Discover Mallorca
Majorca –or Mallorca- is the biggest of the four Balearic Islands, which can all be found off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean. The islands are part of the autonomous Spanish region of Catalonia with Catalan the official language. And along with Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera are a two and half hour journey from the UK by air. With most airports in the UK offering direct flights to the island.
When package holidays first took off during the 70´s and 80´s some areas of the island acquired a bit of a downmarket reputation. Thanks to the high jinks of younger British holidaymakers in southern resorts such as Magaluf. But the days of British bars are largely long gone now – as the island instead welcomes independent travellers and a host of VIP visitors instead. Such as the actors Catharine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas. Most of whom tend to favour the north of the island – particularly areas such as Pollensa and Alcudia.
Many of these more upmarket visitors prefer to stay in holiday villas in Majorca rather than hotels. As these properties offer much more privacy and luxury. And there are hundreds of high quality rental villas available. Most of which have been built using the locally quarried honey coloured stone that gives properties here a very traditional look and feel. Holiday Villas in Majorca are available to rent on many specialist websites or even locally if you prefer, but to be sure of the best choice book well ahead of time.
Majorca´s capital city is called Palma – and this is also the main seat of government for the whole of the Balearic Islands. Majorca´s sole international airport, Son Sant Joan, is located here too and many visitors head for the beaches in and around Palma.
The city itself is full of great old buildings, the most notable of which is the famous Le Seu Cathedral. Which was built on the site of a former mosque in the 13th century – symbolising the victory of the Christians over the Moors. Incredibly the cathedral took over six centuries to complete – and even Antoni Gaudi, the well known local architect had a hand n its construction and final completion in the 20th century.
Palma´s atmospheric Old Quarter is located right behind the Cathedral. This Moorish inspired maze of streets is home to some fantastic architecture, such as the Arab Baths. Which have proved to be lasting testament to the influence of the Moors on the island and its capital.
High season on Mallorca occupies the main summer months of July, August and September. When there is very little rainfall and when the temperatures average out at around 30 degrees. Many visitors enjoy a holiday on the island during off peak periods too such as May and October. When temperatures average at about 20 degrees.
An excellent range of Villas in Mallorca to suit most budgets is available here.
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