MALLORCA
Spending an extended holiday in Mallorca from Barcelona is certainly a good idea. It’s like hitting two birds with one stone as Barcelona provides a great historical overview of the country; while Mallorca is known to be a paradise, where people can just enjoy its beautiful scenic spots and relaxing bodies of water. If you are on a tight budget and want to make sure that you can make it to this beautiful island, you may opt to stay in affordable Barcelona apartments and small hotels in Mallorca which offer very reasonable rates. This decision can definitely help you enjoy these two lovely places without spending a big amount of money. To know more about the best spots in Mallorca, please continue reading. You will surely find this place exceptional.
The Balearic Islands Archipelago is situated in the Mediterranean Ocean, near the east coast of Spain. It comprises of the individual islands of Mallorca (or Majorca), Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera. They form the Autonomous community of the same name. Mallorca is the largest island, and the capital of the community- Palma de Mallorca is situated in Mallorca. The Balearic group of islands has a predominantly Mediterranean climate, with an average annual rainfall of between 500 and 600mm, occurring mainly in spring and autumn. Temperatures remain mild throughout the year. With 300 days of sunshine, this region has some of the best weather in all of Europe.
The islands have been inhabited from ancient times; archeological evidences of Cyclopean settlements have been found in the region. The Phoenicians were the earliest of the settlers, followed by the Carthaginians. The strategic location of the islands triggered wars between the Romans and the Carthaginians. The Romans gained succession over the islands followed by the Moors.
In1229, King James I conquered Mallorca and the Kingdom of Mallorca was born.
Mallorca was firstly annexed to the Kingdom of Aragon under James III, and subsequently to Spain itself, coinciding with the political unification of the country in 1492 under the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel.
Mallorca is also called as Majorca in Catalan. It is the largest of the Balearic Islands with an area of 3,640 square kilometers, and a coastline of about 550 km.
The island has three distinct landscape features: The Sierra de Tramuntana range extend from south-west to north-east, while the Sierra de Levant stretches along the eastern coast. Between them lies the fertile central plain or “Es pla”. The highest peak on Mallorca is Puig Major (5,000 ft) in the Serra de Tramuntana.
Stylish and contemporary, Mallorca is an important cultural and commercial center of Spain. It’s also the best among the islands with its splendid beaches, famous monuments, and beautiful natural surroundings. Along with the thousands of tourists, Mallorca has endeared itself to many including the King of Spain- Juan Carlos. It has been the favourite destination for artists and writers including Robert Graves and Joan Miro.
Mallorca welcomes you with a vast variety of delightful options to enjoy your vacation. World-class facilities and installations are in place to take care of all your holiday requirements. The real charm and appeal of Mallorca lies inland. Its alluring and picturesque countryside with charming villages, almond blossoms, magnificent mountains, and undulating valleys in a thousand shades of green. It’s the ideal combination for a relaxing and invigorating holiday. Mallorca’s national parks are bird watcher’s paradise, and people arrive here especially for bird watching holidays. Vast expanses of unspoiled landscape have made it the favourite destination for walking, hiking and cycling holidays. There are several natural ports and harbours around the island. It is a perfect destination for sailing and yachting and there are many yacht clubs replete with designer yachts and boats. With the increasing tourist traffic and their varied preferences, Mallorca always has the latest and the best in your service. |