel in Majorca is the Hotel Formentor, where Grace Kelly of Monaco once vacationed.
The climate on Majorca Island
Majorca experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, sunny, dry summers and cool, stormy winters. The Serra de Tramuntana has noticeably more rainfall. In the lowlands, summers are scorching and winters are warm. However, the Tramuntana range experiences cooler winters and occasionally experiences short snowfall. Majorca experiences its two wettest months in October and December.
Events in Majorca
Numerous events are held on the island throughout the year, such as agricultural fairs in the spring and fall, live music performances and DJ sets in the summer, religious fiestas, and international athletic competitions. The Copa del Rey sailing regatta, the Moors vs. Christians mock combat, and the Majorca 312 cycling race are a few of the most well-known.
What to do in Majorca
There are a plethora of activities to choose from in Majorca. The island makes a great home base for outdoor activities thanks to its year-round mild temperatures and sunshine. Here, you can participate in any type of water sport you can think of, along with biking, hiking, sailing, mountain biking, horseback riding, climbing, golf, and tennis. There are also more leisurely pursuits like sightseeing, shopping, wine tasting, guided excursions, and birding.
Majorca Hotels
Here are some hotels and places to stay:
- Iberostar Selection Jardin del Sol Suites
Iberostar Selection Jardin del Sol Suites - PortBlue Club Pollentia Resort & Spa
- Iberostar Cristina
- VIVA Cala Mesquida Resort & Spa
- Es Princep
- Helios Mallorca Hotel & Apartments
- Hotel Costa Azul
- Hipotels Dunas Cala Millor
The Majorca Island’s Economy
The island’s economy is centred mostly on agriculture and tourism. But also, there are some jobs available in stone quarries (particularly marble quarries), superphosphate mines, and light manufacturing (including the production of ceramics, pearls, glassware, shoes, carpets, and souvenirs). Majorca is connected to the other Balearic Islands as well as the Spanish mainland by shipping services. The provincial capital of Palma offers frequent flights to a variety of overseas locations.
Hotels have displaced many of the original rural settlements in the region surrounding Palma, and there is a huge need for new homes, primarily for visitors. Immigration to the island has increased dramatically due to the building sector. The majority of Majorca’s inhabitants live in Palma and the commercial hubs of Inca, Manacor, and Felanitx. One thousand four hundred five square miles in size (3,640 square km).
Shopping on Majorca Island
Majorca has a variety of shopping options, including high-end independent boutiques, tiny independent artist studios, high-street shops, and traditional open-air markets. Here, you have access to almost all possible retail treatment options. On the same block, you may find handcrafted trinkets next to high-end clothing and one-of-a-kind wall art or home furnishings.
Passeig des Born and Avinguda Jaume III are popular retail areas in Majorca. Visit Placa Major and Placa Court and their pedestrian-only cobblestone lanes if you’re searching for smaller independent stores.
Transportations on Majorca Island
By bus
Many locations are accessible by bus, and travelling among major vacation destinations is simple; nevertheless, medium- and lengthy services may be as few as one bus each week. In the off-season, at night, especially on Sundays, several bus routes are not run at all.
By train
Inland trains are available; however, they only go as far as Puerto de Sóller, Manacor, Inca, Sa Pobla, and Sineu. Rural stops are frequently far from town centers; however, shuttle buses are frequently offered. You might also reserve a private transfer from one of the various online providers if you would want a straight private ride to your resort on the island.
By car
Many tourist cities, especially those near the seaside, provide car rentals. Renting a car at the airport without making a reservation should be completely hassle-free, with the exception of peak season, when you should do so if you want to guarantee to receive one. Though it can be wise to plan it from home before you travel because “at desk” rental fees are sometimes far more than those obtained through prior reservations (and to avoid disappointment during peak periods).
By bicycle
On the eastern shore, there are extensive cycling lanes.
Beaches on Majorca Island
The majority of visitors come for this. The southern and eastern coasts are the primary tourist destinations; however, during the summer months, crowds may be present. Due to Majorca’s stunning beaches with white sand and clear sea, most of them are now bases for tour groups. Unfrequented beaches may be found in more isolated regions. On the island, you may find more isolated and peaceful beaches, but you should be prepared for a challenging path (such as cliffs) and limited parking. Es Trenc, close to Colonia de Sant Jordi, is a must-see, although there are several less-frequented beaches that are also worthwhile.
Take line 3 of the city’s bus services service, “EMT”, blue and white buses) all the way to its Western Terminus “Illetes,” which is simply named Playa, if you’re seeking a calmer beach than the five-kilometer coastline (Platja de Palma). It’s a charming small cove surrounded by rocks, and there’s a nearby restaurant right on the sand. In each way, there are other coves, but these ones are the friendliest:
- Cala Figuera Beach
- Cala Murta Beach
- Cala Sant Vicenc
- Magaluf Beach
- Es Trenc Beach
- Es Carbo Beach
- Son Serra De Marina Beach